Replenishing the earth: Spiritual values for healing ourselves and the world

Abstract

Professor Maathai argues that the key to self-empowerment and conservation lies in traditional spiritual values: love for the environment, self-betterment, gratitude and respect, and a commitment to service. These are the values that have animated the Green Belt Movement’s work. While educated in the Christian tradition, Maathai draws inspiration from many faiths, celebrating the Jewish mandate tikkun olam (“repair the world” and renewing the Japanese term mottainai (“don’t waste”). Through rededication to these values, she believes, we might finally bring about healing for ourselves and the planet.