Looking at the origins of words can be revealing. For example, “ecology” and “economy” are both derived from the Greek word “ecos” which means home.  Ecology is literally the study of home. Economy is the management of home.

These days, many people think of liberal scientists or tree-huggers when they hear about ecology or the environment, while the economy has become an all-important man-made deity that must be “saved” at all costs. I am dismayed when I realize that these two concepts, originally so intertwined, are now more often than not, diametrically opposed.

We’ve all heard someone say that tackling issues like climate change will be too damaging to the economy (although it will be quite the contrary). There are countless examples that illustrate how our economic priorities are exclusive of the environment.

The earth, much like our individual homes, is inextricably linked to and indeed is the very source of our economy. The recent economic meltdown is a good example of the fundamental importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced real estate market. But it is also an indicator of a deeper, more systemic problem.

Continue reading ECOlogy-ECOnomy.