NPR's Book of the Day 'The Serviceberry' and 'Birding to Change the World' draw lessons from nature
Feb 7, 2025
Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, discusses her book 'The Serviceberry,' emphasizing economies of abundance and nature's teachings. She advocates for a shift from consumerism to gratitude and interconnectedness. Trish O'Kane, an environmental activist and author of 'Birding to Change the World,' shares her transformative journey from journalist to ornithologist after Hurricane Katrina. She highlights nature's healing power and community engagement through birding, illustrating how observing birds can nurture well-being and connection.
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Serviceberry Harvest
- Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses harvesting serviceberries and their abundance.
- This sparked thoughts on the economy of abundance and generosity in nature.
Economy of Abundance
- Kimmerer argues for an economy based on reciprocity, like nature's.
- She suggests imagining a circular, regenerative economy instead of an extractive one.
Examples of Reciprocity
- Kimmerer points to gift economies in indigenous cultures and little free libraries as examples of reciprocity.
- She emphasizes sharing resources instead of individual ownership.
