Value the Interrelationship of Species

Relationships are the interwoven bonds that form the framework of place within which we exist. They are the way in which two or more beings are connected. An ecosystem is made up of all the living animals and plants and matter in a particular place. All beings in an ecosystem depend on all the other beings for continued survival—for food, shelter, and other needs. 

Acknowledging the importance of the interrelationships of species is a simple first step in making a conscious effort to lower environmental impact. We can start thinking about how the world is connected, specifically how species interact with the environment and ecosystem around them. For example, the lives of humans and our surrounding environments are deeply intertwined and mutually influencing. Humans depend on the natural environment for their basic needs; food, shelter, and clothing—for everything.

In many ways, the actions and reactions that take place within an ecosystem are like a spider web—when one strand is broken, the web starts to unravel. What affects one part of an ecosystem, affects the whole in some way. We can start to consider more carefully how our human existence impacts the web we are part of, and to start to make changes to live in greater consciousness of all other beings in the web of life.