Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Glasgow, Eco-Pledge, bahai-library.com.
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Eco - Pledge
Welcome & greetings to you from Glasgow!
In light of the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 taking place in this city in
November 2021, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Glasgow would like to
offer this eco-pledge as a tool for individuals and communities to reflect on and
enable practical action towards sustainable use of the world’s material
resources. The compilation of environmental actions presented here aims to
support the goals of COP26 as well as good ecological objectives generally.

Why?
The implications of climate chaos caused by unsustainable lifestyles raises a
moral imperative for global justice. In recognising that we are global citizens who
care about every member of the human family, we feel compelled to respond
with urgency. The prompt for action cannot be understated.

While governments, NGOs and large businesses consult to find solutions to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, individual citizens can and must also take
some essential actions. We could begin by educating ourselves about the impact
of our purchasing habits on the pollution of the air, land and ocean; or by being
more conscious of our energy-use behaviour. At present, those of us who live in
the developed nations of the world are exceeding our share of resource use and
living beyond the capacity of the natural world to regenerate itself. Greater
personal awareness of this is a vital first step, and then we must progress to
action.

Glasgow skyline silhouette on front cover and Tree of Life illustration at end before back cover
Images © Shutterstock
What & How?
The eco-pledge as a whole consists of 19 individual pledges as well as 32
quotations from the Bahá’í Writings.

It’s up to you how you would like to use the eco-pledge, but joining and
learning with others is usually most effective. It’s difficult to implement all
actions simultaneously. Instead, try a few new actions for a week or so, and
then add in more practical changes in the weeks and months following, building
up good environmental practice and making a growing difference to your
impact on the planet and the climate emergency. As the Bahá’í calendar
consists of 19 months, perhaps your community could pledge to focus on one
of the 19 actions every month?

The quotations from the Bahá’í writings are intended for deepening and
meditation to support the pledge actions and place them in a spiritual context.
They revolve around the subject of humanity’s vital interconnection with
nature, our role as stewards of the planet’s biosphere, and they highlight
virtues such as moderation, justice and humility.

Get started!
Hopefully you’ll feel inspired to take this timely eco-pledge, and help to combat
global warming and increasing extreme weather events. Taking various actions
—as in this eco-pledge—sends a hopeful message to everyone around us. Let
us remain hopeful. All of us can play a part in safeguarding the beauty and
wondrous resources of our natural world for the sake of our future
generations.

Please share this eco-pledge compilation with whoever you think might be
interested and invite them to join in with practical actions. Feel free to share
your feedback and experiences with cop26@glasgowbahais.org.uk
1 Choose a renewable energy supplier
I will switch to a 100% renewable energy tariff (switching my supplier if
necessary) for my home. I will consider doing this for any business
premises I might have or suggest to my employer that they might want to
investigate adopting a renewable energy supply.

There are several green energy suppliers and some of the big companies
also offer green tariffs. For maximum impact, it is important to choose
100% renewable energy for both electricity and gas.

Tidal energy Hydroelectricity
Wind energy Geothermal energy

Solar energy Biomass energy

© Shutterstock

© (aboubakr) Adobe Stock
In the realm of humanity, therefore,
cooperation and mutual aid are in a greater
degree of completeness than that which
prevaileth in the other realms of existence –
so much so, that the life of humanity
dependeth entirely upon this principle.

– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
cited in Research Department of the Universal House of Justice,
The Institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (2017), No. 22
2 Plant-based foods
I will aim to eat more plant-based foods and lower my consumption of
meat (especially beef and lamb) and dairy produce. I will be mindful of
selecting seasonal and local produce.

Meat and dairy products use up a lot more land, water
and energy resources than plant-based foods. Have
you considered eating meat only once a week, as a
special treat? To minimise carbon dioxide emissions
for transport and storage, the best choices are
locally grown produce and fruit and vegetables that
are in season.

“What will be the food of the future?”
“Fruit and grains. The time will come when
meat will no longer be eaten. Medical science
is only in its infancy, yet it has shown that our
natural diet is that which grows out of the
ground. The people will gradually develop up
to the condition of this natural food.”
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
cited in Julia M. Grundy, Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká
3 Carbon footprint calculator
I will calculate my carbon footprint using an online calculator to help me
assess how I can make my lifestyle more sustainable. I will also think about
any other ways in which I can help to reduce my environmental footprint
and reflect upon whether there are any blind spots that I have in terms of
where I could improve towards a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

By answering quick and simple multiple-choice questions about your
current lifestyle and consumer habits on the following website you can see
clearly and understand how to improve our climate change impact. It’s very
interesting, easy to do and highly recommended: footprint.wwf.org.uk

© Shutterstock

We cannot segregate the human heart
from the environment outside us and
say that once one of these is reformed
everything will be improved. Man is
organic with the world. His inner life
moulds the environment and is itself
also deeply affected by it. The one
acts upon the other and every abiding
change in the life of man is the result
of these mutual reactions.

– Shoghi Effendi,
Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an
individual
© (nature design) Adobe Stock
4 Moderation

I will think about whether I can be happier with fewer possessions, and I
will share what I don’t need with others. I will use the resources I have
already, before going to buy something I might not require.

Clothes that you won’t wear again can be given to charity shops. Unused
electricals (small kitchen appliances, power tools for DIY, electronic
gadgets) or surplus building materials (including home decorating supplies
such as leftover paint) can be given to community groups, repair cafés,
tool libraries, etc.

Using resources you already have, or delaying a purchase that you don’t
(or don’t yet) need, are very helpful actions for lowering the ecological
burden on the planet. Reflect on the notion of “moderate consumerism”
—how many things do you buy that are excessive and unnecessary to your
needs?

Whoso cleaveth to justice, can,
under no circumstances, transgress
the limits of moderation. He
discerneth the truth in all things,
through the guidance of Him Who
is the All-Seeing.
The civilization, so often vaunted
by the learned exponents of arts and
sciences, will, if allowed to
overleap the bounds of moderation,
bring great evil upon men. If carried
[A true seeker] should be content
to excess, civilization will prove as
with little, and be freed from all
prolific a source of evil as it had
inordinate desire. He should treasure
been of goodness when kept within
the companionship of them that have
the restraints of moderation.
renounced the world…
– Bahá’u’lláh,
– Bahá’u’lláh,
Gleanings, No. CLXIV
Gleanings, No. CXXV
5 Ethical shopping
I will be a more conscious shopper and try to choose products and
suppliers whose practices are not harmful for the planet. Over time, I aim
to build up my awareness of various companies’ ethical and environmental
responsibility. I’m willing to carry out some investigation to educate myself
and improve my knowledge of sustainability issues.

Cheap goods often have involved exploitation of people and the environment.
We should remain wary of purchases that contribute towards inequality, and
favour ethically-responsible choices. Ethical or environmental product labels
can be very helpful in this regard. We must however remain vigilant towards
the misleading practice of ‘greenwashing’ in product marketing.
As an example, in the event of buying new furniture comprising elements of
wood, we should endeavour to source goods that have been crafted from
sustainable materials supplied through accredited pathways such as the Forest
Stewardship Scheme. Or, if purchasing paints or varnishes, make sure to
choose those lowest in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emissions. Look
for the ‘MINIMAL VOC content’ label.
With multi-ingredient products, such as chocolate, it is worth checking that
both the cocoa and the sugar are ethical and sustainable in their production.
Refrain from buying holiday souvenirs and jewellery if you can’t be certain that
they were sourced ethically and sustainability; reject, for example, products
made from coral, shells, exotic leather, timber, exotic foods and endangered
plants, as they can easily unwittingly fall into this category.

The essence of all that We have
revealed for thee is Justice, is for man
to free himself from idle fancy and
imitation, discern with the eye of
oneness His glorious handiwork, and
look into all things with a searching
eye.

– Bahá’u’lláh,
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Asl-i-Kullu’l-Khayr
6 Travel Choices
I will make the environment a central consideration in my travel choices. For journeys less
than 1 mile, I’ll consider walking or cycling. Wherever feasible, I will use public transport. If
I must drive, I will drive efficiently and consider car-sharing. If I need to purchase or renew
a private vehicle, I’ll endeavour to make the most environmentally sound choice possible.
I will fly less and look into offsetting the carbon expenditure of the air flights that I’ve
taken in the past by donating funds to an environmental project.

Walking and cycling additionally have health benefits for most, and
appropriate clothing will minimise the impact of weather.
If buying a car, an electric car (charged with renewable
electricity), a hybrid, or a smaller car with a lower
consumption / higher efficiency are worth considering
from an environmental perspective. Or, instead of
buying a car, have you considered joining a car club
instead?
Offsetting can involve planting trees, through an expert reforestation
organisation (such as Trees for Life, a Scottish Highlands rewilding project that
has a Bahá’í Unity Grove and a World Interfaith Harmony Grove). Alongside
these groves, Bahá’ís in and around Glasgow will be supporting the Iwokrama
Forest conservation and social development project in Guyana for years to
come, to leave a legacy from COP26. The Iwokrama project operates
sustainable forestry in partnership with the indigenous population to protect
the region’s rich ecological inheritance.

Reflection: O Lord! Unto Thee I repair for refuge, and
toward all Thy signs I set my heart. O Lord!
Consider how many flights you Whether traveling or at home, and in my
took in the last 10 years – one long- occupation or in my work, I place my whole
haul return flight adds a surprisingly trust in Thee.
large amount to your carbon Grant me then Thy sufficing help so as to
footprint... sometimes as much as make me independent of all things, O Thou
Who art unsurpassed in Thy mercy!
all other carbon emission-related
Bestow upon me my portion, O Lord, as
lifestyle actions totalled over 1-3 Thou pleasest, and cause me to be satisfied
years. The same applies with with whatsoever Thou hast ordained for me.
multiple short–medium length Thine is the absolute authority to command.
plane journeys. – The Báb,
Selections from the Writings of the Báb, Ch. 7

Weblinks: Bahá’í Unity Grove: treesforlife.org.uk/groves/g7033 Iwokrama Forest: iwokrama.org
World Interfaith Harmony Grove: treesforlife.org.uk/groves/g8922
7 Home insulation & heating

I will minimise heat loss from my home by adjusting habits. I will plan and
implement any home insulation improvements which are feasible.

During the cold winter months, most of us rely upon heating our living
spaces. Some governments (including in Scotland) offer financial
incentives to improve thermal energy insulation for homes.
To get fresh air into your home, ventilate in short bursts by opening
windows wide for brief amounts of time, rather than keeping them slightly
open all the time.

Let your vision be worldembracing, rather than confined
to your own self.

– Bahá’u’lláh,
Gleanings, No. XLIII

Credit - Simon Williams
8 Ethical investments, savings & pensions
I will check my bank’s ethical credentials and switch to an alternative if its
investment practices are harmful to the environment. I will find out
whether my pension provider(s) have ethical options available and choose
these, or switch providers where possible.

Do you know how your
savings and retirement
funds are being invested,
which industry types and
businesses are profiting?
The more customers who
express their objection to
continued investment in
fossil fuels the greater the
momentum is maintained in
bringing about change. It’s
usually very simple to find out by calling your pension provider or check
the options available in your online account.
Transactions involving cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are very energy
intensive and best avoided.

O SON OF SPIRIT! The best beloved
of all things in My sight is Justice; turn
not away therefrom if thou desirest Me,
and neglect it not that I may confide in
thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine
own eyes and not through the eyes of
others, and shalt know of thine own
knowledge and not through the
knowledge of thy neighbour. Ponder
this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee
to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee
and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set
it then before thine eyes.

– Bahá’u’lláh,
Persian Hidden Words, No. 2
9 Food waste reduction
I will aim to reduce the food waste of my household. I will buy only what
can be consumed before spoilage occurs, setting correct portion sizes and
using leftovers in another meal. If because of short ‘use-by’ (expiration)
dates it becomes evident that I will have food going to waste, I will donate
it to a food bank or share it with neighbours before this occurs.

The OLIO app (olioex.com, Android, iOS) can help you find local takers for
food you want to give away.

Economy is the foundation of
human prosperity. The
spendthrift is always in trouble.
Prodigality on the part of any
person is an unpardonable sin.

– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
cited in J. E. Esslemont, Bahá’u’lláh and the New
Era, p. 286
10 Energy use at home
I am going to be more aware of my energy use at home and am happy to
look at ways of reducing it: I’ll look into measures such as LED lighting;
thermostats and radiator thermostats; smart meters; using the most
efficient ways to cook.

Using pot lids to retain the cooking heat which can reduce energy use by a
quarter (25% less) saving you money too. And only boil as much water as
you need.

Credit - Abbie Trayler-Smith / UK Department for International Development

Every man of discernment, while
walking upon the earth, feeleth indeed
abashed, inasmuch as he is fully aware
that the thing which is the source of his
prosperity, his wealth, his might, his
exaltation, his advancement and power
is, as ordained by God, the very earth
which is trodden beneath the feet of all
men. There can be no doubt that
whoever is cognizant of this truth, is
cleansed and sanctified from all pride,
arrogance, and vainglory.

– Bahá’u’lláh,
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
11 Increase spirituality

I will organise a community devotional focussed on the environment with
some prayers for climate justice and Indigenous peoples. I can even do
this just by myself in moments of quietude.

We must give thought to and recognise the spiritual values that we need,
both individually and collectively, to bring about the necessary changes in
modern lifestyles to ensure long-term sustainability.
These spiritual values include: Equity and Justice, Moderation,
Trustworthiness and Moral Leadership, as well as the Independent
Investigation of Truth.

Wert thou to attain to but a
dewdrop of the crystal
waters of divine knowledge,
thou wouldst readily realize
that true life is not the life of
the flesh but the life of the
spirit…

– Bahá’u’lláh,
cited in J. E. Esslemont,
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, p. 221
© (Mihhail) Adobe Stock

Reflect upon the inner realities of
the universe, the secret wisdoms
involved, the enigmas, the
interrelationships, the rules that
govern all. For every part of the
universe is connected with every
other part by ties that are very
powerful and admit of no
imbalance....
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
Selections from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, No. 137 © (Marek) Adobe Stock
12 High quality products
I will favour acquiring durable, higher quality products that have the
potential to last longer. I will have items repaired when it is sensible and
not financially prohibitive to do so.
I should also consider buying high quality refurbished goods.

Durable goods may cost more initially but
usually reduce impact on the environment
and often save money in the long run.
Consider disposing of old goods only when
they are beyond repair or are too shabby in
appearance.

Bahá’u’lláh suggested a 19-year renewal period for home furniture in the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas; how different is this to the present-day habits of fast fashion
and annual mobile phone contracts! If a purchase can be delayed, let’s
consider doing so.

Material resources will always be required
to sustain civilization. Humanity, observed
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, will be “constantly taking
out of nature’s laboratory new and
wonderful things.” As consciousness of
the oneness of humankind increases, so too
does the recognition that the wealth and
wonders of the earth are the common
heritage of all people, who deserve just
and equitable access to its resources.

– Bahá’í International Community,
Nature and the Advancement of Civilization,
bahai.org website
13Respect & protect the natural environment
I will appreciate and protect all natural spaces including the land, forests,
rivers, oceans and wildlife.
I’ll connect with and value green spaces local to me.

Urban parks have a beneficial effect on the local climate, our health &
(physical and mental) wellbeing, and wildlife also.

Through being, resting and meditating in nature, we can grow closer and
quicken our connection to our spiritual self and gain a deeper sense of
peace and tranquillity.

In recent years it has become popular to pave over or put wooden decking
within garden areas, sometimes just to reduce the maintenance of green
spaces. This has a detrimental effect upon wildlife and can have an impact
on local flooding also. Having a smaller area allotted to grass lawn while
setting aside more space for plant species of greater wildlife value such as
wildflowers, is a valuable benefit for boosting a richer biodiversity in your
garden.

Say: Nature in its essence is
the embodiment of My
Name, the Maker, the
Creator. Its manifestations
are diversified by varying
causes, and in this diversity
there are signs for men of
discernment. Nature is God’s
Will and is its expression in
and through the contingent
world. It is a dispensation of
Providence ordained by the
The country is the world of the soul, the city Ordainer, the All-Wise.
is the world of bodies.
– Bahá’u’lláh,
– Bahá’u’lláh, cited in J. E. Esslemont, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh revealed after
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, p. 35 the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Lawh-i-Hikmat
14 Organic produce

I will purchase organic goods wherever my budget allows.

Pesticides often kill many diverse organisms and plants and can contribute
to environmental pollution, while buying organic products protects
biodiversity, including vital pollinators of foods. Growing a small selection
of fruit and vegetables can be a very rewarding experience and allows us
to appreciate nature more!

[C]o-operation and reciprocity
are essential properties which are
inherent in the unified system of
the world of existence, and
without which the entire creation
would be reduced to nothingness.

– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
cited in Bahá’í International Community,
Conservation and Sustainable Development
in the Bahá’í Faith
15 Plastics
I will begin to buy fewer products that are packaged in plastic and
especially avoid single-use plastic items. I will avoid contributing to
microplastics pollution. Also, I will take reusable bags with me when I go
shopping.

Plastic litter and the rapid increase in microplastics (and microfibres) in the
environment is harmful to wildlife and increasingly toxic to humans also.
Avoid polystyrene/Styrofoam as it’s one of the most persistent and
environmentally-damaging packaging materials.
Microfibres are found in fleece clothing and blankets—they come loose
when they’re washed and enter the water stream and then become
ingested by animals and humans. Buy products from natural materials such
as cotton, wool and hemp instead.

O son of man! If thine eyes be turned towards
mercy, forsake the things that profit thee and
cleave unto that which will profit mankind.
And if thine eyes be turned towards justice,
choose thou for thy neighbour that which
thou choosest for thyself. Humility exalteth
man to the heaven of glory and power, whilst
pride abaseth him to the depths of
wretchedness and degradation.

– Bahá’u’lláh,
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
16 Recycle

I will recycle paper, plastic, tins and glass (and any other recyclables) and
compost my food waste.

Different local authorities often have different lists of what can be
accepted as recycling. Being aware of and following the rules increases the
proportion of material that can actually be recycled.

The Lord of all mankind hath
fashioned this human realm to be a
Garden of Eden, an earthly paradise.
If, as it must, it findeth the way to
harmony and peace, to love and
mutual trust, it will become a true
abode of bliss, a place of manifold
blessings and unending delights.
Therein shall be revealed the
excellence of humankind, therein shall
the rays of the Sun of Truth shine forth
on every hand.

– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings
of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, No. 220
17 Home Appliances
If purchasing an appliance (white electric goods, hot-water boiler etc.), I
will prioritise my choice based upon energy efficiency ratings. Also, I’ll use
appliances in the most efficient way; i.e., putting in a full load of clothes /
dishes / etc. and running it on the most energy-saving setting.

All men
have been created
to carry forward
an ever-advancing
civilization.

– Bahá’u’lláh,
Gleanings, No. CIX
18 Save water
I’m going to practice conservative water usage. I’ll consider installing flow
reduction devices for showerheads, taps etc. and look into rainwater
harvesting for garden watering. These actions are generally inexpensive
but over a period of time can lower energy use and save money also.

All of the water that comes out of our taps has been treated (physically &
chemically) to make it safe for drinking and often has to be pumped along
the pipes to arrive at our homes. The average person in the UK uses over
140 litres of water daily, so that’s in excess of 140 kilograms of water per
day that needs to be pumped to supply your water pipe. Consider then
that a family of 4 uses over half a ton every day!
This preparation work and pipeline delivery has an associated carbon
footprint because of the energy use in bringing clean water to our tap.

The earth is
but one country,
and mankind
its citizens.

– Bahá’u’lláh,
Gleanings, No. CXVII
19 Connect & talk to others

I will speak to at least two people I know about the issues regarding
climate change and about anything useful that I’ve learned from this
pledge or other reading and investigations.

Perhaps you have some practical energy saving techniques that are worth
sharing? Or maybe you have experienced an example of how to apply a
spiritual principle to mitigate climate change? Or any other knowledge
gleaned from learning about COP26 and climate change?
You might even want to write to your local elected representative!

“Be anxiously concerned with the needs of
the age ye live in, and centre your
deliberations on its exigencies and
requirements,” [Bahá’u’lláh counselled his
followers.] …
It is with such thoughts in mind that
Bahá’ís enter into collaboration, as their
resources permit, with an increasing
number of movements, organizations,
groups and individuals, establishing
partnerships that strive to transform society
and further the cause of unity, promote
human welfare, and contribute to world
solidarity.

– The Universal House of Justice,
Letter dated 2 March 2013
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Glasgow hopes that you
feel encouraged and uplifted by participating in this eco-pledge!

Just as nature provides us with the material nourishment we
require, we should gratefully accept our role as responsible
stewards of the earth’s resources.

As we labour together in our efforts to preserve the abundant
gifts on our Earth, we are confident that all our individual actions
will bear fruit and merge in cooperation with each
other’s efforts for the benefit of all living on this planet both
today and in the future.

Copyright © Bahá’í International Community Copyright © Bahá’í International Community
Stewardship of Nature: Readings for deepening

Consider the world of created beings, how varied and diverse they are in species, yet with
one sole origin. All the differences that appear are those of outward form and colour. This
diversity of type is apparent throughout the whole of nature. …
Let us look at the beauty in diversity, the beauty of harmony, and learn a lesson…
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, 28th October 1911

By nature is meant those inherent properties and necessary relations derived from the
realities of things. And these realities of things, though in the utmost diversity, are yet
intimately connected one with the other… Liken the world of existence to the temple of
man. All the organs of the human body assist one another, therefore life continues…
Likewise among the parts of existence there is a wonderful connection and interchange
of forces which is the cause of life of the world and the continuation of these countless
phenomena.
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, cited in Bahá’í International Community, The Bahá’í Statement on Nature,
1987

The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its
unity is firmly established.
– Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, No. CXXXI

Consumer culture, today’s inheritor by default of materialism’s gospel of human
betterment, is unembarrassed by the ephemeral nature of the goals that inspire it. For the
small minority of people who can afford them, the benefits it offers are immediate, and
the rationale unapologetic. Emboldened by the breakdown of traditional morality, the
advance of the new creed is essentially no more than the triumph of animal impulse, as
instinctive and blind as appetite, released at long last from the restraints of supernatural
sanctions. … Tendencies once universally castigated as moral failings mutate into
necessities of social progress. Selfishness becomes a prized commercial resource;
falsehood reinvents itself as public information… Under appropriate euphemisms, greed,
lust, indolence, pride—even violence—acquire not merely broad acceptance but social
and economic value.
– Bahá’í International Community, One Common Faith

Look not upon the creatures of God except with the eye of kindliness and of mercy,
for Our loving providence hath pervaded all created things, and Our grace encompassed
the earth and the heavens.
– Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, No. XIV
O Thou kind Lord! Grant that these trees may become the adornment of the Abhá
Paradise. Cause them to grow through Thy celestial bounty. Make them fresh and verdant
and besprinkle them with heavenly dewdrops. Attire them with robes of radiant beauty
and crown their heads with gorgeous blossoms. Adorn them with goodly fruit and waft
over them Thy sweet savours.
Thou art the Bestower, the All-Loving, the Most Radiant, the Most Resplendent.
– ‘Abdu’l‐Bahá, Additional Prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Train your children from the earliest days to be infinitely tender and loving to animals.
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, No. 138

Only a comprehensive vision of a global society, supported by universal values and
principles, can inspire individuals to take responsibility for the long-term care and
protection of the natural environment. Bahá’ís find such a world-embracing vision and
system of values in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh—teachings which herald an era of
planetary justice, prosperity and unity.
– Bahá’í International Community, Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Bahá’í
Faith, 1995

The welfare of any segment of humanity is inextricably bound up with the welfare of the
whole. Humanity’s collective life suffers when any one group thinks of its own well-being
in isolation from that of its neighbours or pursues economic gain without regard for how
the natural environment, which provides sustenance for all, is affected.
– The Universal House of Justice, Message to the Bahá’ís of the World, 1st March 2017

But now coming to man, we see he hath neither hooked teeth nor sharp nails or claws,
nor teeth like iron sickles. From this it becometh evident and manifest that the food of
man is cereals and fruit. Some of the teeth of man are like millstones to grind the grain,
and some are sharp to cut the fruit. Therefore he is not in need of meat, nor is he obliged
to eat it. Even without eating meat he would live with the utmost vigour and energy. For
example, the community of the Brahmins in India do not eat meat; notwithstanding this
they are not inferior to other nations in strength, power, vigour, outward senses or
intellectual virtues. Truly, the killing of animals and the eating of their meat is somewhat
contrary to pity and compassion, and if one can content oneself with cereals, fruit, oil and
nuts, such as pistachios, almonds and so on, it would undoubtedly be better and more
pleasing.
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Compilation of Compilations: Health, Healing, and Nutrition, No. 17

“What will be the food of the future?” “Fruit and grains. The time will come when meat
will no longer be eaten. Medical science is only in its infancy, yet it has shown that our
natural diet is that which grows out of the ground. The people will gradually develop up
to the condition of this natural food.” {as seen in pledge No. 2}
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, cited in Julia M. Grundy, Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká
We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that
once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world.
His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts
upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual
reactions. {3}
– Shoghi Effendi, Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 17 February
1933

Whoso cleaveth to justice, can, under no circumstances, transgress the limits of
moderation. He discerneth the truth in all things, through the guidance of Him Who is the
All-Seeing. The civilization, so often vaunted by the learned exponents of arts and
sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men.
Thus warneth you He Who is the All-Knowing. If carried to excess, civilization will prove as
prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of
moderation. {4}
– Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, No. CLXIV

[A true seeker] should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate desire. He
should treasure the companionship of them that have renounced the world… {4}
– Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, No. CXXV

Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self. {7}
– Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, No. XLIII

O Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away
therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou
shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine
own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbour. Ponder this in thy
heart; how it behoveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My
loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes. {8}
– Bahá’u’lláh, Persian Hidden Words, No. 2

Economy is the foundation of human prosperity. The spendthrift is always in trouble.
Prodigality on the part of any person is an unpardonable sin. {9}
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, cited in J. E. Esslemont, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, p. 286

Every man of discernment, while walking upon the earth, feeleth indeed abashed,
inasmuch as he is fully aware that the thing which is the source of his prosperity, his
wealth, his might, his exaltation, his advancement and power is, as ordained by God, the
very earth which is trodden beneath the feet of all men. There can be no doubt that
whoever is cognizant of this truth, is cleansed and sanctified from all pride, arrogance,
and vainglory. {10}
– Bahá’u’lláh, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
Reflect upon the inner realities of the universe, the secret wisdoms involved, the enigmas,
the interrelationships, the rules that govern all. For every part of the universe is
connected with every other part by ties that are very powerful and admit of no
imbalance… {11}
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, No. 137

Material resources will always be required to sustain civilization. Humanity, observed
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, will be “constantly taking out of nature’s laboratory new and wonderful
things.” As consciousness of the oneness of humankind increases, so too does the
recognition that the wealth and wonders of the earth are the common heritage of all
people, who deserve just and equitable access to its resources. {12}
– Bahá’í International Community, Nature and the Advancement of Civilization, bahai.org
website

The country is the world of the soul, the city is the world of bodies. {13}
– Bahá’u’lláh, cited in J. E. Esslemont, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, p. 35

Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. Its
manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for
men of discernment. Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the
contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-
Wise. {13}
– Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Lawh-i-Hikmat

The Lord of all mankind hath fashioned this human realm to be a Garden of Eden, an
earthly paradise. If, as it must, it findeth the way to harmony and peace, to love and
mutual trust, it will become a true abode of bliss, a place of manifold blessings and
unending delights. Therein shall be revealed the excellence of humankind, therein shall
the rays of the Sun of Truth shine forth on every hand. {16}
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, No. 220

All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. {17}
– Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, No. CIX

The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens. {18}
– Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, No. CXVII
This Eco-Pledge was prepared under the auspices of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Glasgow
Registered in Scotland | Charity No. SC001967 | Company No. SC054995
Autumn 2021 / 178 B.E.
The digital version can be downloaded from www.glasgowbahais.org.uk/cop26
Your feedback and comments are welcome: cop26@glasgowbahais.org.uk
More information about the Bahá’í Faith can be found at www.bahai.org

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