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Saturday, January 30, 2016

Embracing the Planet: It's Not Us and We, It's You and Me



This month I will be posting each Saturday on ways to embrace the planet and show appreciation for nature and this place we are blessed to call home, while still enjoying life.  Each post will shed light on ways to move toward a "greener" lifestyle and also present a challenge.  I will also recommend several articles and books along the way that have motivated me to make changes personally.

Many people use the word "we" or "us" when it comes to respecting the planet.  While I agree the issue is a collective one, these pronouns are inclusive and tend to be used to make everyone feel better and that certainly isn't what this world needs right now.  The truth is that it is most definitely a "me" problem and yes, it's also a "you" issue as well.  There is a difference between saying "We need to use less plastic" vs. "I need to use less plastic."  The first does not fully recognize the responsibility we have as individuals and the latter truly acknowledges that personal action is necessary.  For some reason, we have a really hard time admitting our weaknesses.


Evan and I recently took our delayed honeymoon to the Dominican Republic.  Absolutely wonderful and we would highly recommend visiting, I will share bits and pieces over the next few weeks. :)  The resort's beach was stunning.  Sounds pretty amazing right?!  Absolutely, however looking beyond what we paid to see in front of us, there is a much different reality.  One morning we went for a run down the beach and as we traveled further down away from the resorts, the trash on the shoreline became hard to ignore.  Crocks, coolers, flip flops, bottles, you name it...it was all there. At home, I find it difficult to walk past a single piece of trash on the ground, so this was really disheartening.  In all honesty though it was most discouraging to think that these realities are hidden.  Each morning and throughout the day the crews at the resorts comb the beach, so vacationers can see the ocean's and beaches as clean, clear, and healthy; the reality is that they are not this way and it is by all means everyone's issue.

Tracks from the tractor that cleaned the beach
every morning.

The good news is that we can make changes to our lifestyle today that will reduce the risks our planet is facing today, but it will take my commitment and yours.

Five Realities of Going Green

1.  Reducing Is Key
Recycling and reusing is wonderful, yes, but the best solution is reducing the amount we use.  We can reduce the amount of food, plastic, chemicals, etc. that we buy, use, and throw away.  It is both the hardest and easiest way to make a difference.

2.  It Takes Practice.
Living in a world that is driven by consumerism means it takes lots of practice.  For example, when at restaurants we use plastic straws for most glasses served.  At one time drinking from a glass without a straw seemed gross, but then I asked myself, "is it really gross or is that what my brain has been trained to think?"  It has taken A LOT of practice to request drinks without a straw and I am just as healthy as I was a year ago, if not healthier.  As you practice, it will become easier.

3.  It's Not Easy
People won't understand and sometimes you might feel like the "crazy one," but sometimes "the obstacle is the way."  It seems that we would all rather look back and know we considered the risks, made changes, and did all we could rather than ignore the message and do nothing.

4.  It's A Moral Obligation
Despite what many people say, this is not "OUR" planet.  This planet is called home to many different species of plants and animals.  Being conscious of the products and practices we use and how they impact ALL of Earth's life and features is a moral duty.  In some ways we can consider it our rent payment for living here and ensuring it is well taken care of for future generations.  We owe the land, not the other way around.

5. It's Feels Good
When we begin to pay attention to our footprints, we start to notice nature and experience a relationship with it once again.  We have become so disconnected from it, but when we take a moment to sit and listen to the water or watch the birds, we have the opportunity to learn and grow.

This Week's "Embracing the Planet" Challenge:  Learn

Read an article, watch a documentary, or find a book at the library that focuses on ways to better serve our planet.  Knowledge is power and the first step.  Here is a list of some of the recent items I have watched or read.  Hopefully these suggestions will make it a little less overwhelming for everyone. :)

Documentaries!!

Articles & Books!!
-Edited by Laura Pritchett
-by Beverly Woods
-by Rosie Boycott
-by Kristin Ohlson
-by Tony Juniper







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