We are recognizing only now how short-sighted and destructive it can be, and what impoverished science it leads to. The challenge before the Blue Mountain group was to articulate the ethic that lies behind the precautionary principle. Their answer was that it was an ethic of survival. They are not just nice things that nice people do so they don't displease Miss Manners. They are essential if we are to survive.
Values become actions.
Too many of our actions are killing our planet, our communities, and our spirit. Our actions are killing our loved ones. We are diminishing the future for everyone and everything. Particular values form the basis of our survival. When practiced, they help us live in reciprocity with nature and with each other.