QEW’s presence at the annual FGC Gathering

Earthcare events at Gathering nourish hope and community

A FOOD-CO-OP run by Gathering participants in the basement of one of the dorms provided tasty, wholesome, and often locally-grown foods. A strong community spirit developed as these Friends swapped recipes, shared life stories, and plotted ways to introduce more sustainably produced foods at future Gatherings.

A WORKSHOP called "Walking into Wholeness" included a hike to the falls for which River Falls was named, where everyone paused in awed silence. Other outings included a nearby short-grass prairie. Each session ended in worship sharing and readings of quotations and poems on the wonders of nature.

A NEW "GREEN DESIGN" University center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls campus contains materials recycled from the old center while using only a fraction of the energy the previous structure required for cooling and heating. It also uses rainwater collected from the roof for flushing toilets.

THE EARTHCARE CENTER drew many folks who were eager to measure their ecological footprints, peruse literature, watch videos, and network with other Friends who shared their ecological concerns. A number of Earthcare-related workshops and interest groups were held in or near the Center.

Ecological Footprint quiz opens many eyes at Earthcare Center

Nearly 150 Friends learned a lot about themselves and the state of the world by totaling up their "ecological footprint" scores at the Earthcare Center at the 2007 FGC Gathering.

Although Quakers tend to have Earth-friendlier scores than North Americans as a whole, it was clear to everyone that living sustainably in these times is not something that comes easily.

During an awards-celebration on the last day of the Gathering, recipients were asked to share aspects of their personal lifestyles that seemed to have the greatest effect on their scores:

Transportation. One Friend who doesn't own a car lamented that the grocery store she used to bicycle to had relocated, so now she relies mostly on public transportation. Another owns a diesel-powered car that is fueled entirely with reclaimed vegetable oils. One noted that a single trip by jet plane had virtually cancelled out the "eco-points" she had earned during the past year through otherwise frugal living.

Diet. Most reported that they ate "low on the food chain," while some followed vegetarian or vegan diets. Some talked of shifting to more locally grown foods to lower fossil-fuel consumption.

Housing. Most said they live comfortably in compact apartments, houses, or co-housing in urban areas.

Population. Two biological children seemed to be the typical family size for those with small ecological footprints.

What was most striking about most of these recipients was their determination to act on their spiritual values in small daily choices, rather than single, heroic efforts. Many with exemplary footprint scores sounded a little embarrassed that they hadn't done better. They also found it odd to be singled out for doing what they had come to see as appropriate behavior for anyone who takes Quakerism seriously. •

 

 

<< Back to list of Meetings & Events