Robin Wall Kimmerer’s latest book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, builds upon the themes of her award-winning 2013 book, Braiding Sweetgrass. Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and a botanist, explores the intersection of human activity and the natural world, advocating for a blend of Western and Indigenous scientific perspectives to address environmental challenges. Her new book delves into the concept of a gift economy, contrasting it with the market economy’s focus on scarcity and competition.
In an interview with Mary Evelyn Tucker for Yale Environment 360, Kimmerer discusses the origins of her new book. She explains that it emerged from an article she wrote for Emergence Magazine, where she was tasked with exploring economics from an ecological perspective. This led her to question the fundamental assumptions of Western capitalist economics, which often prioritize individual gain and accumulation. In contrast, she observes that the natural world operates on a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are shared.
Kimmerer emphasizes the importance of gratitude and reciprocity in a gift economy. She critiques the term “natural resources,” arguing that it implies ownership and entitlement, rather than acknowledging the natural world’s gifts. She suggests that traditional Indigenous economies, which are often based on reciprocity and circular systems, offer valuable insights for contemporary economic models. In these systems, the currency is not money but gratitude, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and mutual support.
The implications of this shift in worldview are profound, particularly for sectors like agriculture and investors. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the intelligences of plants, animals, and ecosystems can lead to more sustainable and ethical practices. For instance, farmers might adopt regenerative agriculture practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity, while investors could support businesses that align with ecological principles.
Kimmerer also highlights the growing scientific awareness of the multiple intelligences and communicating capacities of various organisms. This understanding challenges the traditional Western view that dismisses non-human intelligences as inferior. As more research emerges, it becomes clear that plants, animals, and fungi possess complex forms of judgment, memory, and learning. This recognition has significant implications for how we interact with and protect the natural world.
The concept of the rights of nature, as exemplified by the legal personhood granted to the Whanganui River and other natural entities in New Zealand, further underscores the need for a shift in our relationship with the environment. This legal recognition acknowledges the intrinsic value of nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings, potentially leading to more sustainable and equitable practices in various sectors, including agriculture and investment.
