Being a fan of the Planet Earth series, I tuned in when I saw Planet Earth: The Future was on. It was a great show, but heartbreaking. The enormity of the problem is overwhelming. And considering that the average American uses three times more than their fair share of resources, I know I am part of the problem and not part of the solution. I spent last night feeling very guilty. But, I came to a few conclusions that will at least make me feel I’m doing something to get better.
- I am going to work to lose a few pounds through diet and exercise. That way, I consume fewer food resources and avoid going up a size, forcing me to buy all new clothes that harm the environment to make and ship.
- I will do a better job separating needs from wants. I will only get wants that make me significantly happier or make life easier on a regular basis.
- I will avoid purchasing anything wrapped or packaged in plastic whenever possible.
- By doing the above, I will purchase fewer things. Then I will spend more on the things I do purchase to make sure they are eco-friendly and lasting.
- I will do everything I can to cut back on energy use, even if it is a sacrifice. So the television will not go on simply because it’s the evening, my computer will be off and unplugged unless I have a particular reason to use it (Spider Solitaire doesn’t count), and I will strive not to turn on the air conditioning, among other things.
I know what I do can’t have that much impact overall, but I have to do something. I can’t just watch everything fall apart knowing I could have easily done more to help. And while I realize that I will still add to the problem as I continue to consume, actively considering each action and each purchase will be good, if not perfect.
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