How much is enough?

We went to see David Suzuki last night – he presented a screening of 'Force of Nature' – a documentary about his life - and then hosted a question an answer session afterwards.  The film was a touching insight into his life, his family and what drove him.  The highlight was the question and answer though – with David showing with ease why he is such a Force of Nature – eloquent, funny, disarming and knowledgeable.  And with a passion that belies his almost 75 years (happy birthday David!).

The evening inspired me, but it wasn't easy to hear a leading environmentalists saying that environmentalism was failing, especially in the face of ever increasing corporate agendas and influence.  It made me wonder what I can really do about it.  I believe in his message but I would hardly call myself an activist or advocate for change.  I still crave a 'nice' life with enough money to live well and not struggle, have a good vacation etc.  My life is a long long way from the heady days of living large in London buying and doing whatever I wanted.  I don't buy masses of stuff I don't really need, I grow my own food, I care about where my things come from etc.  But is the change enough?  I mean I know the tar sands are a terrible terrible thing environmentally but I still drive my car and truck.  I know it would be best to buy everything local and natural, but I have financial constraints and worries that make that a scary prospect!  How does a new IKEA kitchen rate on the scale of environmental responsibility?

What does this all mean for me?  How can I do more, or accept less.  I don't think that ALL corporations are evil, but there are certainly some that do a good impression!  We all need to live and make a living – whatever that means in our local economy – but I guess the big question is HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH.  If we made enough to cover our expenses and have a bit left over for 'treats' I would certainly support local producers and give more to local organizations – but what about the impact of earning that money.

I guess I have to accept that there are no easy answers!

Ultimately I think that Mother Earth is a bigger system than even mankind can control.  And like all systems it will change to return itself to balance.  The question is whether we want to be part of that change?  Or just on the receiving end of it!

Lets keep asking ourselves 'How much is enough?'   I don't think we will ever find a definitive answer, but whether we are questioning our ever increasing consumption, or what more we can do to make a difference this question can help guide our choices and re-focus our resolve.  Or at least I hope it can….