We do not inherit the earth
from our ancestors; we borrow
it from our children.
~Native American Proverb
I think it would be safe to say that, today, every person in the modernized world has been taught about the importance of protecting and preserving our precious planet. Native people all over the world have understood this since time began, because they lived more closely in tune with the lands they inhabited, but industry and modernization and technology seem to have caused a collective amnesia of this fact in the minds of modern people. Over time, this selective forgetfulness has allowed us to cause damage to our environment, some of which may be irreparable. But this doesn't mean that we ought to simply give up and let the swift destruction continue....quite the opposite, in fact. Rather than resign ourselves to the inevitable outcomes of events already set in motion, we should instead redouble our efforts to correct our behaviors and accept responsibility for the fate of our planet.
As Earth's caretakers, we have numerous responsibilities, many of which fit into our daily lives without inconvenience.
☼ We can keep our vehicles in good repair to cut down on toxic emissions. We can carpool, when possible.
☼ We can support ideas (and even politicians) who are in favor of finding cleaner sources of fuel to power our world. We can help fund research into solar power, hydroelectric power, wind power, and nuclear power. While the search continues for cleaner energy at affordable prices, we can take steps to lessen our energy consumption by using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, turning off electronics and appliances when not in use, allowing ceiling fans to do part of the job of warming and cooling our homes, and planning a day of errands to minimize the number of miles driven and maximize fuel efficiency.
☼ We can stop littering, ensure that dangerous "garbage" like paint, chemicals, and electronics are disposed of properly by using your local sanitation department's services, such as ECUA's Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Program. We can make sure that vehicle fluids, such as old oil or antifreeze, are taken to collection sites (Advance Auto Parts stores, for one, will allow you to bring in moderate quantities of these for free disposal) rather than pouring them into the ground or regular garbage.
☼ We can be careful to not leave trash or other non-natural items behind after we have enjoyed a day at a park, at the beach, in the woods, or in any other natural environment. And we can pick up trash items we see on the ground or in the water at these places.
☼ We can enforce stricter penalties against people found to be littering or polluting. Can you imagine how much cleaner roadside would be if people would stop throwing their disgusting cigarette butts out the windows of their cars?! "But it stinks up my car to keep them in the ashtray!" Well, then, stop smoking altogether, dummy! Your lungs and the lungs of everyone around you will thank you.
So much of what is needed to care for our world is a matter of common sense. Think before you act in all aspects of your life, including where your environment is concerned. Be responsible. Take care of our planet. Our children and future generations deserve it.
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Responsibility Series, January 2012
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