A poster hangs in the Glacier Spirit’s cabin which seems more and more apropos every day if one considers the wars we wage around the world or the potential harm wrought by the damaged nuclear power plant in Japan. It’s also immediately appropriate to me since we’re out here in Prince William Sound this week conducting an oil spill response exercise to help ensure we’re prepared in the event of the worst…again.
Earth’s Ten Commandments
- Thou shalt love and honor the Earth for it blesses thy life and governs thy survival.
- Thou shalt keep each day sacred to the Earth and celebrate the turning of its seasons.
- Thou shalt not hold thyself above other living things nor drive them to extinction.
- Thou shalt give thanks for thy food to the creatures and plants that nourish thee.
- Thou shalt limit thy offspring for multitudes of people are a burden unto the Earth.
- Thou shalt not kill nor waste Earth’s riches upon weapons of war.
- Thou shalt not pursue profit at the Earth’s expense but strive to restore its damaged majesty.
- Thou shalt not hide from thyself or others the consequences of thy actions upon the Earth.
- Thou shalt not steal from future generations by impoverishing or poisoning the Earth.
- Thou shalt consume material goods in moderation so all my share Earth’s bounty.
~Ernest Callenbach, 1990~
Fishing vessels with oil spill response equipment near Naked Island, Prince William Sound
Happy Earth Day on Friday!