Small Steps for a Big Planet

This last week has brought tough news from scientists.  Although the climate change warning bells have been going off for many years in my memory, it seems we've reached a tipping point as it relates to the Arctic ice melts and carbon cycle changes.  It's both frightening and frustrating stuff, and I find myself wanting to yell from my suburban rooftop about it and demand (beg) that everyone, most importantly policymakers, do something.  I've never seen myself as a political activist, or been a member of the Sierra Club, but I always have cared deeply about the environment, wildlife, our world and it's future.  I certainly don't do everything in line with living "the green life," but I have tried to incorporate actions, both big and small, that I know can make a difference.

In talking with people, and looking at human behavior, it seems the reluctance to face this issue comes down to three primary reasons.  The first, is the task can seem overwhelming.  A defeatist attitude arises, as it is hard to grasp that anything one does within their four walls at home, can affect and contribute to something so large as greenhouse gases or the rising ocean level.  But there are strong statistics out there that support small decisions at home making a big impact.  For instance, if every American used one less napkin a day (on average we use six), more than a billion pounds of napkins could be saved from landfills each year.  Think about that.   And, there are a great number of daily decisions and behaviors that can create positive changes.  Other small changes I've made are not getting receipts at the ATM machine or gas pump unless necessary.

Secondly, change is hard.  We humans are creatures of habit, good or bad.  I've found that I have had to ease into some of these changes, and others I was able to dive right in.
We have replaced all of our appliances, over many years, with energy efficient ones.  Living in a home that is 20 years old dictated that there was plenty of room for improvement in that category.  I've had great success in changing my shopping habits to include organic fruits and vegetables, and we have both an indoor and outdoor compost bin for recycling kitchen waste.  It took some adjustments, but now, it is a way of life.  However, where I have "failed," I supposed, is that I do drive an SUV that runs on gas. It definitely has better gas mileage than my last car, and my husband and I try to carpool when possible, but it is one change--moving from gas to electric or hybrid--that has been difficult for me to make.  Primarily, due to financial reasons, which leads me to the last point.

Policymakers, leadership, manufacturers and suppliers follow the money trail.  Successful change often comes from market transformations starting at a grass roots level, rather than enacting change from the top.  I like the idea of power in the people, and examples of that are the popularity of farmers markets whereby communities are buying local, organic produce for their families.  And look at the gluten-free products lining the grocery aisles now.  Once a large enough group of consumers support it, and profits arise, change begins to happen.

I'm not naive to think that this is just an American issue.  I know it is a global issue and there are complex, big agenda items that need to occur.  But, if I can be part of the solution, by taking whatever small steps I can in what I do have control of, then I think it's worth every minute, dollar and effort spent.  So let's inspire one another to do more.  Plant a lavender bush in your yard for the bees, take your own reusable canvas bags to the store, hand the Starbucks barista your travel mug from home for your morning coffee.  Small things with big impacts.

Want to know some simple things to get started?  Read through this quick 50 Ways to Help.
http://www.50waystohelp.com

Let's enact change within our lives and communities and teach our children the value of this amazing planet and life.