Eco-Isolationists

"We would do well to remember that we are not native to this planet, and therefore we must interfere with its workings as little as possible. Observe, don't touch."

Eco-Isolationists are a sub-sect of people that differentiate themselves from typical Isolationists by adhering to a stricter code of environmental awareness, sustainable living, and working alongside nature rather than against it. Although still considering Arcadia their home and admitting that they have no choice but to live and survive on the planet, they take a 'hands-off' approach to the ecosystem, shunning practices like geoengineering and the domestication of wildlife due to the belief that humans and Vasgarth are not native and therefore should not interfere. Despite this, Eco-Isolationists are typically keen scientists, specialising in green energy solutions and the biodiverse environments in which they live.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

The tenets and shared values of Eco-Isolationists are fairly straightforward and almost entirely bounded within a focus on keeping the ecosystem of Arcadia pure. Otherwise, they share similar beliefs to the Isolationists they sprung from. Some of the core tenets are as follows:

"We are not native, and therefore we must interfere with the planet as little as possible": All Eco-Isolationists agree that altering Arcadia's landscape in any way, such as clearing large swathes of forest, geo-engineering natural formations like hills or rivers, as well as displacing or domesticating wild animals, is wrong. They believe that being a non-native of the ecosystem forbids them from having any right over its current state and future.
"We are better off out of sight and out of mind from the galaxy at large": A belief shared by all Isolationists, Eco-Isolationists are no different when it comes to their view that The Earth Empire was more of a detriment to their way of life on Arcadia than a benefit. They would prefer it if current affairs would stay the way they are for an indefinite amount of time; freedom of choice for citizens in how to live their lives, as well as making science and not money a driving factor in exploring the planet, means happier and more successful people in the long-run.
"Wherever we can, we must make use of the energy the world freely gives us, rather than taking from nature to power our lives": For Eco-Isolationists, using resources that damage the environment in any way or need to be extracted from nature (usually to the detriment of the ecosystem) are almost considered taboo. Green energy sources, such as solar, hydro and wind power, as well as using certain types of waste material as biofuel, are championed as being the only truly sustainable way of living.
"To study the environment in which we live is to be closer to nature, and therefore closer to understanding how to limit our impact on it": Science is considered extremely important among most Eco-Isolationists. Scientific education, especially in ecological and conservation studies, are prized by Eco-Isolationists as the highest form of education a person can receive. It is viewed that the more research is done and the more knowledge is gained, the more the environment in which they live will benefit from the existence of Eco-Isolationist communities.
"Do not throw away that which can be used again": Recycling plays a major role in Eco-Isolationist communities, with most items they use sourced responsibly from nature or taken from old and worn-out artificial items. It is their belief that almost all things when they break can be used again and again if processed correctly; anything from clothing, to a toothbrush, or even a building can be recycled into something else that will serve another purpose for a while.
"Respect the native fauna and flora": Almost too obvious to be stated, cruelty to animals and wantonly destroying plant life is strictly forbidden in Eco-Isolationist society, and carries heavy punishments if carried out. Hunting, fishing, and the poaching of eggs are also not permitted considering most meats can be grown artificially from cells for consumption, with a lot of Eco-Isolationists sticking to vegetarianism or veganism as a preference.

Art & Architecture

Much of Eco-Isolationist art and architecture is sourced from natural or recycled materials. Wood that has been sustainably logged (usually by non-Eco-Isolationist factions) or naturally felled by nature is one of the more common materials used for buildings, although they have also been known to utilise metal recycled from old starships, satellites, and vehicles to complement wooden structures. In particular, northern Eco-Isolationists are noted for their settlements being built high-up off the ground in sophisticated treehouses, removing the need for deforestation, whereas the southern Eco-Isolationists make use of caves and natural materials like adobe for construction.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Eco-Isolationists carry the idea of environmental wellbeing even into death, believing that their bodies should give something back to the planet as thanks for helping them survive throughout their lifetime. As such, burials are particularly common, with most choosing to be buried in biodegradable pods underneath newly-planted trees or other shrubbery that marks a gravesite. These 'green cemeteries' are quite common throughout areas where Eco-Isolationists live, and are marked appropriately to inform people that the site should be treated with respect and not disturbed in any way. Another means of remains disposal is aquamation, a method especially favoured by the Vasgarth Eco-Isolationists, whose species have traditionally used cremation throughout their history. Aquamation (known scientifically as alkaline hydrolysis) uses water mixed with an alkaline solution instead of fire to accelerate decomposition of a body until only bone fragments are left. This environmentally friendly alternative allows what is left of a person to enter into the water courses of Arcadia, effectively returning to nature, whilst allowing loved ones to have the ashes (ground bone fragments) to do with as they please. Funerary rites tend to follow whatever religion or beliefs the person held during life, with some opting for elaborate funerals and others simple memorial services. Eco-Isolationists are as varied in this regard as any other culture on Arcadia.

Major organizations

Most Eco-Isolationists live within The Northern Alliance and The Southern Alliance, the latter of which is a protectorate of the former. Both base their entire societies around the tenets of Eco-Isolationism. Other factions, such as the CFAS, AEU, Longacre Collective, and USK have Eco-Isolationist groups within their societies that tend to try and push their governments towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly actions, although they are very much in the minority against standard Isolationism. Regardless, the tide of Eco-Isolationism is rising as factions expand their settlements and reach across Arcadia, making it more and more likely that in time, the culture will have a powerful base in faction politics.

-PLEASE NOTE: This archive entry is still a work in progress and some of the information within may be missing or incomplete. Only verified information is permitted to be entered into the archive. Thank you for your understanding.-
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Parent ethnicities