Anthropocentrism is the default philosophy of modern society.

We are socialized into unconsciously regarding ourselves as more significant than other living things. An example I can find in my life is my use of cosmetic brands such as Clinique, Dior, and Maybelline that test on animals. Testing is done to ensure safe use for humans but what about the animals that get tested on? Why should my safety be more important than that of a non-human’s? These are questions I have never considered to ask myself due to my ignorance on the topic.

Anthropocentrism encourages the exploitation of nature resulting in environmental devastation.

Our human-centred approach to the environment causes ecological harm, such as deforestation in the Amazon due to illegal logging. Logging outside of designated areas in the Amazon supplies us with trees for wood and paper to the detriment of the surrounding ecosystems. On an individual scale, we participate in the environmental devastation through our overconsumption of these materials which puts us in a constant cycle of depleting resources.

“What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.” Mahatma Gandhi

How has gardening changed my perspective?

The first few days of gardening in this green criminology class has allowed me to develop a more ecocentric lens. Preparing the garden with my group has made me realize the interdependent relationship that we have with nature. We depend on it to provide us with resources like food, and nature needs us to take care of it so it does not die; therefore, we are equals. In our case, being able to reap the benefits of our plants can only happen if my group and I put in enough effort in keeping them alive.

Additionally, through gardening, I have learned that it takes a lot of time and care for plants to grow. The ecological harm that is caused by deforestation cannot be cured by merely planting more trees. The rate of which we can cut down trees is a lot quicker than the time it takes for them to grow.

So, what can we do to repair the devastation that occurs after clearcutting and deforestation? Is there anything we can do as individuals?

References

Simmons, G., Stevenson, R., & Vardy, M. (2023). “Chapter 13: Green criminology” In S. Hassan & D. Lett (Eds.), Introduction to Criminology.” KPU Pressbooks.