“The Seventh Generation”

“In our deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next generations.” - From the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy

The people who made up the Iroquois Confederacy lived in the northern region of North America, specifically in the state of New York. The Six Nations were comprised of the Mohawks, the Oneidas, the Onondagas, the Cayugas, the Senecas, and the Tuscaroras. These people “created the oldest living participatory Democracy on Earth.”

Before the traditional Iroquois began a council meeting, they publicly declared, “In every deliberation we must consider the impact on the seventh generation…. even if it requires having skin as thick as the bark of a tree.” For the Iroquois, the generational make-up of their counsel embraced a far-reaching relationship between governmental leadership and respect for the environment. The rights of future generations never became an issue of policy because it was, instead, the very basis of their policies.

Conservation was the foundation upon which their culture was built. The first three sections of the Great Law begins as follows: “I (the Peacemaker), Hiawatha, and the Sachems have planted a tree of Peace….Under the shade of this great tree we have prepared seats for you….Should any nation or individual outside the Sachems adopt the Great Law upon learning them or by tracing their roots to the Great Tree….They will be made welcome to take shelter under the branches of this tree….We have tied ourselves together in one head, body, one spirit and one soul to settle all matter as one. We shall work, counsel, and confirm together for the future of coming generations.”

The people of the Iroquois Nation had been careful stewards of the Earth. Nowhere in that vast territory, the territory that is now known as New York State, was there a single polluted river, hazardous waste site, or open landfill. It’s time for people to adopt and live the ways of The Great Law, the Law of the Iroquois Nation.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY!

BE RESPONSIBLE. GET INVOLVED. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!

Saving the planet is a joint effort. One of the most important steps in healing the planet is to learn about the environment. Then, and only then, will you be able to change the way you live on the Earth. Then, and only then, will you be equipped to influence your elected officials.

To bring about change, it’s necessary to contact government representatives and make your opinions known. As your delegate, they need to hear from you. How else will they be aware of their constituents’ feelings about different issues relating to the environment?

Support local and world-based environmental organizations whose goals are like yours. And, finally, be a “green consumer.” Buy recycled products, avoid items that use excessive packaging, and boycott products that harm the environment. Here are several ways you can become eco-friendly and start making lifestyle changes that can make a difference:

Save Energy: Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room, start using energy efficient light bulbs, turn off any appliances or machinery that are not in use, unplug your gadgets, use energy efficient appliances, adjust your thermostats, make small home improvements to better insulate your home, and support renewable energy.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Recycle paper, aluminum, glass, and paper.

Use recycled products. Look for the recycling symbol on products you buy. Purchase bags that can be used repeatedly and avoid using plastic bags. Don’t litter. Start recycling in your home, school, and business. Boycott products that do not break down in the environment. Don’t buy foods that come in Styrofoam containers. Recycling reduces energy use. Conserve water at home. Check for water leaks. Drink less bottled water. Reduce household pollutants. Water plants and lawns in the evening.

Eat Healthy: Buy or grow organic fruits and vegetables. Buy products that are in season. Avoid foods that have been exposed to toxic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Avoid eating species that have been overexploited. Minimize your food waste. Make low-impact food choices. Eat less junk food, such as sugary foods and sodas. Remember, you are what you eat.

Save the Forests: Boycott any wood products that contribute to the destruction of a tropical rainforest. Plant a tree - they absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.

Don’t Waste Water: Water is a precious commodity. Don’t let the water run while you brush your teeth or wash your dishes. Flush the toilet only when it’s necessary. There is a saying that encourages water conservation: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.”

What We Buy Affects Biodiversity: Buy what you need. Buy products that are made locally; less energy is used to transport these products. Choose products with minimal packaging. Avoid products that are made from endangered species. Look for durable products that will last for a long time. Buy products that have a low impact on the environment. Your consumer choices can make a difference to biodiversity conservation.

“Think globally! Act Locally!”