This is one solution that the perennially annoying Thomas Friedman didn’t advocate in his recent rant against the “petro-authoritiarians” who have got the USA by the balls. But we certainly do. From the web page of California’s Buddhist Deer Park Monastery, Sept. 29:
SUPPORT GLOBAL NO CAR DAYS AND TRAINING CENTERS IN MINDFUL LIVING
From Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh
Only collective awakening can help us to solve the difficult problems in our world like war and global warming. In an upcoming talk which I have been invited to give at UNESCO (United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organization) on October 7th, I will propose that UNESCO organize action that will promote Global No Car Days—personal and community days when people refrain from using their cars, except in emergencies, and take other actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. UNESCO can promote these days around the world and use them as a means to educate and inspire collective awakening concerning the present environmental dangers facing all of us on planet Earth. I will suggest that UNESCO itself, from the director to ambassadors and other members, try to live in such a way that the message becomes a true message; not just a call for action, but action itself. In our daily lives, we should each try to drive a car that doesn’t pollute the environment, or ride a bicycle more often, or use public transportation. To this end I will suggest the creation of non-sectarian Training Centers in Mindful Living to help religious and community leaders, teachers, families and individuals find new ways to practice peace, nonviolence and compassion to our planet in their daily lives. Every one of us can do something to protect and care for our planet. We should live in such a way that makes a future possible.
Thich Nhat Hanh
September, 2006
Deer Park Monastery, Escondido, CABy signing this, I agree that I will take action in my own life to reduce my emissions of greenhouse gases and to live in such a way that makes a future possible.
Please sign below to show your support, and invite your friends to sign as well. We are trying to collect 10,000 signatures by the time Thich Nhat Hanh gives a talk at UNESCO on October 7th–that’s less than two weeks away.
Click here to sign.
See our last post on the struggle against the petro culture.
