Ecofeminism Blog

For my praxis experiment, I chose to go through a day without using single-use plastic. Early into the day, I realized how tricky of an exercise this would be, and I had to give myself permission to move through my day with an increased awareness rather than a restriction on plastic.  It was impossible to make it through just one day without using plastic. While I tend to think of myself as an environmentally conscious human, this experiment has shown me that I certainly have room for improvement. 

I took notes on my plastic use after my morning shower. My shampoo, body wash, and face cleanser are all in plastic bottles. Some of my beauty products (used after my shower in preparation for the day) are in glass bottles and some are in plastic. I assume that I am like many of us, and my toothbrush is also made from plastic, as it my toothpaste tube, dental floss box, and so on. I was overwhelmed and I had not left the house yet! By the time I got to my much-needed cup of coffee, I realized I talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk. 

I typically use one Keurig pod per day to make my coffee. I don’t sit in a drive-through line with my car idling and drive away with a disposable cup, so this makes me feel somewhat better. I know they the plastic coffee pods are terrible for the earth and while I used to use the washable mesh container, I got lazy and started enjoying the ease of the disposable pod.  

My work day was quite effortless in going plastic-free…I fill up my BPA-free water bottle from the water cooler,  use cutlery that I bring in from home for all my meals, and bring my lunch and snacks in glass container (they have plastic lids, but not single-use plastic). However, my protein bar is wrapped in a plastic foil wrapper, and my mid-morning juice comes in a plastic bottle. As I made my way home, I picked up a package on my doorstep that was, you guessed it, wrapped in plastic. In making dinner, I found there to be plastic on so many things. While I recycle the single-use plastic from containers in the cupboard or fridge, there is strong evidence that illustrates the inefficiencies of recycling, so I don’t feel like that’s really doing much to help the root cause. Cleaning up from dinner, I caught a glimpse of my plastic soap dispenser (I do refill it and have been on the same one for well over a year now). Rather than using plastic wrap for the leftovers in the bowl, I used foil. I think that might be trading one evil for another, but I wanted to continue to try my best to avoid plastic. 

As I got ready for bed, I was once again faced with the overwhelming amount of plastic when it comes to personal hygiene products. This was certainly not an easy exercise, and while I wasn’t able to make it through the day without plastic, I am grateful for the awareness that the exercise brought. It certainly started the wheels turning. How can I be better and lead by example?

How did we get to the place where we are so dependent on plastic? “Though plastic—a chain of synthetic polymers, essentially—was invented in the mid-19th century, it wasn’t until the 1970s that its popularity skyrocketed” (Single-Use Plastics 101). Through our desire for things to be convenient, portable, and deliver instant gratification, single-use plastic has permeated an unfathomable number of everyday items.  

Most of us can understand or see, firsthand, the damage that plastic is doing to the environment. From plastic bags and bottles washing up on beaches across the globe to poor children wading in rivers of plastic trash to animals (both land and sea) entangled in our waste, the evidence is all around us. Look at our insatiable human demand for things to constantly be newer, bigger, and better than the previous version, coupled with our desire for convenience and it’s not hard to see the ways in which we are harming the earth. This directly relates to ecofeminism and the ways that humans oppress Mother Nature. If we continue to abuse her the way that we have been, she may give up entirely, and we may be left with nothing at all.  

In addition to the dangers that plastic causes to the world around us, it also has numerous harmful effects on our bodies. “Many of the chemicals in plastics are known endocrine disruptors, and research has suggested that human exposure could cause health impacts including hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems like infertility, and even cancer” (Single-Use Plastics 101). There is an op-ed piece published in the New York Times, which discusses the harmful effects of plastic and how microplastics are showing up in a measurable way, within our bodies (O’Connell). While the evidence of plastic within the human body is real, the effects of this are still being uncovered.

Do I consider my praxis to be successful? I do. While I “failed” in that I did use some single-use plastic throughout the day, my intention created more awareness, as well as a renewed sense of dedication to finding manageable alternatives. I am glad that I chose this exercise for my praxis assignment as it has helped me see where I can personally improve – be it with more eco-friendly replacement options, or cutting down on my capitalistic, consumer-driven need for consumption. As we have learned, ecofeminism looks at how women and the earth and connected and oppressed, and we see substantial evidence of this when looking at the detrimental effects plastic has on both our bodies and the earth.  

If reading this post has brought your own plastic use to your attention, you might be thinking “I’m just one person, what can I do?” There are a lot of things that one person can do, and maybe it’s helpful to think of one or a few small changes that can lead to a compounded, larger effect. Perhaps you start by bringing in washable cutlery to eat meals with while in the office. Maybe you’re committed to bringing both reusable shopping bags and eco-friendly produce bags to the grocery store. If you have been wanting to transition to glass storage containers, this could be the prompt you have been waiting for. Young girls and women who are menstruating can opt for more eco-friendly options – check out this resource guide for more details. 

Is there anything that you can think to start with that will help reduce your single-use plastic consumption? There are so many small steps that we can each take towards eliminating single-use plastic, and it will help reduce the amount of plastic that we need to manufacture as well as the amount of plastic that winds up in landfills or the ocean. Check out some of the sites below with some ideas to get you started. Have a favorite practice you already enjoy? Please share in the comments below!  

The Best Eco-Friendly Alternatives for the Plastic in Your Life | Eartheasy Guides & Articles 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/06/17/19-genius-inventions-that-can-stop-us-from-using-so-much-plastic/39358833/

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/10-alternatives-to-plastic-to-bring-into-your-daily-life/

Works Cited 

O’Connell, Mark. “Opinion | What Is the Plastic in Our Bodies Doing to Us?” The New York Times, 21 Apr. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/opinion/microplastics-health-environment.html. 

Single-Use Plastics 101. 9 Jan. 2020, www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101#what. 

In putting what we have learned about ecofeminism into praxis, I am choosing to concentrate on the amount of plastic that is used in daily life and what other products can be a sustainable alternative. While many places in the western world recycle plastic (there are debates on the efficacy of this), the one way to truly decrease the amount of plastic is to find alternative options and more sustainable materials.

For this exercise, I will attempt to go an entire day (within the next week) without using plastic. I am excited for the awareness that this practice will elicit. I know that it will be impossible to get through a day without any plastic use (otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to record my experience via my phone, a pen, or my computer), so I will concentrate on disposable plastic use. In doing so, I will look at where I might use plastic and source out other options. For example, I find plastic utensils to be wasteful, so opt to bring in cutlery from home to keep in my office, and then take it home to wash and bring back in. What other opportunities do I have to do something similar? I will start one morning and go an entire day, trying my best to avoid convenient plastic use, especially when there are other options readily available.

In prepping for this exercise, I started to think about how plastic is everywhere. Through this one day praxis exercise, I will be more aware of where plastic shows up in everyday life, identify instances where I can lessen or eliminate plastic use, and source solutions for items that may have a more sustainable alternative. I think this will be an effective exercise, as I first need to identify the opportunities where unnecessary or excess plastic is used, and then identify alternatives. For example, a wooden toothbrush could be a good substitute for a plastic toothbrush. Instead of using plastic wrap on food items stored in the fridge, what else could I use to prevent the plastic ending up in the trash, and hence, a landfill? The options will need to be readily available to purchase and rather seamlessly be able to incorporate into everyday life as I think this will offer the most success.

The goal for me is to find out how, on an individual level, I can lessen my plastic use and also find alternative options. In doing so, I can do my part in lessening the need for plastic. I can share my findings with family and friends and see if they have an interest in adopting a few small changes into their daily routine. I enjoy writing and sharing information, so I might keep this blog and transition it to one where I can share my thoughts of healthy living, sustainable practices, and maybe even find ways to collaborate with others who are passionate about eco-friendly products and ideals. If you are reading this and have some thoughts on how I can improve upon my praxis, please share! Or, if there is a certain plastic item you’ve been wanting an alternative for, let me know and I can incorporate it into my research. Stay tuned, I’m excited to share my findings!

In previous posts, we have explored some of the ways in which women and the earth are connected.  This week, we explore how the oppression of women and nature are inextricably linked. We’ll also look at how women have, and continue to advocate for the preservation of the Earth and its precious resources.

From the Gendered Impact videos (links below), we hear about the direct connection between the degradation of the earth and how it leads to the oppression and abuse of women within Indigenous communities. The videos discuss what happened to Indigenous communities where mines were established. The mines have detrimental effects on the environment and also on women. In the Land is Identity video, a woman shares how she is scared for her daughter. The mines have altered the landscape, the surrounding ecosystems, and the sacred connection to the land that Indigenous people once had. First Nations women are connected to nature, and when the land is harmed, it is said that they feel it in their body, mind, and soul. Through this connection, Indigenous women also are the advocates for the animals and other life forms that need their protection (KAIROS Canada). In the Violence Against the Land video we hear,  “90% of women said that the mine had increased problems within the community” (KAIROS Canada, “2015 Gendered Impacts Series (5): Violence Against the Land (3:02)”). When there is an increase in revenue through newly created jobs, there is also an increase in drug and alcohol use, which then leads to an increase of domestic abuse against Indigenous women. 

Another example that showcases how closely related the oppression of women and nature are is through the work of Wangari Maathai from Kenya.  Maathai explains how women are responsible for tilling the earth, planting and tending crops, and harvesting the bounty to feed their families. With this, “they are the first to become aware of environmental damage that harms agricultural production: if the well goes dry, they are the ones concerned about finding new sources of water and those who must walk long distances to fetch it” (Cstraight Media – http://www.cstraight.com). Matthai is the founder of the Green Belt Movement, which began on Earth Day, 1977, and has now expanded to include over 30 countries across the globe. By encouraging women to plant “green belts” (to slow soil erosion, create shade, and produce a steady supply of lumber), she advocates for planting, harvesting, generating revenue, and creating community connections. Matthai is literally teaching women across the globe the important connection between women and the earth, and how to sustainably grow what is needed for survival.

In addition to this, Matthai intervened with the government wanted to erect the tallest building in Nairobi, in the center of a treasured public park. With her strong convictions and fearless leadership, the building was never built. Matthai was physically beaten and threatened with female genital mutilation in an attempt to help her “behave as a woman should.” This is a prime example of how the patriarchy exert their power and domination over both women and nature. In the coming years, Matthai organized and participated in more protests, generally yielding favorable results, and a high cost to her own safety. And yet, she continued on. The shares that she had the courage to continue these fights to save the earth, and the people that inhabit it, and does so without thinking of the terrible things that could happen to her as a result. When speaking about how she finds her courage, she says “At this particular moment, I am only seeing one thing—that I am moving in the right direction” (Cstraight Media – http://www.cstraight.com).

Both of these examples illustrate the innate connection that women have with nature. In understanding how sacred nature is and what is means to our survival, these women are able to share their knowledge, organize themselves to stand up to the patriarchal rule around them, and lead by example. Through their courage they not only preserve the world around them, like Matthai, they strengthen the knowledge and connections to the community around them. They work to empower women to stand up for themselves, their children, and their heritage.

Upon closer examination, we can see that the material deprivations and cultural losses of the marginalized and the poor are a result of  disempowerment and environmental degradation. When one person or group has too much power, there is another person or group that is at risk of being oppressed. Ecofeminism: A Latin America Perspective offers that when speaking of ecofeminism, women in Latin America struggle to understand the concept as there is such a strong reliance upon the patriarchy and the church (Gebara, 93). This in turn creates a population of women who are marginalized as they suffer from the effects of both the  patriarchy and capitalism (Gebara, 95). Gebara continues with the example of the daily cycle of hope, disappointment, fear, complacency, and exhaustion. Women send their children to school, rarely work outside of the home (which means they are reliant upon husbands/partners for any income), hope that their children come home having eaten, are heartbroken when they haven’t, and this day can be topped off by her husband/partner coming home with an abusive streak or wanting sex, which could add yet another child to this continuously broken cycle.

We see the detrimental effects of capitalism, especially in marginalized and poor countries in respect to trash. Trash is certainly a by-product of capitalism, and for those countries with no program to manage it, can be funnelled in heaps to slum neighborhoods.  The article that references Recife, Brazil with a literal river of trash, and for some, the only way in which they can make a minuscule income. In wading through the trash, it is again, women and children who search for aluminum or metal to then sell (Corrêa).

The image above of a child in filthy river of trash is heart-wrenching on so many levels. None of us would ever hope for this for a child, be it our own or anyone else’s. There is no innocence for this child, and those who are marginalized as a direct result of patriarchal rule, capitalism without social responsibility, and the degradation and disrespect of nature. As we have previously looked at, the concept of intersectionality illustrates the many layers of identity that the people within these marginalized groups encompass. It’s not to say that the people who are so oppressed even know how to assess the different layers and labels, as they are clearly trying their best to survive on a daily basis. This problem is one that can benefit by being looked at by ecofeminism through a thoughtful and all-encompassing lens. We owe it to humanity and our earth to harness our insatiable demand for more and the right to assert power over other humans.

Corrêa, Talita. The Brazilian Slum Children Who Are Literally Swimming in Garbage. 30 Jan. 2014, www.vice.com/en/article/kwpwja/the-brazilian-slum-children-who-are-literally-swimming-in-garbage-0000197-v21n1.

Cstraight Media – http://www.cstraight.com. Speak Truth to Power | the Green Belt Movement. www.greenbeltmovement.org/wangari-maathai/key-speeches-and-articles/speak-truth-to-power.

Gebara, Ivone. “Ecofeminism: A Latin America Perspective.” Cross Currents, no. Spring 2003, 2003.

KAIROS Canada. “2015 Gendered Impacts Series (4): Land Is Identity (2:28).” YouTube, 14 Mar. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=LopcPrSvDBw.

—. “2015 Gendered Impacts Series (5): Violence Against the Land (3:02).” YouTube, 21 Mar. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlbc2dD0gP0.

To help illustrate intersectionality, I will use my own identity/labels as an example. I am an American, white, cisgender, heterosexual female. The areas of privilege are the country that I am a citizen of, the color of my skin, and my sexual identity and preference. The area in which I can be oppressed is that I identify as a woman, which means that I can be a victim of sexism, and gendered issues such as pay inequalities. The overlapping of the pillars of both ecofeminism and intersectionality are shown here in that we are best served when looking to understand these issues collectively. Leah Thomas writes “While Ecofeminism is a part of Intersectional Environmentalism, and they work together in many ways to accomplish the same goal—a greener and safer future for all and a healthy planet—Intersectional Environmentalism considers all aspects of someone’s identity like race, culture, religion, gender, sexuality, wealth, and more. And this is what makes it truly inclusive” (Thomas).

In looking at ecofeminism, intersectionality, and ecology, it presents as gray. As illustrated above, I am using the word gray in the color blending sense, just as these theories blend aspects of each of them, and yet still, maintain their identity. A.E. Kings wrote specifically about women in the global South and the issues that they are faced with in regards to menstruation products. When people from the global North look to help with this issue, they may see product availability as an obstacle. The journal references the lack of ways to dispose of these manmade products, which can lead to flushing them (in the instance a flushable toilet is available) or burning them (which can result in toxic fumes from the chemicals that are made of).  This now poses more problems through the ecofeminism lens and the ecology lens. Within this issue, the women are privileged in the sense that they have access to menstruation products, and yet they are oppressed in that they don’t have consistent ways to safely dispose of the products and are also creating more damage to the world around them.

I appreciate the concept of intersectionality and how it looks at the many facets of a person or issue. Specifically for women, we need to remember that we are all made of up many identities, and rather than trying to fit them into a neat and orderly container, we need to embrace each part on its own, and understand how each role affects the others. If we can do this on an individual level, then it may encourage us to broaden the scope and look at the many threads of ecofeminism and the beautiful tapestry that they weave.

Kings, A.E. “Intersectionality and the Changing Face of Ecofeminism.” Ethics & the Environment, vol. 22 no. 1, 2017, p. 63-87. Project MUSE muse.jhu.edu/article/660551.

Thomas, Leah. “The Difference Between Ecofeminism and Intersectional Environmentalism – the Good Trade.” The Good Trade, 3 Feb. 2023, www.thegoodtrade.com/features/ecofeminism-intersectional-environmentalism-difference.

We have previously explored the connection between feminism and the environment, and this week’s lesson takes a closer look at the correlation between women in governmental seats of power and the opportunities to enact substantial, positive environmental change. In Gender Equality and State Environmentalism, Norgaard and York explain that “…ecofeminist theory asserts that sexism and environmental degradation are interconnected processes” (York, 2005, 508). When expanding upon how we address environmental issues, it is paramount that women have a voice in creating policies that not only protect the environment but also promote gender equality in parliamentary arenas. As supported by Norgaard and York’s research, the larger the amount of women who are involved in making decisions within government agencies, the more likely there is an emphasis on state environmentalism, that is, concern for the environment at a governmental level. “If women tend to be more environmentally progressive, the inclusion of women as equal members of society – as voters, citizens, policy makers, and social movement participants – should positively influence state behavior” (York, 2005, 508).

As we have looked at in previous posts, women bear a strong connection to nature and the environment. In the global South, it is women who are responsible for water collection and in many cases, for farming and food production to fee their families. One cannot do these tasks without being connected to nature and being invested in the practices that contribute to the preservation of natural resources. In both the global South and North, it’s logical to think that women should have a prominent role within government agencies to let their knowledgeable and intuitive voices be heard.

Norgaard and York looked at a variety of countries and the representation of women with regard to the overall body of government representation and the level of state environmentalism. Their findings support that there were more environmental policies, support, and advocation within countries that have more women involved than those who do not. In addition, they noted that countries with “modernization and development generally lead to greater support for environmental treaties” (York, 2005, 513). Sadly, countries who scored the lowest in their poll not only have an unequal representation of women, but also a lack of importance on environmental issues. The leaves the women of less developed countries subject to patriarchal gendered roles as well lack of opportunity to advocate for the protection and preservation of the world around them.

An organization that supports the findings of Norgaard and York is the UN Women Watch. The UN as a broader, global organization supports peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet, and the Women Watch takes this one step further in advocating for both gender equality and the empowerment of women. As Norgaard and York point out, “The presence of sexism (as well as poverty and racism) enables social elites, corporations, and industry to maintain an appearance of progress and success while engaging in activities that are damaging not only to individual communities but to global ecological systems as well” (York, 2005, 510). Specifically, the fact sheet on Women, Gender Equality and Climate Change points out many ways in which climate change is not gender-neutral. It further shows the abundant ways in which women are inextricably linked to the environment around them (from water collection to migration to indigenous practices involving the environment around them to environmental policies) and how their voice is integral to state environmentalism. The UN emphasizes the importance of women being involved in parliament in stating, “The consultation and participation of women in climate change initiatives must be ensured, and the role of women’s groups and networks strengthened. Currently, women are underrepresented in the decision-making process on environmental governance. They should be equally represented in decision-making structures to allow them to contribute their unique and valuable perspectives and expertise on climate change” (Women, Gender Equality and Climate Change, n.d., 7)

Another organization that supports the importance of women’s involvement in environmental policy making is The Wilson Center, a US-based, non-partisan policy forum focused on tackling global issues. In taking a closer look at the connections between gender and climate change, this article highlights the inequality amongst those able to make policies to protect the environment, and how this comes at the expense of women. “The security and climate policy communities tend to be comprised of people, mainly men, who are almost completely lacking in gender expertise or even gender policy awareness. As a result, the gender dimensions of security and climate issues are usually not understood, prioritized, integrated, or even considered in security and climate policy packages. It follows, of course, that gendered risks and dangers—affecting more than 7.8 billion people around the world—are not being adequately addressed and opportunities to more effectively respond are being overlooked” (Gender, Climate Change, and Security: Making the Connections, n.d.). In further support of Norgaard and York’s findings, it imperative that women be involved in environmental policy making as it affects them, those they care for,  and the world around them.

As for a statistic that supports Norgaard and York’s central thesis and correlates to the image to the left,  I found two. “Just 26.8 % of government ministers responsible for policies on environment and climate change are women, while 73.2 % are men. Although this represents a significant gender imbalance, the proportion of women is the highest since data was first collected in 2012 (19.2 %)” (Browse Gender Statistics | Gender Statistics Database | European Institute for Gender Equality, n.d.).

“Within the national parliaments of EU Member States, the parliamentary committees that consider policy issues and scrutinise government action in relation to environment and climate change show a similar lack of gender balance, being made up of 29.7 % women and 70.3 % men. The composition of committees in individual countries tends to reflect that of the parliament as whole, with committees in Sweden, Italy and Spain all having 40 % or more of each gender, while those in Romania, Slovenia and Malta have at least 90 % men” (Browse Gender Statistics | Gender Statistics Database | European Institute for Gender Equality, n.d.).

I invite you to think of other ways in which women are innately connected to the environment. Does your local government have any policies that support women and/or the environment? How might you be able to become more involved in the advocacy for both women in governmental bodies as well as policies that protect the local and global environment?

Browse Gender Statistics | Gender Statistics Database | European Institute for Gender Equality. (n.d.). European Institute for Gender Equality. https://eige.europa.eu/gender-statistics/dgs/data-talks/decision-making-environment-and-climate-change-women-woefully-under-represented-eu-member-states

Gender, Climate Change, and Security: Making the Connections. (n.d.). Wilson Center. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/gender-climate-change-and-security-making-connections

Kari, & York, R. (2005). Gender Equality and State Environmentalism. https://pages.uoregon.edu/norgaard/pdf/Gender-Equality-Norgaard-York-2005.pdf

Women, Gender Equality and Climate Change. (n.d.). unwomen.org. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://un.org/womenwatch/feature/climate_change/

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
~ Unknown

I chose the photo of me taking a photo to represent the many layers that are embedded in what we “see”. The picture of myself in the mirror captures me, yet also is a reflection of me. My landscape of the places I have been to and those I have yet to discover, help me see my true self as well as the authenticity of others when our paths intertwine. The most amazing thing about the changing landscape is that we are afforded the opportunity to see ourselves in a new place and yet through the experience, have a reflection of ourselves in this new landscape.

I agree with Barbara Kingsolver and her fundamental view on the importance of nature. However, the nature that she writes about is vast and quiet, and she seems to think that is advantageous over the limited interactions city dwellers have with nature. As someone who has lived in large cities, I think that the small glimpses of nature that exist in cities actually have more of an impact as they are so rare and coveted. Springtime in New York City was always one of my favorite times; it is an example of how effortless growth and abundance are  in nature. Nature doesn’t compete against itself, each flower and tree bloom in their own time. In a city surrounded by concrete, noise, cars, and people, seeing a patch of flowers that quietly and beautifully bloom each Spring make even the busiest of city dwellers stop to take it all in.

A similar concept was presented in The New Sisterhood of Black Female Homesteaders in that the women interviewed for the story found a connection to nature, regardless of the setting they were in. One woman found that in her quest to garden in her yard, her city thought her wood chips were causing harm to the surrounding environment. Another woman shared that in her connection to nature and gardening, she learned to be patient. Nature has its own timeframe, one that doesn’t always work with her schedule. When she doesn’t feel well, she has learned to lean on her community to help her. These women found beauty and healing in nature. It didn’t matter that they had small plots of land in their suburban yards, nature in any sized dose helped enforce how necessary connection to it is.

Place is important as a concept, and may not always be represented as a stationary place on a map. Our landscape, be it external or internal, helps inform us of where we have been, and where we want to go. The landscape that we feel most connected to helps anchor us and reminds us what a special role nature – be it the unspoiled beauty of Mother Earth or cityscapes that humans have created – plays in that picture.

Kingsolver, Barbara. Knowing Our Place.

“The New Sisterhood of Black Female Homesteaders.” Pocket, getpocket.com/explore/item/the-new-sisterhood-of-black-female-homesteaders?utm_source=pocket-newtab.

Williams, Terry Tempest. Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert. Vintage, 2002.

We know that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. And yet, how many times do we (as individuals and as a society) stop and think about what the reaction to some of our actions might be, perhaps on people across the globe?

Women in the global south are largely affected by the destruction of the environment in many ways. For those of us fortunate enough to live in the western developed world, the issues that young girls and women deal with on a daily basis are almost unfathomable. Here are a few ways in which women’s daily lives are affected by the degradation of the world around them.

Water Fetching: The task of fetching water historically falls to young girls and women to manage in the global south. This means walking to fetch water each and every time it is needed. In addition to this being a time-consuming task that pulls young girls from school and women from working to earn wages, the sources of water are changing. Ecofeminism reminds us that when we industrialize the earth around us, there are ecological effects. In addition to water systems being re-routed by mankind for our benefits, the climate change effects of industrialized pollution have caused some water sources to dry up.

Seed Cultivation: We have seen this in the West, and by now, it may be so mainstream, that we don’t even talk about it much anymore. The industrialization of seeds has had detrimental affects on those who farm the land and have a connection to the land. Farmers harvest the seeds from each year to replant the next year. In doing so, these seeds gradually adjust/evolve to the environmental changes that happen around them. What has happened with the manipulation and design of seeds has done away with this ancient and connected practice. Genetically modified seeds have become property of those who develop and produce them. Many companies make farmers destroy their own seed in order to have access to the new seeds which are touted to be resistant to diseases and yield faster and more bountiful crops. Ecofeminist Vandana Shiva has been an advocate for farmers being able to control their own seed production as a way to sustain their livelihood. In addition, she protests the seed monoculture (the planting of just one seed/crop) endorsed by large corporations as well as the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica).

Timber: In India,  it’s estimated that 30 million people depend on the forest for their livelihood (Agarwal 129). Through the degradation of the forests to satisfy the demand of consumers worldwide, this had has an impact on women throughout the world. In addition, the statization of forests (control by a few) is leading to both class and gender inequalities (Agarwal 130-137). The lack of access to the forest as well as the destruction of forests from logging has detrimental affects on women in these countries and their earning power.

The commonalities that exist between the western and non-western perspectives of ecofeminism are that they both look at the connection between women and the environment. Both philosophies also commonly accept that there is no one way to look at these issues and there are many threads woven into the tapestry of ecofeminism. An important part of western and non-western ecofeminism is that it takes theory one step further, as it looks at finding and implementing solutions.

As for the western perspective, there is focus on the roles of gender and how women have been oppressed by patriarchal thought and rule since humanity began. The idea of instrumentalism is one where we view the existence of the  world for us to take what we need from it.  In my previous post, I referenced this quote from ecofeminist Laura Hobgood-Oster, who references how ancient religious systems “proposed that patriarch cultures structure revolved around layers of symbol systems that justified domination” (Ecofeminism: Historic and International Evolution 4). The western lens of ecofeminism looks at  how environmentalism and feminism are shaped by the norms of patriarchal society, and how both are damaged by suppression and degradation.

When we look at the non-western perspective, there is focus on how women need their basic safety, hygiene, and wellness needs met. It is virtually impossible for women of the developing world to think about equality amongst men and equal pay for equal work, when issues that western women take for granted are at the forefront of their survival. Young girls and women struggle with access to clean water, which means that safe hygiene practices are at risk when going the bathroom or during menstruation. Ecofeminist Bina Agarwal shares that women are exposed to water borne illnesses more than men due to them collecting and gathering water, washing clothes, and being exposed to pesticide run-off found in water sources (Agarwal 141). In our hierarchy of human needs, the basic ones of survival and safety need to be met first and foremost. 

I find the many layers of the global, non-western ecofeminism philosophy interesting. The more I read about the many different facets of the relationship between women, the environment, and the way the industrial world is influencing changes, the more I wanted to know. From the responsibility that women shoulder to fetch water, to the expectation of farming and sourcing food, to caring for those in their families and villages. As we explore solutions to this systemic issue of gender inequality,  an ecofeminism lens can help us to look at not only the reality in distribution of domestic duties, but also the expense of what is lost with time, energy, and resources devoted to these life-sustaining responsibilities. Vandana Shiva reminds us about the delicate balance of all things; an increase in production of one thing, will result in scarcity in another (London).

Agarwal, Bina. “The Gender and Environment Debate: Lessons From India.” Feminist Studies, vol. 18, no. 1, JSTOR, 1992, p. 119. https://doi.org/10.2307/3178217.

“Ecofeminism: Historic and International Evolution.” Systemic Alternatives, 18 Jan. 2016, systemicalternatives.org/2016/01/18/ecofeminism-historic-and-international-evolution. Accessed 5 Feb. 2023.

London, Vandana Shiva and Scott. “In The Footsteps of Gandhi: An Interview With Vandana Shiva.” Global Research, 3 Feb. 2016, www.globalresearch.ca/in-the-footsteps-of-gandhi-an-interview-with-vandana-shiva/5505135.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “University of Western Ontario | University, London, Ontario, Canada.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2009, www.britannica.com/topic/University-of-Western-Ontario.

We live in a world where we crave order – one where it’s clean and simple to view issues as either black or white. As a woman who has had the fortunate opportunity to be on this earth for four decades, I have come to this conclusion: most of life is comprised of the grey in between the black and the white.

What exactly is ecofeminism? Ecofeminism – a concept that materialized in the 1960’s and 70’s – explores the correlations between the environment, feminism, and the oppression and destruction that the patriarchy has on both. In reference to my above statement of many life topics being in the grey, ecofeminism is no exception. This theory looks at the way that the both the environment and feminism are intertwined, the way that male-centric ideals have dominated and affected both, and also to possible solutions. An important facet of ecofeminism is the symbiotic relationship between nature and women, and what happens to both when the majority of decision shaping is curated by men.

Let’s take a closer look at the image above, one that I choose to look at through the lens of ecofeminism. I interpret this image to illustrate one of  the many mainstream (often male-dominated/influenced) visions of beauty for women. Clean, long hair, that is blown dry, styled, and made to look presentable and appealing to the eyes of others – qualities that we have come to associate with the softness of women. Notice how the woman’s face is also non-existent, the blow dryer dispersing her face and hair into tiny pieces. This conveys the objectification of women; how external beauty is expected and judged. The image objectifies the woman as one of many, without any features to establish her identity. Ecofeminist Laura Hobgood-Oster shares “…that patriarchal cultural structures revolved around layers of symbol systems that justified domination” (“Ecofeminism: Historic and International Evolution”). Advertising, marketing, and the gendered roles of society all play a part in what influences a woman to be beautiful (on the exterior), the types of products she should use to do so, and the time that she needs to devote to curating the look.

Ecofeminism is looked at comprehensively, not just its different, separate parts. What I appreciate about the article “Objectification and Exploitation of Girls and Women by the Mass Media and Social Media” is that it also looks at the larger picture of the objectification of women. It shares that in seeing women for the parts and pieces of who they are, for the pleasure of others, allows for a series of objectifications. This idea then gives way to men believing women are there to please them, and as objects, they can do what they want to them (sexually, using violence as force, etc.) This not only devalues women, it then continues on with a lack of respect for them as people and perpetuates the vicious cycle (Sen).

As for the environmental aspect of the above image, many of the chemicals that are used in beauty products have been shown to have detrimental effects on both the human body as well as the environment. We see evidence of this by the plastic bottles that are use for shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers, the aerosol cans and particles contained in hair and body products, as well as the waste generated by all of the disposable beauty items women have been told to rely upon (razors, makeup, etc.) in order to reach this perceived universal standard of beauty.

If we look to find a connection between women and nature, we needn’t look much further than the concept of Mother Nature, itself. Mother Nature is defined as “nature represented as a woman thought of as the source and guiding force of creation” (Mother Nature). I also found it interesting that in Greek mythology, the goddess Gaia is the human version of the earth, and from her, came all elements found in nature (“Gaea (Gaia) • Facts and Information About Primordial ‘Mother Earth’”). This concept is still widely referenced, as nature consists of inherently female characteristics, with the ability to reproduce, nurture, and comfort.

Here’s to the continued conversations around ecofeminism; how we mindfully advocate for the preservation of Mother Nature for all (not just for what we humans need it to give us in the moment) as well as protect women from oppression in all forms.

Works Cited:

“Ecofeminism: Historic and International Evolution.” Systemic Alternatives, 18 Jan. 2016, systemicalternatives.org/2016/01/18/ecofeminism-historic-and-international-evolution. Accessed 5 Feb. 2023.

“Gaea (Gaia) • Facts and Information About Primordial ‘Mother Earth.’” Greek Gods & Goddesses, 25 Oct. 2022, greekgodsandgoddesses.net/goddesses/gaea.

Sen, Swagata. “Objectification and Exploitation of Girls and Women by the Mass Media and Social Media.” Rights of Equality – Promoting Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, 20 Oct. 2022, www.rightsofequality.com/objectification-and-exploitation-of-girls-and-women-by-the-mass-media-and-the-social-media.