Have you heard of Greta Thunberg, the 16 year old Swedish climate activist?
Greta’s been inside my head for weeks now. Every time I watch one of her speeches I cry. I cry for the planet. I cry that a 16 year old young woman has to chastise the political leaders of the world to make dramatic changes to literally save our precious planet Earth. I cry because we MUST DO things to save this planet NOW. As Greta reminds us, “The planet is on fire.”
I can feel the call from my soul. This is a critical time in our human history. Climate change IS HAPPENING. Now is the moment to change things. Now is the time to listen and pay attention to the science. We individually and collectively must change our behavior.
I’ve been thinking about my car. I drive a 2013 Honda Fit. It has 30,000 miles on it. I drive about 5,000 miles a year in it, which is not that many. But the vast majority of those miles are by myself. Just me and the car that is burning fossil fuels, hurting the Earth. I wonder about my car. I wonder what I could do differently. Maybe I should bike more often. I don’t bike to work that much. I love biking. Why don’t I make the change? Convenience mostly. It’s just “easier” to drive.
These sorts of questions keep spinning in my head. Can you relate?
I love running, swimming and biking outdoors. I love taking my sweet pup Sam to the 7 acre dog park where he runs up and down the hills and through the trees and he swims in the river. I love the restorative feeling of being out in nature. It always revives my spirit. It makes me desperately sad how collectively we are harming the planet, nearly to extinction.
I am glad I don’t eat meat. And I’m glad I eat very little processed food. I’m glad I wash my plastic bags and reuse and reuse and reuse them. I’m glad I make a strong effort to always use tote bags when I go shopping. I’m glad I dry my clothes on the clothes line whenever the weather is sunny. AND I know this isn’t enough.
Together we have to change. IMMEDIATELY. We have to implore our governments and our leaders to make dramatic changes. And we ourselves must also change. Every little effort we make helps. Believe it. Our planet is depending on us to change.
I was an activist when I was in my late teens and 20’s. I have been arrested in protests. I have stood by my beliefs in the past. I vote in every single election. Yes, I am very liberal in my political leanings.
Action is again calling my name. I love this planet Earth and I want her to continue on. There is no Planet B. Earth is the only one we’ve got.
Please join in. Please.
Reviving myself in nature Beautiful trees and sky Earth, worth saving Sam having fun Sam loves the water
Here is more information from Greta on what you can do about the problem. Athletes are perfect for doing tree planting and outdoor work. You have the muscles and the stamina to do this work! Skip the workout every now and then to work in your community to do outdoor restoration work. Check with your city or county or environmental groups to see if they have projects. Here in Colorado we have Wildland Restoration Volunteers with lots of projects. Most involve hiking, some are weekend camping projects! Wlrv.org. https://www.greenandgrowing.org/greta-thunberg-explains-can-help-save-planet-just-three-easy-steps/amp/
Donna,
Thanks for this great information!!! I work at the University of MN and in the college that includes forestry and sustainability. I will ask them when they organize tree planting! Great idea!!
Thanks so much!
Mari
I totally agree with you. I try to minimize the amount of driving I do but like you, I am always by myself. I eat local whenever possible. But I know these things aren’t enough although I believe a small difference is better than none at all
Cathy,
Yes, the driving alone thing is nuts!!! I love that you mention all the small acts that we do and fully 100% agree with you, all the simple little things we do DO make a difference!!!!
Mari