Caring for Pachamama (Mother Earth)
Earth Day, April 22nd, is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. This year’s UIC EcoJam! on Earth Day at the Quad proved to be windy, chilly, and filled with flurries, but it still didn’t stop us from huddling together to stay warm and discuss our work on sustainability.
On April 20th, the LCC presented “At the Frontline of Climate Change” and witnessed the direct impact of oil, gas, and mining in Native American communities of Alaska and Montana from members of the Alaska Big Village Network. Then on April 22nd we screened “Standing on Sacred Ground: Fire and Ice,” which follows indigenous peoples from Ethiopia to Peru that are directly impacted by climate change. If you missed the film, check out their website for more ways to stay involved and take action!
Climate Change requires us to rethink our relationship with the earth, but how do we go beyond “eco-friendly?” Beyond compostable garbage bags or bringing our own mug to the coffee shop? Do you know who your representative is and where they stand on climate change issues? Where are you buying your food/clothing/things and what was the process of production for all of your stuff?
“Human vs Nature Chess” — Take Three Easy Steps to Sustainability: Educate Yourself, Ask Questions, & Take Action!
How are our daily choices a reflection of our values and the type of planet and community we want to live in? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but together we can choose to do work on the issues that matter—whether it’s transportation, factory farming, water issues, or holding corporations responsible for their actions. And above all, “How can we draw on cultural values and practices to address climate change?”