Read

How to Be a Hospitable Steward of the Earth

Published:
December 15, 2023
October 17, 2022
Learn here for how to be a great environmental steward.|Learn here for how to be a great environmental steward.

We’re regularly reminded of the role we all need to play individually to save our planet. But with the rate at which climate change has intensified, it’s natural to question our impact. Are we really making that much of a difference when we clean out our compost bin after a bit too long, sweat through our work clothes running to catch the bus, or switch out a cheeseburger for an ever-so-slightly less delicious vegetarian substitute? 

The reality is that individual actions, while important, are not enough. We will not get to the future our world needs by simply choosing to bike or eat less meat without also changing infrastructure and supply to make these activities more accessible. In a future where we have successfully avoided the worst consequences of climate change, sustainability will be the default way we experience our world. 

However, our individual actions do not necessarily need to be effective in bringing about a future eco-utopia to be worthwhile. Working against the grain to make sustainable choices in the present helps us live as if that future were already here. The future becomes our guest — the object of our hospitality. Thinking of our actions as those of a good host changes the way we relate to them. Instead of evaluating them in terms of whether or not these actions are part of “fixing” climate change, these actions become valuable in their own right. After all, a good host does not seek anything in return for their hospitality.

At the same time, encountering a visitor changes the host as well. By researching and practicing sustainable activities, we form our imagination to better see and understand what lies ahead. We also become more aware of our connection to future generations and our responsibility toward them.

Being a good host to the future means letting go of the guilt and shame of not doing enough, as well as dread and despair that nothing anyone does will ever be enough. Instead, we greet our guest with rejoicing. In turn, greeting a possible future inspires us with hope. The future is already breaking into the present — it cannot be far off.

Of course, the climate crisis also calls us to hospitality in the here-and-now. Extending hospitality to the future does not absolve us of our responsibility to seek change in the present. We need to fight for systemic change that will truly be effective in bringing about a sustainable future. We need to care for those affected by extreme weather events and refugees from increasingly inhospitable areas of the globe. We must take small actions, too — a backyard garden can quickly blossom into a community one. Living in and advocating for dense, walkable neighborhoods can lead to the development of more affordable housing.

The future-as-visitor reminds us that our individual actions are intimately connected. By playing host to the future in small and big ways, we are better prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to welcome future generations into our communities.

Creators:
Patrick Cruitt
Published:
December 15, 2023
October 17, 2022
On a related note...
What This Twitch Trend Says About Our Culture

What This Twitch Trend Says About Our Culture

Molly Gettinger

Give Back During this Crisis Using Your Time and Talent

Give Back During this Crisis Using Your Time and Talent

Marye Colleen Larme

How and Why Slow Living Makes You Happier

How and Why Slow Living Makes You Happier

Sophie Caldecott

Using Comedy to Showcase Life's Beauty

Using Comedy to Showcase Life's Beauty

Grotto

Our Favorite Thing About College Football Season

Our Favorite Thing About College Football Season

Grotto Shares

Grassroots Art Festival Brings Community Together

Grassroots Art Festival Brings Community Together

Grotto

Dancing My Way Back to Me

Dancing My Way Back to Me

Jennon Bell Hoffmann

The Real Difference You Make By Shopping Small

The Real Difference You Make By Shopping Small

Isaac Huss

How to Serve Others Without Burning Out

How to Serve Others Without Burning Out

Jessie McCartney

Catholics Uncover Slaveholding History to Seek Healing

Catholics Uncover Slaveholding History to Seek Healing

Molly Cruitt

3 Keys to Engaging With Those We Disagree With

3 Keys to Engaging With Those We Disagree With

Neil Fulton

How I Found My Crew in College — Without Drinking

How I Found My Crew in College — Without Drinking

Dan Masterton

Tackling the World Waste Crisis with Zero-Waste Living

Tackling the World Waste Crisis with Zero-Waste Living

Grotto

Why 2021 is the Perfect Year to Look to St. Joseph

Why 2021 is the Perfect Year to Look to St. Joseph

Theresa Sullivan

Hosting a Party for the Big Game? 4 Chili Recipes for Your Playbook

Hosting a Party for the Big Game? 4 Chili Recipes for Your Playbook

Grotto

DACA Recipient Who Can’t Vote Encourages Others Who Can

DACA Recipient Who Can’t Vote Encourages Others Who Can

Grotto

God Sees the Color of My Skin

God Sees the Color of My Skin

Grotto Shares

This Story Will Change the Way You Remember 9/11

This Story Will Change the Way You Remember 9/11

Grotto Shares

Sister Barbara Visits Death Row

Sister Barbara Visits Death Row

Grotto

We Need to Let Nature Triumph

We Need to Let Nature Triumph

Patrick Cruitt

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.