Tuesday September 23rd, 2008
In this issue:
Practical Ways to Care for The Earth
By Leonardo Boff
Earth Charter Commission, September 5, 2008
Straight to the Source
Two principles are fundamental to overcoming the present crisis planet
Earth is experiencing: sustainability and caring
Sustainability, based on analytical reason, relates to that which
is necessary to guarantee life and its reproduction for present and
future generations.
Caring, grounded on sensible and cordial reason, refers to the behavior
and relationships among people and with nature, marked by respect
for their otherness, by affection, cooperation, responsibility and
the renunciation of aggression.
By joining these two principles we can return equilibrium and vitality
to the Earth. We offer here some practical suggestions so that each
may engage in a molecular revolution (Guatarri): the one that starts
from within one's self, and is the basis for changing the whole system.
Here are some:
Always nourish the conviction and hope that a different relationship
with the Earth is possible, one which is more in harmony with her
cycles and which respects her limits.
Believe that the ecological crisis must not be converted into tragedy,
but into an opportunity for changing into a different type of society,
one that is more respectful and inclusive.
Give centrality to the heart, to sensibility, affection, compassion,
and to love because these are the elements that move us to save Mother
Earth and her ecosystems
Recognize that the Earth is alive, but that she is also finite, much
like a spaceship, with scarce and limited resources.
Revitalize the principle of relegation: all beings, especially the
living ones, are inter-dependent, and therefore share a common destiny.
They must coexist fraternally.
Value biodiversity, and each and every being, living or inert, because
each has value, independent of human use.
Recognize the virtues of the small and in all that comes from below,
for therein may lie great solutions.
When one does not find a solution, trust in the creative imagination,
within which surprising answers are hidden.
Take seriously the fact that there is no single solution for the problems
of the Earth, but many, which must arise through dialogue, interchanges,
and the complimentary relations among all.
Practice lateral thinking, this is, put yourself in the place of the
other and try to see through the other's eyes. This way you will see
different and complimentary dimensions of reality.
Respect cultural differences (peasant, urban, Black, indigenous, masculine,
feminine, etc.), because they all reflect different forms of being
human.
Overcome the single-minded mentality of the dominant understanding,
and value the everyday knowledge of the people, the indigenous and
the peasants, because they cooperate in the search for global solutions.
Demand that scientific practices be subjected to ethical criteria
so that the conquests are more beneficial to humanity and life than
to the market and profits.
Do not forget to appreciate the contribution of women, because they
are natural carriers of the logic of complexity and are more attuned
to everything that has to do with life.
Make a conscious option for a life of simplicity, as opposed to consumerism.
It is possible to live better with less, giving more importance to
being than to having; and to appearances.
Cultivate the intangible values; this is to say, those related to
spirituality, gratitude, solidarity, cooperation and beauty, such
as personal encounters, the interchange of experiences, and the furthering
of the arts, especially of music.
More than being part of the problem, consider yourself part of the
solution.
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Upcoming Events
2008 Hudson Valley Garlic Festival™?
September 27 & 28, 2008
1. When is the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival?
In 2008, it will be held September 27th and 28th. The hours on Saturday
are 10 a.m. 'til 6 p.m, and on Sunday it's 10 a.m. 'til 5 p.m.
2. Where is the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival held?
The festival is held at Cantine Field in Saugerties, New York. Saugerties
is nestled in the Hudson Valley, 100 miles north of New York City
and 50 Miles South of Albany. Saugerties' Esopus Creek joins the Hudson
River at a point 8 miles north of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and
12 miles south of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge on the west bank of the
Hudson River. Saugerties is accessible via the New York State Thruway
(Exit 20, Mile Marker 101). NY State Routes 9W, 212 and 32 all meet
in the Village of Saugerties. For a handy map of Saugerties that shows
parking locations as well as locations where you can board a free
trolley that will take you to and from the festival, click on Maps/Directions.
3. How much are tickets and where can I buy them? Are tickets
good for a particular day? Both days? ?
In 2008, tickets are $7 at the gate. A ticket is good for entry for
1 person, and is good for Saturday or Sunday, but not both. Children
under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Advance tickets are available from select Saugerties businesses (Smith
Hardware, Sawyer Savings Bank, M&T Bank and Halpert's Jewelers).
From now until Sept. 27th, select Hannaford Supermarket locations
will also be selling advance, discount tickets. Those locations are
New Windsor, Wappingers Falls, Pawling, Wallkill, Highland, Pine Bush,
Kinderhook, LaGrange, Redhook, Plattekill and Hannaford’s two
locations in Kingston.
The regular $7 tickets are always available at the gate.
When tickets are ordered online, they are mailed within a reasonable
amount of time and should arrive no later than 2 weeks after the order
was placed.
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Recipes
Tomato Chutney
Tomato chutney is at once rich, sweet, and tart. Our recipe calls
for simmering tomatoes, shallots, and golden raisins with brown sugar,
apple cider vinegar, and aromatic spices like mustard seeds, coriander,
and cloves. The resulting relish is the perfect complement to sharp
cheeses like Cheddar or Cotswold (a Double Gloucester cheese with
chives). To make a hearty sandwich, butter up some whole grain bread,
add slices of cheese and as much chutney as you like (spread the chutney
between layers of cheese so the cheese melts evenly across the bread),
and grill in a hot pan. So simple yet satisfying!
Tomato Chutney Makes about 1 1/2 cups
1 tablespoon pickling spices*?1 tablespoon olive oil?1 large shallot,
chopped?1/2 cup apple cider vinegar?2 tablespoons brown sugar?1/2
teaspoon salt?1 1/4 pounds tomatoes, chopped (about 3 cups)?1/2 cup
golden raisins
Tie the pickling spices in a piece of cheesecloth; set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a deep, non-reactive (stainless steel or enamel)
saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until
translucent.
Add all other ingredients to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce
heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
Taste and adjust by adding more sugar, salt, or vinegar as desired.
Simmer, stirring frequently, for another 30 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from heat, cool completely, and discard the pickling spices.
(If, like us, you're extra fond of mustard seeds, you can pick them
out of the cheesecloth packet and stir them into the chutney.) Transfer
chutney to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for
up to a month. Chutney can also be frozen.
*Use any pickling spice mixture you like. Ours is a combination of
mustard seeds, dill seeds, bay leaves, black pepper, coriander, chili,
allspice, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
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