With Earth Day on 22 April, I was thinking about a call to action. This year’s theme is planet vs plastics and my initial thoughts were about how we can curb single-plastic use – both at home and at our companies. But using less plastic is hardly a new idea. Perhaps we need a change in focus. Perhaps rather than advocating less abuse of our planet, we should be encouraged to use it better. They say, if you don’t use it, you lose it!
It might sound silly, but the idea isn’t that far-fetched. I was listening to a radio show about the threatening water crisis in South Africa and thought that while we do need safe water, caring for the rivers should be about more than having drinkable water in our taps. And perhaps this is a train of thought that we can apply to the bigger Earth-focus. If we live closer to nature, we might use it more, we might be wiser about it and we might not need as many lessons in how not to abuse it. Farmers know how much we depend on the environment, but living close to nature, they love and know it and are some of the most dedicated conservationists. With more knowledge and appreciation, we might all care more and be more responsible.
There is plenty of literature on conservation and we have access to programs and information sessions to teach us how to care for the planet. Can it be that between spending our time at work, school or on screens, we’ve forgotten how special nature is when we are actually in it? Caring for the earth is about more than protecting resources and ensuring sustainability for our way of life, it is also about enjoying its beauty and making use of its healing properties.
We need to get out. While game reserves are wonderful places to bring you closer to nature, you don’t have to wait for a holiday and big-five viewing. Sometimes nature is just outside your front door. Hike, walk, run or cycle in the mountains, forests and valleys. Swim, row or play in the ocean, rivers and dams. You don’t even have to be active. Perhaps just sit on the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves. Put your feet in a cold mountain stream and feel the smoothness of the stones. Just be quiet and observe the smallest plants and insects around you. There’s a whole wonderful life out there (even in our own gardens!) that we forget about. Just take the time to be a little amazed – and then, you can google and learn more or just care more.
Perhaps, if we get out and see how rubbish spoils the environment and harms the ecosystem, we’ll think twice before buying another plastic wrapped duo of avo’s. Not being able to swim in rivers anymore might make us a little more adamant about keeping governments and councils accountable for not doing a proper job in maintaining sewage infrastructure (read more). Perhaps, if we enjoy the fresh air on a weekend walk, we’ll be more concerned about driving about with an ultra-heavy SUV. We know we need nature, but we might not use it enough.
I think learning about and caring for the environment should start in the environment. It is there for us to appreciate and enjoy, but it is also a free gym and psychologist and an exceptional teacher. Perhaps we have become so focused on keeping the environment intact for future generations that we have forgotten what a cool place the planet really is to live in now! Of course, the earth needs our care and protection, but it might be a lot easier if more of us know it better and love it more. Don’t you think?
Let’s love it and use it, so we don’t lose it!