Although it sounds like most people are conscious of their impact (or at least the size of their carbon footprint) I have to wonder what would happen if we all did one, small, proactive thing for the environment?
Personally speaking, I'm trying not to be depressed about the current state of our environmental health. News headlines point to our dire environmental future. Report projections chart various damning outcomes due to our consumption. Science museum and educational programs offer stunning displays of the beauty of our world and deeply admonish, "But remember, we're losing all this." I think we're all aware of that. I think we've all heard it is do-or-die and should have been started fifty years ago. Does the scared-straight messaging work on you anymore?
Environmental and new age health magazines offer dramatic lifestyle overhauls. Experts call for radical policy changes. Earth Day articles offer long lists of what individuals can do, should do, should want to do, should insist your employer/businesses you frequent/your government should do. There's where I think most people glaze over. How many of us are willing to make such substantial, uncomfortable-sounding changes, or try to make a hundred little ones?
I happen to think we live on the prettiest planet. We have an embarrassment of natural resource riches that we are mismanaging. I believe we can speak up and press for sustainable public policy while remembering small actions can have big impact. Inspired by Wangari Maathai's story I'm going to support the planting of 12 trees, an obvious equivalent of one for each month until next Earth Day. I can do it in multiple ways: plant in my own yard, sponsor one for the community, give them as gifts...but it is something additive that I don't do now. What one small thing will you do?
What environmental impact can a group of Gather individuals make?
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Julia Schrenkler
American Public Media Interactive Producer
sustainability.gather.com
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Comments: 18
We only shop once a week, plan in advance and make one trip. Saves on gas usage.
Recycle weekly. We have a great garbage service that will take just about any recyclable product. Newspapers, milk jugs, cardboard, plastic bags, glass bottles, etc.
Plant more! Yeah, there might be more CO2 in the atmosphere today but everything you plant takes some of that out and replaces it with more oxygen. It's been said that planting one tree takes the place of 10 cars on the road.
For something immediate, perhaps we will participate in local community clean-ups. Thanks for putting this issue out there.
Diana, I hope you'll keep us updated on the search for an alternatively fueled vehicle to share what you discover. I'm very interested in how people find the right alt fuel vehicle to match their needs.
This year I tried to do something additive. We already do the recycling (hmmm we could step it up a notch) and I use the metro transit for my commute, etc. but I wanted to try something mindful and proactive this year. I'm finding some really thoughtful ideas here from the great folks on Gather - there's inspiration everywhere!
The people selling do not care or understand the damage, the people who buy, same thing,if the state gets involved it become infringing on the right of the owner. The only thing the county requires is that loblollly pine should be replanted but no one monitors that it is done.
This is how we affect the environment, ignorance pure and simple and lack of planning.
Homes require pine and other woods to be built but there are alternatives if we care to look for them.
(Found a page on the loblolly pine - can only imagine that replanting is an important investment in our environment and the future economics for residents.)
We are not frugal and do not save or preserve what we have . I think the attitude has to change toward the use of natural resources from water, which is a finite source, to gas and electricity. The wasteful attitude has to be replaced by the conserve attitude and taught at a young age.
I am planning to build a solar home in the future and do away with heat and air by building accordingly. I am looking in to wind generated energy also. I have been frugal about resources for years because that is the way I was brought up. I am trying to buy 100 acres of wooded land now to keep it from getting cut down. I hope it will work out.
We compost, keep a couple of hens, and grow our own organic vegetable. Do we not only eat healthier, but we also save on those trips to the store.
This year we planted 7 fruit trees.