Image: Markus Spiske
These are contemplative times that we are living in. The world is seemingly holding itself up on fragile stilts, still trying to support itself despite a pandemic and major climate crises that seem to be building up. It is during these hours that it is vital to realise that every little effort done by every single one of us is integral to create a positive chain reaction for a healthier tomorrow. Just like how staying home and social distancing done individually are adding up to a greater cause, all our small efforts to help heal our Mother Earth can make a difference as well.
How is it that we have celebrated Earth Day for half a century and there is still much left to be desired when it comes to major actions and accomplishments to protect our planet? Perhaps the execution of measurable actions is not tallying with our intent.
How can we fix this? We can start by identifying what we might be doing wrongly.
Mistake #1: Sorry, you might be recycling your items wrongly.
Not everything that looks recyclable actually is (this includes your to-go coffee cup that has a plastic film on the inside and toothpaste tubes that are made with more than one type of material).
How do we fix it?
As a rule of thumb, items created with multiple materials are not recyclable as each material requires its own way of recycling. All items - such as food cartons, cans and packaging - need to be thoroughly cleaned before dumping them into recycling bins. Only packaging and material with specific symbols are 100% recyclable. And no, plastic bags are not advised to be recycled.
Mistake #2: Your call-to-actions might be falling on deaf ears.
Being climate change advocates is step zero towards making an impact, as shared words amongst friends and family do help to increase community spirit and grow the awareness of the condition of our planet and the ways of which that lessen impact. It is not enough to stop there as the key change-makers are the ones driving your city’s or country’s legislation. These are the people that can facilitate change on a bigger scale.
How do we fix it?
Write to your local town council or environmental agents to suggest ways of improving conservation around your estate. Social media makes contacting local authorities much easier, even if just to voice your concerns. Have a conversation with decision makers and game changers to move towards actual results - make the authorities work for you. Create petitions against mandates that impede climate change within your community, such as a lack of recycling bins on your community. Vote for sizable changes that benefit the community and the environment, such as the availability of shared electric cars and bicycles for your city. Move forward from being a change advocate to a change activist.
Mistake #3: Staying with non-renewable energy power suppliers.
Electrification is a development that is a necessity - it is something that most of us cannot stay away from. We need power to turn on our lights, to run our washers, to watch our television, to turn on our laptops, and so on. It is something that comes so naturally to a lot of people that most forget that while it is accessible, it is also a luxury. It is a luxury that is given to the privileged who can afford it and most of the time, we don’t stop to think about where our electricity comes from. Going on the internet also requires power. While we all are now staying at home and moving our activities online to activate climate change, why don’t we kill two birds with one stone by using a renewable energy source?
How to fix it?
Renewable energy is an excellent alternative to fossil fuels and is fundamentally sustainable and clean. Wind and solar power are the two supplies that are more accessible to most cities. Check your local energy supplier options to ascertain where your energy comes from. If you can switch to a renewable energy provider, why not do that?
If we march towards helping our earth in correct and impactful ways individually, hopefully in the next 50 years, our collective efforts will bear its fruits in bountiful ways. Then, perhaps, we can stop humming to the same tunes as we are now.