9 Environmental Principles

1. Nature knows best.

This principle is the most basic and, in fact, encompasses all the others. In essence people must not go against the natural process if they would like to ensure a continuous and steady supply of resources. In nature, nutrients pass from the environment to the organism and back to the environment. Any disruption in the cycle can bring about imbalance. For example, burning of farm wastes instead of allowing them to decompose naturally disrupts the cycle.

2. All forms of life are important.

Each organism plays a fundamental role in nature. All living things must be considered valuable in the maintenance of stability in an ecosystem. It is easy to appreciate the beautiful butterflies, especially knowing their important role in pollination. Giant beasts like whale, alligator, and elephant are objects of wonder and respect.

3. Everything is connected to everything else.
In an ecosystem, all components interact with each other to ensure the system is continued. Any outside interference may result in an imbalance. Deforestation in the mountains may affect the lowlands, resulting in floods, drought, or erosion. What happens in one country may even affect other countries.

4. Everything changes.

The only permanent thing is change. Change may be linear, cyclical, or random. An example of linear change is the evolution of a species. Cyclical changes is the eruption of a volcano, like Mt. Pinatubo bringing great upheaval in many parts of Luzon.

5. Everything must go somewhere.

When a piece of paper is thrown away, it disappears from sight but it does not cease to exist. It simply goes somewhere else. Wastes can either be pollutants or resources. We need to change or "throw-away" society attitude in order to develop better methods of waste management and recycling.

6. Ours is a finite earth.

The earth's resources can be classified as either renewable or nonrenewable. Renewable resources, like water, air, plants, and animals, can easily be replenished by natural cycles. Nonrenewable resources, like minerals, oil, and coal cannot be replenished through natural cycles. Awareness of the earth's limited resources should lead to a conscious effort to change one's attitude as a consumer.

7. The amount of life nature can support is limited.

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a given species which can be supported by a particular habitat or ecosystem without damaging it. For example, a typical Filipino “bahay kubo” can only support a limited number of family members; the presence of too many residents results in overcrowding. Therefore, nature has its own processes or mechanisms to regulate the population of a species within or environment.

8. Human progress must consider its effect on nature.

Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Development is viewed as essential in improving the quality of human life, yet human activities often change the environment and destroy or damage natural resources. Sustainable development strives for human progress without threatening the environment.

9. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God's creation.

This principle is inherent in most religious and tribal beliefs. Teachings of Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam enjoin everyone to respect all life and order of nature.