“Has anyone answered ‘no’ to this question? We definitely have a responsibility, but at what cost?”
~ Aaron Bundy, communications sub-contractor
The ever-pondered question of how the people of today impact our planet’s future is once again being discussed with a series of Moral Ground Town Hall Meetings being held across the country. Kathleen Dean Moore and Michael Nelson, Editors of the book Moral Ground: Ethical Action for a Planet in Peril, are on a quest to enlighten and make aware the citizens of America by asking the country one important question: Do we have a moral or ethical responsibility to preserve the planet for the future? The people of Grand Rapids are chiming in on this issue, eager to elaborate.
Aaron Bundy, a 30-year-old communications sub-contractor responds with a befuddled grin, “That’s a question America has been discussing for as long as I can remember. Has anyone answered ‘no’ to this question?” Bundy’s grin remains as he turns the question. “We definitely have a responsibility, but at what cost?” The challenge of actually accomplishing the nation’s moral responsibilities towards the planet, Bundy believes, ultimately lies with each individual.
"We as a people cannot accomplish this politically or with legislation and regulations, only as collective individuals who concentrate on the little things they do daily,” he explains. “Government seems to be involved with everything these days from the car companies to the banks, and to devote more time and energy then they do now for environmental issues would be cause for concern.”
The government has done a lot to address environmental issues already, according to Bundy, especially when leaders are trying to move the country forward through some of the worst economic and social issues America has ever faced. The line between social and economic issues and environmental concerns is a fine line. “That’s why it is up to us as people to face this challenge of preserving our planet.”
Bundy is a hunter and fisherman, as well as a member of Ducks Unlimited, an organization that operates on both sides of the environmental line.
“It’s funny because I believe in preserving the wetlands, as well as our streams and lakes. So I am a bit of a paradox because the same lawmakers who I do not want concentrating on the environmental issues right now, are the same that helped preserve what I enjoy today.”
Bundy believes that getting Americans back to work is the number one priority right now, although he admits we cannot ignore the planet’s future. “That is why it is imperative that individuals make the simple changes in their lives to be more aware of our planet without waiting for someone or something to make them.” He asserts, “If we all just watched ourselves, we would not even be having this discussion.”
Bundy discusses another paradox between his own and his coworkers’ welfare, all contractors of the technology industry. “Our company represents the technology movement,” he says with a smile. “Environmental concerns and technological growth seem to be in constant competition with each other, and I see both sides because I install the very units that connect this society digitally in almost every way, sometimes at the expense of preservation, but always beneficial to growth and progression of this great country.” Bundy describes his company as part of the cutting edge of communications that has made this country a superpower when it comes to technological progress. From this standpoint, he and his coworkers help connect this society internally using the best technological entities available.
“Americans want their internet and they want their cable television,” Bundy chuckles at the irony. He sees the issue facing him and others in the tech industry as environmental preservation versus technological progress and growth of the country. “I believe that we must continue to grow as a culture and nation in order to keep pace with rival countries,” Bundy explains, “but we must maintain balance, or we may lose the progress we have gained.”
The question again: Do we have a moral or ethical responsibility as humans to preserve our planet for the future? Rhetorical responses may come easily, with much more difficult answers regarding how, exactly, to go about it. One answer, according to Aaron Bundy, is change must come through the collective awareness of each individual person residing in this country.
“Although obviously necessary, the government involvement in preserving the planet for the future should be basic and minimal,” Bundy says. “The outcome of our planet’s future is and will always be in the hands of the collective individuals who inhabit it.”
The Grand Rapids Moral Ground Town Hall Meeting takes place on Tuesday, October 26, at 7pm. The event includes brief readings from both Moore and Nelson, an open discussion, and live music from environmental activists Big Dudee Roo, with a reception following. The event will be held at Spectrum Theatre and is free to the public.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.
