Ecofeminism

Definition: Ecofeminism brings feminist concerns to human-nature relationships and establishes the link between exploiting the earth and women. By drawing from both dynamic systems theory and deep ecology, it rejects the human-centered systems we live in and focuses on feeling, intuition, and empathy.

Source: Robbins, S., Chatterjee, P., & Canda, E. (2012). Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for social work (3rd ed., p. 45). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Apply: Our material economy is linear, from extraction to production to distribution to consumption to disposal. By viewing our natural world this way, we also view other persons in this way. By working towards making the materials economy circular, we value the parts in the process. We do this through options such as Zero Waste Solutions for our waste, which lessens the burden of exploiting other countries for inexpensive labor.

Adapt: By challenging current recycling programs to include waste, communities begin to build environmental consciousness. This can lead to large scale changes in the way we handle transportation, energy production, and agriculture.