Ecosystem theory of goodness

I think that the theory of goodness that I most align with and can subsequently can best defend is the ecosystem theory of goodness. Ecosystem is a hugely encompassing term. Ecosystems are all around us, they include the classrooms we learn in, the microbes that make up the majority of our body, and organisms in Hunsberger Woods. Ecosystems are composed of communities of living organisms and the nonliving environment that they interact with. To start, this is the foundation of life itself, if there are no ecosystems, there is no life. More importantly, I believe that making the foundation of morality promoting healthy ecosystems (and subsequently communities) is the best way to foster other goods such as equality, and well-being. There are two components to how this can play out: one is probably what most people think of when considering an ecosystem, that we should foster a healthy environment. We should care for the earth and other organisms under this theory of goodness. I believe that this is true but perhaps not to the degree that is expected with environmentalism, we also need to understand that any group of organisms is going to have to live off the earth, so this does not mean leaving the earth and other organisms alone entirely, but doing so with respect and with stewardship- these things are necessary for promoting healthy ecosystems.  I think that fostering healthier environments and valuing sustainable living will subsequently promote equality as there would be less resource monopoly. Next: the theory of ecosystem goodness can be applied directly to human communities as well. I think promoting the good of all ecosystems includes human civilization. What is the good of this ecosystem you may ask? Things most people seem to already really value, healthy relationships, freedom, pleasure and the absence of suffering, equal opportunities, beauty. This may seem like a stretch for most people, however, I think if you stop dichotomizing the world between “nature” and humans, the all-encompassing goodness coming from valuing ecosystems becomes apparent. Still, people may object to my reasoning because it is not placing humans above other organisms, or even say a rock. My rejoinder to this is that placing value in all of those things does not mean that we necessarily treat them all the same or with the same amount of regard. That is not what valuing the ecosystem as goodness dictates. This theory as I conceptualize it does not mean that we care just as much about ants as our fellow humans, but rather we respect all forms of life and the ecosystem on a whole, where some death and consumption must occur; the theory however dictates that we do this in a thoughtful, responsible and sustainable manner.