[Ecoed] question about environmental terminology

[Piper, Jon]

I have a question for anyone who has thought a lot about the choice and
use of words.

 

My college's administration has decided recently to strengthen the
college's commitments to the environment (e.g., improving the campus
recycling program, exploring and installing renewable energy sources,
conducting an audit of energy use on campus), and has sometimes used the
term "environmental stewardship." I have never been comfortable with the
term "stewardship" because of the implied regard for the Earth merely as
"resources or property to be managed." But, I do not yet have a better
alternative at hand.

 

I know that many of you have thought a lot about appropriate
terminology, and am wondering whether someone has discovered or coined
is a better term or set of terms. A lot of the churches talk about
"Creation Care," which I don't mind too much except for the connotations
with creationism. I've heard some people talk about "Tending the
Garden," but the Earth is considerably more ancient, complex, and
profound than a garden, and again the implication is that Earth exists
to serve our needs. 

 

Anyway, if anyone has thought about this question and has arrived at
better terminology, I'd be happy to learn of it. Thanks, in advance, for
sharing your wisdom.

 

Jon K. Piper

Dept of Biology

Bethel College

North Newton, KS

USA

 

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