The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World
The word overconsumption has become increasingly common in modern media. Images of mountains of discarded clothes, endless morning routine vlogs, and trash islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean illuminate our society’s need to replace and discard unnecessary items continuously. However, the book, “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, argues that we have all that we need and that reliance on each other for care and gifts is crucial to our mutual success. In her book, Kimmerer guides us through stories and personal experiences that highlight the nature of the “gift economy” in the natural world. The “gift economy” directly opposes one that places value on an endless cycle of buying and discarding items. The book envisions an economy characterized by the practice of freely giving to one another with mutual respect and the mutual desire to take care of one another.
Kimmerer utilizes the relationship between the fruit called a serviceberry and local birds to exemplify a mutually beneficial relationship. The berry serves as a food source for the local birds, while the birds consume the berry and disperse its seeds to grow and thrive. This relationship is mutually beneficial and leaves the Earth better than it was found. This comparison illustrates what Kimmerer calls the “gift economy:” A series of exchanges that leave the giver and the recipient feeling grateful and having entered a reciprocal relationship in which both parties benefit.
In her book, Kimmerer argues that our modern economy, extractive and destructive, has led us down the path of climate breakdown. It is common for people to feel the need to store resources for themselves rather than share abundance. These modern ideas are foreign to the natural world. Kimmerer captures the essence of the “gift economy” by saying, “wealth is understood as having enough to share, and the practice for dealing with abundance is to give it away” (Kimmerer, 2024, pg. 32).
Give with an Open Heart and an Open Hand
We all have talents that are unique to ourselves. To develop an economy that respects people and the natural world alike, we must harness our skills and be willing to provide for others without expectation. So, instead of entering the cycle of continuously purchasing and discarding items, consider giving your possessions new life by offering them to others and keep the circle of reciprocity running smoothly. The key to developing a circular economy, focused on gifts, is to mirror that of the natural world. In nature, organisms depend on one another for survival and enter mutually beneficial relationships. This natural process is not linear. Overconsumption and wastefulness have no place in the natural world.
To enter a “gift economy,” we must be willing to share and receive gifts with generosity and openness to developing relationships with others. Kimmerer offers a series of examples that highlight the “gift economy” in our present-day society. These examples include: free farm stands offering produce to the public and neighborhood book exchanges. In both of these examples, a good is provided for the purpose of knowledge or sustenance without expecting compensation. Instead of focusing on monetary gain, these exchanges focus on relationships and mutual support. These exchanges build camaraderie amongst neighbors and ensure every member of a community is taken care of. Kimmerer says it best when she writes, “I want to be a part of a system in which wealth means having enough to share, and where the gratification of meeting your family needs is not poisoned by destroying that possibility for someone else” (Kimmerer, 2024, pg. 91).
The Earth is Not Ours To Destroy
“If we think of Earth as a big warehouse of commodities, as mere objects, we claim a kind of privilege to exploit what we believe that we own” (Kimmerer, 2024, pg. 62). This quote illuminates the fact that the Earth is not ours to destroy. From deep-sea drilling to emitting billions of tons of pollutants globally, the state of our society is based on the false reality that the Earth is ours for the taking. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
To ease into a relationship with the natural world, we must aim to live alongside natural life instead of attempting to rule over it. Let’s accomplish this goal together. Start small like donating your clothes to a neighbor or offering to cook a meal for a friend. The goal should be to use what you need and offer your abundance to those who do not have enough.
Kimmerer argues,“incremental change and creative disruption – are available to us as agents of cultural transformation” (Kimmerer, 2024, pg. 101). You can participate in this societal transformation. The first step is to look within and start altering personal habits. By living a life that clearly values Earth’s natural gifts and spaces, you inspire others to join in its protection. To get you started, here is a short list of ways you can participate in the “gift economy:”
- Volunteer your time to serve the community
- Donate extra food, clothes, and toys
- Participate in a neighborhood book exchange
Check out this resource from MasterClass titled, “Gift Economy: Definition, Characteristics, and Examples” for more ways to participate. Also, we encourage you to visit Robin Wall Kimmerer’s website to purchase her book and learn more about the nature of the “gift economy”
Farewell Summer Sustainability, Hello Fall Climate Action
“The challenge is to cultivate our inherent capacity for economies without the catalyst of catastrophe. We have to believe in our neighbors, that our shared interests supersede the impulses of selfishness.” (Kimmerer, 2024, pg. 44).
We dare to imagine a future where the desire and willingness to embed sustainability initiatives is second nature, rather than reliant on large-scale events or global crises. However, until the true destructive nature of climate change and environmentally harmful behaviors are fully understood (or experienced firsthand), utilizing national and global efforts to inspire widespread change remains a practical way to encourage participation. This upcoming fall, let’s commit to listening to all points of view on climate forward topics and ensuring that we maintain a natural environment that is safe and healthy for human and nonhuman life.
Climate Week NYC: Another Opportunity to Get Involved
Wait not! Another chance to start, continue, or level up the action is a few weeks away. This September, get ready to join individuals and corporations across the globe in celebrating Climate Week NYC. Hosted by the Climate Group, Climate Week NYC unifies industry and political leaders to combat climate change. From industries to individuals, we all share the responsibility of caring for our local ecosystems, advocating for environmental justice and equity, and reducing waste.
The week-long event will feature more than 900 in-person and virtual opportunities. Each activity will highlight the solutions and regulations needed from governments, industries, and grassroots collective action to combat the consequences of climate breakdown being experienced around the world.
Alongside this highly anticipated and well-attended event, JouleBug will offer a special edition challenge themed around Climate Week NYC, available only for the month of September. The challenge will feature actions categorized into 10 themes, echoing Climate Week NYC’s Power ON tracks:
- Energy
- Environmental Justice
- Finance
- Food
- Health
- Heavy industry
- Nature
- Policy
- Sustainable Living
- Built Environment
Join us in making a difference! Organizations and individuals alike are encouraged to take action with JouleBug, your partner in creating a more sustainable lifestyle. Together, we can transform everyday habits and inspire those around us to join this important movement.
Contact our team to learn more about motivating your company, organization, or community with JouleBug or, download the app to start logging the difference you’re already making!
Reach out to the JouleBug team today to explore innovative ways to use the app to drive impactful sustainability initiatives across your organization.