Earth Care can be taken to mean caring for the living soil. The state of the soil is often the best measure for the health and well-being of society. There are many different techniques for looking after soil, but the easiest method to tell if soil is healthy is to see how much life exists there.
Our forests and rivers are the lungs and veins of our planet, that help the Earth live and breathe, supporting many diverse life forms. All life forms have their own intrinsic value, and need to be respected for the functions that they perform – even if we don’t see them as useful to our needs.
By reducing our consumption of ‘stuff’, we reduce our impact on the environment, which is the best way to care for all living things.
Reference: Holmgren, D. Permaculture Principles & Pathways beyond Sustainability