What is Karma? Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "action." Karma has commonly been considered a punishment for past bad actions, but karma is neither judge nor jury. Rather, it is simply the universal law of cause and effect that says every thought, word and act carries energy into the world and affects our present reality. From sustainability viewpoint, how does karma apply? Consider the qualities of kindness, generosity and willingness related to our planet, its resources, and communities which we live:
• Kindness in a sustainable lifestyle is not only being kind to our planet, but kind to each other. Compassion for where each of us is in relation to the green path.
• Generosity in green living is not only sharing eco awareness and eco resources, but also going above and beyond to inspire, promote, and encourage others on the green path.
• Willingness in green living is demonstrating your values through eco action and generating results.
As noted in our eco friendly consulting, green living evolves. For those well versed in sustainability concepts, a sustainable lifestyle may be very different compared to someone just beginning to make sustainable life changes. Keeping the karma in balance, there are eco actions that can be categorized in different areas of our lives.
• Protect natural resources: start by rethinking consumption patterns for energy and water needs and identify ways to curb unnecessary consumption.
• Limit waste: start by eliminating food waste. Pre plan your meals, buy in bulk, and prepare what you need. Compost and turn your old food into healthy soil.
• The post, Green living: How to Shop Green, illustrates how to purchase items with the eco awareness in mind.
• Inspire others: adopt a green attitude. The post, The Benefits to Living a Green Lifestyle, offers inspiration to begin taking eco action.
• Measure your results! SAP's Carbon Exploration: Your Personal Green Scorecard for Green Living highlights areas for improvements in living green.
While eco awareness is important, demonstrating sustainability values through eco action is key. "Like a beautiful flower that is colorful but has no fragrance, even well spoken words bear no fruit in one who does not put them into practice." ~ Dhammapada, Sayings of the Buddha, Pali Cannon
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