Farmer Markets –As I was driving by Broad Ripple High School today,I saw a sign that I have waited since late November to view.  As simple of a pleasure as this may seen in the world of IPad’s,Smartphones,and laptops,the sight of a Farmers Market sign brought a great since of joy and anticipation.

Each week,from May to the end of November,my wife and I walk a mile and one-quarter each way,mostly on the Monon Trail,to the Farmers Market at Broad Ripple High School.  We do so for several reasons:fresh produce that allows us not only to support local growers,I particularly like the various Apple vendors,but it is also a great form of exercise.  For those of you who do not have this opportunity to satisfy your stomach and heart by walking,it is still a great opportunity to meet friends,neighbors,and fellow church members.  I must add that the church I attend,North United Methodist Church,also has a Farmers Market.  Farmer Markets are an example of the Earth Charter in action.  The relevant part of the Earth Charter is section 2:Ecological Integrity: ”Adopt lifestyles that emphasize the quality of life…”. I would propose that purchasing produce from the Broad Ripple Farmers Market adds significantly to the quality of our health and life.

I love the coming of Spring for the flowers,the greening of the trees,the chance to ride my bike,and the weekly walk to Broad Ripple High School.  I encourage you to locate the Farmer’s Market closest to you and make it a part of your weekly effort to support local growers and improve the quality of your life.  I know that some people say that the prices at Farmer Markets are higher than grocery stores,but why not improve your health rather than the bottom line of a chain grocery store.  See you at a Farmers Market this year!!

For our all our neighbors,family and friends;

John Drake

I remember this tag line from commercials and advertisements in my childhood. It really captured the spirit of that time. Indeed the science that brought us plastics and polyester changed our lives dramatically,and my mother,especially,welcomed the “freedom” that came with each new gadget,appliance or convenience —from instant mashed potatoes to tumble-dry,no-iron clothes,to Tupperware. We witnessed the explosion of miracle drugs and medical technologies,and of course,we put a man on the moon. Collectively,we believed that science would solve any problem or meet any challenge the future might present (assuming we could avoid self-annihilation from the new generation of weapons science provided as well). (For an entertaining look back,check out DuPont’s “Wonderful World of Chemistry” from the 1964 World’s Fair,featuring “Happy Plastics Family”)

But times have changed. Science is often central to controversial policy issues,and some have questioned the objectivity,and even the motives,of today’s scientists in the context of these debates. The politics of climate change is a perfect example. So,too,the recurring debate about school curriculum,with the teaching of the theory of evolution in science classes viewed by some as contrary,and therefore a threat,to certain religious beliefs. In addition,we’ve come to realize that some scientific advances of the past have had unanticipated and unintended consequences that themselves pose serious and challenging problems,both to the environment and to our health. For example,the ubiquitous presence of non-biodegradable plastics in our waste stream is having global impacts,including to our ocean ecosystems. Another example played out recently in connection with the chemical bisphenol A (aka “BPA”),which was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the early 1960s. BPA is used in many consumer plastics and in the lining of almost all cans used by the food and beverage industry. Although some scientists contend there is ample evidence BPA is an “endocrine disruptor,” and particularly harmful to infants,and although it is undisputed that BPA leaches from cans into food and beverages causing elevated levels of BPA in humans,the FDA just last month denied a petition filed in 2008 by the Natural Resources Defense Counsel to ban the use of BPA in human food and packaging. The FDA concluded that the data and information provided by the NRDC was insufficient to warrant regulatory action,and determined that the appropriate course is for the FDA to “continue in its broader and more comprehensive review of emerging data and information on BPA,” which may or may not lead to regulatory change in the future. The regulated industry applauded the FDA’s decision as one based on “sound science,” and noted the serious implications on food safety if BPA is banned. (BPA alternatives,although currently more expensive,are available and in use by some companies.)

How can the Earth Charter guide us regarding new scientific advances or when reasonable people,including scientists,disagree about issues of science and technology? Principle 6 is instructive. It calls on us to “Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and,when knowledge is limited,apply a precautionary approach.” Subsections (a) and (b) provide that we should “take action to avoid the possibility of serious or irreversible environmental harm even when scientific knowledge is incomplete or inconclusive,” and “place the burden of proof on those who argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant harm,and make the responsible parties liable for environmental harm.” (Emphasis added.) Was the FDA’s decision on BPA consistent with Principle 6? What about our national stance on climate change?

For our children’s children,
Rosemary Spalding

Father Boniface Hardin died this Saturday at the age of 78. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002. Father Hardin had been an important presence in Indianapolis since he came here as a priest in the mid-60’s. Almost from the outset he became well-known,and controversial among some,by speaking from his perspective of faith to draw the city’s attention to matters of fairness and opportunity especially with respect to racial equality.

But as you know,Fr Hardin did not simply “advocate” for equality as we usually use that word. In partnership with Sister Jane Schilling,Fr Hardin leapt far beyond words to found the Martin Community Center and then what would become today’s immensely valued Martin University. Most of Martin’s students are older than typical undergraduates;they’ve usually been away from school for a while and most are African Americans.  Since the school’s creation in 1977 surely thousands who might never have gained admission to more traditional settings have attained education,degrees and career opportunities as a result of Fr Hardin’s determination to turn a grand vision into reality.

I grew up in a time and area of Indianapolis where we seldom encountered the city’s black residents except at basketball games. My friends and I shared an ignorant fear of certain neighborhoods.  African Americans could go to public pools and amusement parks only on designated days.  We’ve moved some distance past that naïve and destructive time,but,if we need reminding,we’ll find stories in today’s news – some with national headlines – that reflect that we’re still a long way from understanding how to normalize relations among races.

For the past several years Fr Hardin was one of Earth Charter Indiana’s Green Ambassadors. Of course we’re proud that he permitted us to include his name among several well-known Hoosiers who want to be known as endorsing the Charter. It’s no wonder that he did so since the Charter has so much to say about access and opportunity.  And just as Fr. Hardin’s life was about getting from words to action,the Charter reminds us that we also have parts to play among family and friends,in our workplaces,neighborhoods and in the voting booth to ensure opportunity,embrace diversity and to seek every person’s contributions.

For our children’s children,

Jerry King