She Said

Maine's Changing Tides

Conservation

and

Culture

"We have lived by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. We have been wrong. We must change our lives, so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption that what is good for the world will be good for us. And that requires that we make the effort to know the world and to learn what is good for it. We must learn to cooperate in its processes, and to yield to its limits. But even more important, we must learn to acknowledge that the creation is full of mystery; we will never clearly understand it. We must abandon arrogance and stand in awe. We must recover the sense of the majesty of creation, and the ability to be worshipful in its presence. For it is only on the condition of humility and reverence before the world that our species will be able to remain." From Wendall Berry's Recollected Essays.

By definition, natural capital is: One of at least four forms of capital used by people, organizations, corporations, and governments, to build and maintain their livelihoods. Natural Capital includes all forms of resources from the environment, including minerals, water, air, sunlight, heat, plants, animals, and other organic matter. Sustainable organizations seek to maximize their effectiveness and efficiency in using natural capital as well as practice policies that sustain the quality and quantity of natural capital sources in the future. Source: These four forms of capital are described, in detail, in the book Natural Capitalism. by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, L. Hunter Lovins

The authors of Natural Capitalism refer to Einstein's dictum that problems can't be solved within the mindset that created them. A belief I have long held. So I'm thinking, while I understand that there is no industrial society on earth that is naturally self sustaining, I also understand we are a country geared toward an already acceptable and developed industrial capitalistic economic system that needs to change. A country in way to many respects that not only continues to neglect and waste our resources but, that has and continues supporting industries still wasting them.

We continue to walk an earth in peril, when the only thing standing in our way of saving it, is our own mindset, and with it, the acceptance that there is no other way than that of tradition. No matter how harmful we know that system to be.

We continue profiting financially from a suffering and struggling earth and industry. Yet, to want to fix what's ailing it and us, in order for us all to profit from a healthy environment, healthy eco-system and self sustaining natural resources, continues to create dissension among and between those who understand we must change and those who place blame and apply excuses as to why it isn't necessary. Seems proof enough, that Einstein's dictum continues to have merit.However, I believe if the desire to do so exists, we are all capable of mindset changes, and in doing so, capable of making a positive difference.

Believing in Maine

We are of the belief that there can be no division between us as humans and our sustainability and that of our natural environment. That each of us can and does support the other economically and ecologically when thoughtful choices have been made. We believe strongly,those of us choosing to make our lives here have a great deal to offer.Therefore, you will find nothing here that is not important to us personally.

For those of you finding your way here, we would prefer to place emphasis on all life affecting us and our natural environment with a strong emphasis on Maine by sharing information;practical, documented and real. While the site is clearly in it's beginning, it will always be a work in progress as information is updated and added. It is the intention and hope of Wiredfwcmaine that it will mature into a site eventually offering you comprehensive and useful information, all found conveniently in one location. As well, possibilities and opportunities available to us collectively and individually, while exploring those things globally we may not give much thought to, but clearly do affect us all, with an emphasis on how we might make a difference should we choose to. It is a site meant to be useful, positive and hopefully entertaining along the way.

Our Forum

Your words here are your voice, as are mine. We encourage you to use it and them, no matter how impassioned, angry or silly they may seem to you or others. You need not agree with me or others to be here. Just be yourself.

Our only expectation of you, is that you are allrespectful of others, their life choices, personal thoughts, beliefs, philosophies, religious choices and nationality's while doing so. Please know, no amount of disrespect for those or anything even remotely indicative of the afore mentioned will be tolerated by this administration.With all that said, we're glad you're here. Please join us in our forum.

Kindest, Emily

(originally published Em's Page 2009)