Peter Ashley

Towards an understanding and definition of wilderness spirituality

Abstract There is an increasing body of Western literature lamenting the loss of spiritual relationships and connection with the Earth, and numerous studies of wilderness spirituality. But what is wilderness spirituality? Do expert perceptions differ from public views of the meaning of the term? This paper explores these questions. Despite spirituality being an abstract topic, and spiritual values hard to define and measure, numerous authors have suggested definitions of nature-based and wilderness spirituality. A content analysis of a random sample of the general population in a preliminary study in Tasmania on wilderness spirituality meanings was compared to definitions supplied by experts on the topic. Strong commonalities between the two groups were the citation of words expressing connection and interrelationship, portrayals of transcending the self, and the quality of compassion. Weak commonalties were terms such as ‘peace’ and ‘harmony’, ‘respect’, ‘joy’, ‘elation’, ‘happiness’, ‘sacredness’ and ‘reverence’. Disparate elements were found to be a sense of awe and wonder, religiosity, humbleness, and altered states of consciousness. The defining characteristics of wilderness spirituality were found to be a feeling of connection and interrelationship with other people and nature; a heightened sense of awareness and elevated consciousness beyond the everyday and corporeal world; and cognitive and affective dimensions of human understandings embracing peace, tranquillity, harmony, happiness, awe, wonder, and humility. A religious meaning and explanation may be present.

A sustainability index for manufactured products? A conceptual paper

If we can put energy and water efficiency ratings on white goods and publish fuel efficiency data for vehicles, why cannot we extend that reporting model to all of the things we make? And why limit such reporting to only the use phase of products rather than all the production characteristics as well? Adopting a whole-of-system perspective, this conceptual article introduces a sustainability index for manufactured products with the aim to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable outcomes. Taking its place in a continuum of recent sustainability literature, and informed by a need to be more energy and resource efficient, reduce greenhouse gases and adopt industrial practices that are more in tune with natural processes, the index represents a pragmatic and commonsense approach to sustainability, if not climate change. As a production system optimisation tool, the index could allow businesses to better measure, manage and utilise their resources, resulting in improved financial performance.