Ethical Living #4 - A leisure interest of the rich?

In a book that I am reading at the moment (God of the Poor by Dewi Hughes) I came across an interesting section entitled 'Environment, Poverty and the Kingdom of God'. It talks about concern for the environment as "in one sense a luxury of post industrial prosperity, originating among wealthy people who have achieved the prosperity to purchase the leisure time to observe that industrial development is degrading their environment." and how the concern can be motivated by a threat to the lifestyle and prosperity of the middle classes and their children. However it concludes by saying that "It is in everybody's (and every living thing's) interest to preserve ecological diversity.

I think this critique of the whole eco/environmental thing is helpful as it gives perspective and prevents a kind of 'holier than thou' or judgemental attitude. We are privileged to have the luxury of choosing organic and fairtrade food etc. Doing these little things wont heal the planet or make poverty history. We need to make bigger changes to how live as community and global society but as consumers trapped in a consumer culture I reckon making these small decisions help.

As Brooke Fraser sings:

"We could stay another day in this apathy
Let it permeate us 'till we're numb through.

But while we're waiting we could try saving the world
Or are we storing that up for a rainy day?
I'm anticipating the time when it'll be my turn
It could be fun to try
I think that I'll save the world...
...as a fun afternoon activity"