More from the sea

This conference took place in Montauk, Long Island – a wonderful stretch of open sea and sand. The horizon framed by vigorous waves and a shroud of clouds evoked a tremendous sense of environmental aliveness. Nature beckoned loudly as I walked the wandering course of packed sand. I discovered deer tracks and followed them to the water and back. What were they doing there?

Later, I visited the spa. The spa consisted of exercise room, large heated sea water swimming pool, a roman bath, a sauna, a steam room and many other baths, treatments and many other opportunities for comfort. Carbon footprint? Huge. Although the resort did state that in order to conserve energy and achieve sustainability bathrobes would only be issued to guests of the spa.

Hmmmmm ---- in comparison, I’m not sure the bathrobe thing would really save that much energy. Was it a joke? Or a clever way of justifying being cheap with robes?

The problems is that I loved the spa. As I swam in the warm pool waters looking out at the frost glistening on the windows, I understood our fundamental dillemma. Technology does improve one's quality of life, and once you've known of this quality it is hard to go back. I was thinking about people who barely have enough to eat, who are at war with crippling diseases, and who flee from genocides at the same hour of day that I enjoyed a morning swim. It feels irreconcilable. Unless we recognize that forward is a place where integration can be acheived.

Interestingly the professional meeting focused on respecting differences. I understand that sustainability will have to accommodate dissimilar attitudes about nature, comfort, sacrifice, and safety. How can people be encouraged to change how we all live when we come from so many different value systems?

The family vacation this year will include a week of canoe camping in the Maine wilderness. If nothing else, we can teach our children about luxury's diversity. Gently paddling by feeding moose as the sun sets basking us all in a warm amber glow is another kind of opulence.