Julia Butterfly Hill on Activism, Communities, and Addiction

Image courtesy of The Token Anarchist via
Creative Commons.

"I realize that it’s the large systems that have to change, but I feel I have no right to demand that change if I’m not constantly looking to see how I can lighten my own footprint. It’s not about judgment or moralism or perfection. It’s about integrity." ~ Julia Butterfly Hill


Julia Butterfly Hill may have gained fame from her tree-sitting efforts to protect redwood forests (and specifically, the tree known as Luna), but since then she has traveled the world inspiring others to lighten their eco-footprints and to recommit to creating a just, compassionate, healthy world for all.

The Sun Magazine has a terrific interview with Hill in their latest issue. Here's an excerpt:

"The reality is that we are all addicts in this society. We are addicted to comfort, shopping, food, television, movies, petroleum — you name it. Wherever you look, we are exhibit­ing addictive behavior. It’s part of why our world is suffering. Addicts cause harm to themselves and others because of their unwillingness or inability to overcome their addiction. Most people drive their vehicles too often. They go shopping for things they do not need, and they don’t do research to see who and what is affected by their purchases. They waste water in showers, sinks, and toilets. One of the leading causes of death globally is the lack of access to clean water, yet many of us waste and pollute water every day. We use disposable products and then throw them away. We take resources from the earth and future generations. All of these behaviors are the behaviors of addicts. It is easier to focus on people with drug or alcohol addiction than it is to look at how almost everyone in industrialized society has become addicted to consumption."

 Read more of the interview here.

Enjoy!

~ Marsha

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