Mississippi 2020 Network, Inc.
|
Mississippi 2020 Network, Inc.
|
|
The Sustainable Community Network: Transforming Mississippi into the First Sustainable State in the South
How we got here: Societies function the way they do because of their worldview. Most of us are unaware that a worldview is responsible for our lifestyle, values, ethics, and actions. The worldview that is driving our planet toward destruction has been called the human-centered, technological, unlimited growth worldview. This worldview came into being centuries ago through the influence of three scientists: Descartes, Bacon and Newton. The primary conditions of this view is that the world was created for human pleasure and profit, and the humans, being separate from the natural world, can tame, control and exploit it. In recent years quantum physicists have discovered that everything in the universe is interconnected and interdependent. This new worldview, called the Earth-centered or systems view, holds the realization that the relationship of humans with the earth must be in balance in order for both the earth and the humans to survive successfully. In this view of reality everything on Earth is connected in a web of life, each member having the right to its habitat and its existence. People who live by the Earth-centered view are aware that everything is connected and understand that you can't do "just one thing". For example, using toxic pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers unleashes a series of destructive impacts on the soil, the streams, the wildlife, and the humans. Petroleum sources are limited and the pesticide residues linger on our fruits and vegetables. Where do we go from here: A future quality of life for our children and their children requires societies to attune their lives to sustainability, living in balance with the Earth's carrying capacity to regenerate resources and process our waste. This change in our lifestyles will not be easy, as we all resist change to our general habits and way of thinking. The Earth has always been round, but when Galileo first announced that the earth was a sphere instead of flat as previously believed, he was thrown out of his church and threatened with arrest. Similarly, the efforts to end slavery and to pass civil rights laws were resisted. Yet most reasonable people today, many years after the "new ideas" were courageously made public, totally accept the round Earth and the equality of each person regardless of gender or race. Sadly, we don't seem to remember that process when a current new idea comes along. Our capacity for denial and delay persists. Sustainability is one of those new ideas that waits for some bold cities and states to leap ahead of their reluctant neighbors and later be acclaimed as pioneers. Building a Strong Network of Sustainable Communities: We created and sustain the collision course with our daily choices. To insure a quality future for the children we must start making new choices that are in harmony with the Earth ecosystems and their limits. Earth-friendly choices. The best place to begin is in your community and this will require a small group of highly motivated citizens who are:
Mississippi 2020 Network offers outreach assistance to help organize the group, and provides educational programs and presenters to inspire and focus the groups' energies. Our core Sustainable Community Network presentation team includes: Pete Walley, Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Long Range Economic Development; and Mr. Bob Kochtitzky, Executive Director of Mississippi 2020 Network. We will usually schedule meetings in your location on a Saturday - host community group provides the meeting room. By means of this web site, Mississippi 2020 Network also provides an open forum for idea sharing and web space for Sustainable Community Network groups to post activities and accomplishments.
Mississippi 2020 Network, Inc.
About Us:
Our History,
Our Mission,
Board of Directors
|
|
|
