The Land Ethic by Aldo Leopold Blog

"The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land." pg 60

                                               

                                                   http://ecoganesha.blogspot.com/2012/11/hinduism-and-nature-respect-earth.html

"In short, a land ethic changes the role of Homo Sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it, It implies respect for his fellow-members, and also respect for the community as such." pg 60

I think that the problem with our community, is what we define as ethical and the beliefs we have about what is "right" and "wrong" behavior and actions. People who are a part of a community have a say in what happens, or they at least should have certain rights than those who are not in a community. People in a community cannot be treated indiscriminately.

Leopold says it perfectly when he states: "including the land, waters, and animals in our community would alter our attitudes and behaviors toward them". If we really included these essential components to our community like they deserve, we may learn to appreciate them and respect them the way they deserve.                     
   http://www.nandos.com.au/about-us/doing-right-thing/caring-about-environment

"All ethics so far evolved rest upon a single premise: that the individual is a member of a community of interdependent parts. His instincts prompt him to compete for his place in the community, but his ethics also prompt him to cooperate ( perhaps in order that there may be a place to compete for." pg 60

      

If we learned to see the land in which we live, as a member of our community, then we could learn how to give it the appreciation it deserves. Looking at the world in this new light helps us to realize that the land, soil, water and earth we have in our community is the key component to everything we need in life.  We would be able to understand the impact that our decisions have on this member of the community.

 By treating it as a member instead of as property, we would understand that the soil, water, and land we are graciously given has already done so much for our community. 

Treating everyone and everything as a member can teach us to not take advantage of what we are naturally given on earth.We would see the earth as a member, such as family, whom we love and want to treat with respect instead of property.