In today’s society individuals are becoming more conscious of the consequences of their actions on the environment and the impact those actions have on the world and society as a whole. A great number of factors and variables are involved on the numerous issues that affect our environment. The number of approaches to mitigate or solve the issues is just as plentiful.
The intent of this paper is to discuss the most important principles of ecofeminism, pluralism, and environmental pragmatism. In addition, the paper will identify which of these approaches best compliments my values and ethical beliefs regarding environmental issues.Further, the paper will explain how my values and ethics define my responsibility to the natural environment. Approaches There are many different approaches to environmental issues and ethics; several approaches include, but are not limited to: ecofeminism, pluralism, and environmental pragmatism. According to the text, Environmental Ethics, authored by DesJardins, states that ecofeminism is a social and political movement that shares common principles between environmentalism and feminism, while linking deep ecology and feminism (DesJardins, 2006).
Ecofeminist argue that a parallel exist in masculine oppression and subordination of women in society and the degradation of the environment by male dominated attitudes and methods (DesJardins, 2006). Pluralists believe that there is no one answer to combating environmental issues that society encounters today. The pluralism approach embraces a diversity of values and states that society should not expect ethics to be so mechanical in generating an acceptable approach (DesJardins, 2009).Finally, environmental pragmatism is relatively a new school of thought in environmental approaches. The approach argues that theoretical debates are hindering the environmental movement to forge agreement on necessary policies (DesJardins, 2006). Best Approach I have come to the realization that no one approach is the best approach when confronting environmental issues and the impacts that each individual contributes to each issue.
The multiple factors and variables in each different issue of the environment are numerous.I do not conform to the deep ecology, ecocentric, or ecofeminism approaches to environmental issues. I am educated adequately to know that we can not cut down every single tree on the planet; however, the human race is a growing dominate species on this planet and unfortunately trees need to be removed to make room to build and in some cases because them become safety hazards. I do not see myself becoming a vegan and therefore I would not be able to conform to the biocentric approach to the environment to its full capacity.The way that I interpret the biocentric approach is that you do not kick the cow or eat either. I also do not conform to the anthropocentric approach as I do believe society does need to take into account the environment at some level.
The pluralism approach is perhaps the best approach that suites me. I am a firm believer that no one approach is the only approach in combating the multitude of various issues on the environment.Each individual needs to take into account their own moral values and ethics when making decisions in their every day lives that have an effect on the environment. I strongly appose the United States government regulating individuals in the respect to issues involving the environment. If the United States government continues to try and control society as the trends indicate, the probability of one’s Constitutional rights being violated increases.
However, I think the government should continue to step in and regulate the industries where necessary.The government needs to inform and educate people in an unbiased manner to society’s impact on the environment in order for each individual to make their own informed decision that is in line with their personal core values and ethics. I know I have been more conscious of my own personal impact on the environment. For example, in the recent past I have consumed only bottled water because I did not want to drink tap water with traces of chemicals that could harm my health in the long run.
To mitigate my cost on bottled water products I now filter my own tap water, while at the same time not having thousands of plastic bottles entering our landfills from my own use. I have also changed all the electric lamps in my house from the standard light bulbs to energy-efficient light bulbs. I originally made this decision in similar reason to switching from bottled water to filtered water: to save on cost. One concern with switching to energy-efficient light bulbs has been the disposal of the bulbs.
According to the Canadian Press, there are five milligrams of mercury in each compact fluorescent lamp (Canadian Press, 2007). Conclusion In summation, there are many factors and variables involved when confronting any environmental issue. With those multiple factors and variables involved come numerous approaches. No one of those approaches is the best and only approach. Individuals and the free market need to determine for themselves where they fit into their own impact on environmental issues and make decisions based on their own ethical values and beliefs in contributing to a safe environment.
