June 13, 2007

The World Wildlife Fund has developed a way of assessing one’s ecological impact on the earth through a measurement called the ‘ecological footprint.’ The ecological footprint measures the number of hectares of land required for an individual to maintain their lifestyle.

The footprint is not an exact scientific measure, but rather a crude estimation of consumption. When first introduced in 1998, the measure was met with critique but since the United Nations has recognized the measure in its Human Development reports and other publications. In 2006, the world average footprint was 2.2 hectares per person. Without surprise, most rich countries were well above the average and most poor countries were well below.

Canada ranked fourth in the world with a per capita ecological footprint of 8.8 hectares. Simply put, if every person in the world consumed like the average Canadians, we would need 5 planet earths. Applying an average to an entire country presents problems though. Within Canada people live very different lifestyles and consume at different levels.

I was interested in what my personal ecological footprint was. I am by no means perfect but have gone out of my way over the past couple of years to live with environmental conscience. I ride transit, bike and buy the fancy light bulbs I can’t afford in order to lessen my impact. When I went online and checked, my footprint was 4.3 hectares. I consume more like a Russian or a German.

The biggest portion of my impact was food consumption at 1.8 hectares. I am not a vegetarian and eat meat a few times a week. Meat translates to more land because of the feed, energy and transport required for the animal. Goods and services were also a large portion of my impact at 1.1 hectares. As a Canadian, many of my needs are met by others and there is an impact related to that reliance.

My footprint might be low for a Canadian, but it is still well above the global average. If you are interested in assessing your footprint and finding ways to reduce it visit www.myfootprint.org online. With privilege comes responsibility and we should all work to minimize our footprint, particularly if we expect other nations to do so.

June 27, 2007

An Ojibway Elder was asked to partake in ‘cultural sensitivity training’ for officers to help bridge the divide between police and Aboriginal peoples. Some of the officers were interested, but generally they were there because it was required.

The Elder noticed several officers were uncomfortable and decided to break the ice. “Let’s conduct a trade before we start,” the Elder smiled, “give something of yours and you will receive a sacred item – just for fun, a game.” The officers agreed, though not without a couple of rolled eyes.

The class was not prepared for a trade and didn’t have anything other than what was on them. So they traded wallets, jewellery or whatever they weren’t wearing. The Elder smiled brightly at each one and thanked them deeply. Each officer received a sacred item: a pebble, a feather, some sage or tobacco.

The Elder again smiled at the class and began to teach. The seven sacred teachings were shared, as well as insight into reservation life. As the day dragged on however, the officers lost any pretence of listening and openly stared at the pile of traded items on the desk.

Following the lecture, the Elder brightly proclaimed, “Well done, class dismissed!”

The officers were dumbfounded. “What about my wallet,” one started, “did you forget that ‘just for fun’ part?!”

The Elder stopped smiling and simply said, “It was a trade. Go home.”

“What are you talking about!” one protested, but the Elder cut them off. “Go tell your commanding officer if you want. A trade is a trade. Goodbye,” then promptly gathered up the items and left.

Outside the door the Elder listened as officers spat insults and decreed indignation. After a time, the Elder went back in and asked, “How do you feel?”

“How do I feel?! My wife gave me that ring, I’m irate!” one officer started. Others clamoured in support and loosed their own grievances.

The Elder listened quietly without flinching till they were done and slowly started, “You are angry, yes, I took your trinkets for a few hours. How do you think my people have felt for hundreds of years without their land?”

The officers were speechless, their anger replaced by perception. The Elder returned the items and told them all, “Remember this lesson the next time you see one of my people hurting or angry.” On the 29th of June, lets all remember that lesson.