Expedition for Change: Think Globally, Act Locally

I have been fortunate enough in my life to have never lost anyone close to me. Recently, my grandfather was very ill and for the first time, I caught a glimpse of what it would be like to lose something so dear and precious to me. For awhile, the threat of losing him loomed over me like a dark cloud.  

We as a people have been confronted with this exact issue, losing something precious in our lives, at an environmental level. Due to global warming, the environment is at risk of being lost as we know it. We have been challenged with the responsibility to encourage change and take action, locally and globally.  

Making dramatic changes to how we live is inevitable. However, to most people (myself included) the thought of radical change can be overwhelming and sometimes paralyzing, resulting in no change at all!  Margaret Mead’s brilliant words are vital in our efforts of making a difference, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful devoted citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that has."  

Personally, my efforts thus far in contributing to change have included the “little things” that I can do on my own. The use of reusable bags when shopping, taking part in Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) and sustainable farming methods, buying fair trade, converting to energy efficient home methods, composting, recycling/reusing, supporting active environmental organizations, etc. We can do so much more when we come together. This is why I have started spreading the knowledge through organizing small environmental events in my community that bring people together for positive change.  The little things we do, the small groups we create to inspire others and make a difference, can, in fact, change the world…   

When my grandfather was ill, nothing I could do determined whether or not he stayed with me. However, the environmental crisis we are faced with as a global community is different. We CAN take action together to help change the world and save this place we call “home”, Earth.   

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever will.

(350 Words)