Home > The Issues > Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism

Karen J. Warren writes, "The past few decades have witnessed an enormous interest in both the women's movement and the ecology (environmental) movement. Many feminists have argued that the goals of these two movements are mutually reinforcing..." Both feminists and environmentalists work to understand the power that those at the highest levels of business and industry have over the status of women and the environment.

Rosemary Ruether wrote in 1975 in her book, New Woman/NewEarth, "Women must see that there can be no liberation for them and no solution to the ecological crisis within a society whose fundamental model of relationships continues to be one of domination. They must unite the demands of the women's movement with those of the ecological movement to envision a radical reshaping of the basic socioeconomic relations and the underlying values of this [modern industrial] society." (204)

Many argue that global warming the largest threat we collectively on planet earth in the coming years. Many people ask what can I do, as an individual, about global climate change?  First get angry, and get committed.  You should be angered about Enron – not only did wealthy men sign away workers pensions, but Enron never made any effort to reduce C0(2) emissions in energy production. Take a bite out of traditional oil and energy companies' profits, and help reverse global climate change by taking the following simple steps .

What Can You Do?  Reduce Your Carbon Footprint!
(and take a bite out of oil and energy companies' profits! Think "Enron")

• Calculate your carbon footprint, and then lower it. C0(2) over-generation is the leading cause of global warming and global climate change. Your carbon footprint is how much CO(2) you personally generate. (Note: the United States emits more Carbon Dioxide than any other country on the planet.)
• Reduce your impact at home.
• Reduce your impact while on the move.
• Download these tips and use them! (.pdf)
• Learn what others are doing

What Else Can I Do?  Take Political Action!

• Take action locally, nationally and globally.
• Contact Nevada's Senators, Congress People, State Assembly People and our State Senators to encourage them to make Nevada (1) a renewable energy state to replace coal burning power plants as our source of energy, and (2) increase emissions standards on cars (the U.S. doesn't even meet China's emissions standards).
• Also, learn what the experts are saying about Nevada's political contenders and renewable energy.

Ecofeminist Authors

• Vandana Shiva (amazon.com booklist)
• Karen J. Warren (amazon.com booklist)

Other Ecofeminist Resources

• Women's Voices for the Earth (Montana)
• Eve Online: Ecofeminists Visions Emerging (New York)
• NOW with Bill Moyers interview with Vandana Shiva
• Ecofeminism.net
• Women's Environmental Network (United Kingdom)

Short Definition of Ecofeminist Philosophy
"Ecofeminism is the social movement that regards the oppression of women and nature as interconnected. It is one of the few movements and analyses that actually connects two movements. More recently, ecofeminist theorists have extended their analyses to consider the interconnections between sexism, the domination of nature (including animals), and also racism and social inequalities. Consequently it is now better understood as a movement working against the interconnected oppressions of gender, race, class and nature." (source)