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 We have a responsibility to support a just transition to a more sustainable way of life, as individuals, as members of our Meetings, as a Society, and as members of the wider world.
This means that we in North America need radically change the way we live. We need to cut down on our consumption by every means possible. We need to challenge our political and corporate leaders to change the paradigm from economic growth to ecological sustainability.
- Find ways to use cars less or do without.
- Work for practical, efficient public transportation systems where you live.
- Limit the number of children you have.
- Support family planning programs that respect women's rights and aspirations and support their education.
- Buy local, organically grown food with minimal packaging, or grow your own.
- Purchase clothing, furniture, building materials, tools, etc., used or, if new, from reliable sources who have produced the items sustainably and equitably.
- Reduce your need for newly manufactured items.
- Recycle all that you can, and purchase items made from recycled products.
- Invest savings in socially responsible funds or with socially responsible companies, or live without excess funds.
- Support "green businesses."
- Work in your community with others on issues of sustainability and pollution prevention.
- Form a study circle to learn about the economic disparities of globalization on the Earth Community.
- Create ways to share resources.
- Reduce your use of energy.
Selected resources
Adams, Anne, ed. The Creation Was Open to Me. Somerset, England: Quaker Green Action, 1996.
Brower, Michael, and Leon Warner. The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices. New York: Three Rivers Press, 1999.
Brown, Lester R., et al., eds. State of the World—A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society, 1984-2003.
Brown, Lester R., et al., eds. Vital Signs—The Trends That Are Shaping Our Future. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 1992-1998.
Daly, Herman. Beyond Growth. Boston: Beacon Press, 1996.
Hawken, Paul. The Ecology of Commerce. New York: HarperBusiness, 1993.
Hemenway, Toby. Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture. White River Junction, Vt.: Chelsea Green Publishers, 2001.
Korten, David. The Post-Corporate World: Life After Capitalism. San Francisco: Baret-Kohler Publishers, 1999.
Orr, David W. Earth in Mind—On Education, Environment, and the Human Prospect. Covelo, Calif.: Island Press, 1994.
Shiva, Vandana. Stolen Harvest: The Highjacking of the Global Food Supply. Cambridge: South End Press, 2000.
Suzuki, David. The Sacred Balance. Vancouver, B.C.: Greystone Books, 1997.
Wackernagel, Mathis, and William Rees. Our Ecological Footprint. Gabriola Island, B.C.: New Society Publishers, 1996.
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Other related QEW pamphlets:
Helpful articles on sustainability also can be found in QEW's Earthcare for Friends, a Study Guide for Individuals and Faith Communities.
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