Behold the Ant

Here’s something to really think about. People are big. Ants are little. But ants represent more biomass on earth than humans. I discovered this in Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, by McDonough & Braungart.

And yet…

Ants continue to work seamlessly within nature, while we… well, we know what we’re doing. (Anyone in need of a reminder will want to check out Living Downstream).

Anyway, I like what McDonough & Braungart say, based on the ant, the worm, the deer, the tree, and so on…

“If nature is our model, what does it mean for human industries to be involved in maintaining and enriching this vibrant tapestry? First, it means that in the course of our individual activities, we work toward a rich connection with place…

Industries that respect diversity engage with local material and energy flows, and with local social, cultural, and economic forces, instead of viewing themselves as autonomous entities, unconnected to the culture or landscape around them.”

My kids and I are not engaged in any big industry. No products for sale. Still, we create. We impact. So, on Tuesday we became ants. Ants who made Nativity scenes. You can read more about this on my other blog, Green Inventions Central.

Deer Photo Gail Nadeau. Used with permission.