Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. Rumi, the 13th century Persian poet.
Favaro's quotation from Rumi summarizes his approach to writing The Carbon Code. Conscious of the overarching importance of achieving a carbon-neutral society for the planet and all life, he urges us to inform ourselves, collaborate with others on what to do and how to do it, and take care not to use others' inaction as an excuse to do nothing ourselves. Knowing that good intentions are not enough, he proposes a "carbon code of conduct" to guide us. It consists of four "R" principles: Reduce, Replace, Refine and Rehabilitate.
The author devotes four chapters to showing how to work with these principles in areas inextricably linked to our 21st century way of life: electricity generation and conservation, transportation, a low-carbon diet, and long-range travel. He provides practical information on how to apply the principles in our own homes and in society at large.
There are similarities between Favaro's goal and how he approaches it, and the way members of Cafh approach the goal of unfolding spiritually. In both cases, the goal extends beyond personal interests and embraces the common good. Carbon neutrality is a goal for the wellbeing of all life. Spiritual unfolding is also a goal for the wellbeing of the whole. It helps us relate more wisely with ourselves, other people, the natural world and the ups and downs of life. We pursue both goals by following a code of conduct or method of life that keeps us on track and helps us not only deepen our understanding of what we can do, but also evaluate the results. Both goals lead us to balance and harmony.