Conscience Over Convenience

During 2020 - amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a massive human rights movement, and natural disaster atrocities mostly attributed to climate change - it has become clear that many, if not most, of our systems are broken. The majority of the world's citizens are flagrantly oppressed, exploited, abused or overlooked when it comes to political, economic, social and environmental agendas. Not only are most of our supposed 'leaders' complacent, but they are actively deceptive in order to benefit off the suffering of the planet and all of its inhabitants; a complete lack of ethics, abuse of power, and sign of obvious corruption. 

Besides total upheaval, a revolution, and complete restructuring, what is there to do? 

Well, there are citizens who fall somewhere in the middle of the extremely polarized conditions (myself included). We may be overlooked and/or abused by the current systems but we still have many advantages and are not exploited nor oppressed. We are able to, and so we should, recognize and accept a responsibility to do our part to regularly make the conscientious choice over the convenient one. 

ECO-MAD. Exert Conscientious Options - Make A Difference. 

There's no reason not to make meaningful decisions and take purposeful actions. In fact, it can be beneficial on social, political, economic and moral levels, as well as for the environment and ourselves. Is there more that can and needs to be done? Absolutely. But until there's a true shift in systemic ideals, it's necessary to emphasize how much our individual choices really matter. 

I recently came across an article written a few years ago that makes many good points on the topic of 'doing more'. The author states:

 "I’m not saying that we should all give up, or that we should stop making the small positive decisions we make every day as responsible humans. And if you’re choosing the greener product for health reasons, by all means, do what feels right. But when it comes to combating climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, what we need to do is take the money, time, and effort we spend making these ultimately inconsequential choices and put it toward something that really matters. Beyond making big lifestyle decisions such as choosing to live in a dense urban area with public transportation, cutting red meat out of your diet, and having fewer children (or none at all), there are diminishing returns to the energy you put into avoiding plastic or making sure your old AAs end up in the appropriate receptacle. Globally, we’re projected to spend $9.32 billion in 2017 on green cleaning products. If we had directed even a third of that pot of money (the typical markup on green cleaning products) toward lobbying our governments to ban the toxic chemicals we’re so afraid of, we might have made a lot more progress by now."

It goes on to give practical alternatives that would be a more impactful use of our time, energy and money in terms of systemic change. 

First, I would argue that if enough people contributed to making these so-called "inconsequential choices" like avoiding plastic or reducing overall consumption, it would absolutely be significant and make a difference. Second, why shouldn't those of us who are privileged enough to do both, take on that challenge? It is possible for many of us to adapt the lifestyle changes and contribute to the creation of a system which is more fair and works better for everyone. 

We can pick up trash and petition for better enforcement of littering laws. We can buy the local, organic, more ethical option and put pressure on companies to do better. We can make our own products and vote for politicians who will push for higher standards. We can use reusables and volunteer for good causes. We can conserve resources and donate to important organizations. 

If we can, then we should. For ourselves, our global community, our planet, and for those who can't.

Often the better choice for the environment and society is also the healthier one for ourselves and this should be a world where everyone has access to those options. For those of us who are able, it might not be cheap or convenient but it's ethical and conscientious and if we're persistent it will make a real difference. 

Over the next 50 years it very well could be the difference between a livable, just world and a struggling species on a burnt-out Earth. 

**Put It Into Practice**

There are many posts on this blog offering practical changes we can adapt into our lives to be healthier, more aware and more sustainable. I encourage browsing but there are a couple in particular that have a lot of information and links:

1. See the Big Picture; It's the Little Things
2. Focusing In (on plastic)
3. ECO-MAD Traveling
4. Focusing In (on the seas)

On the systemic side of things, we can:

• Contact our representatives
• Stay informed on legislature
• Write to companies/corporations with our comments/concerns
• Do our research and VOTE 
• Run for office
• Volunteer and donate to non-profits/NGO's/other good causes we believe in
• Get friends and family involved
• Hold each other accountable and support each other in pushing for positive change

The Youth and Their Future

Since online learning from home has become the 'new normal', and the spread of misinformation in society seems to be at an all-time high, a spotlight has illuminated the complexity and urgency of education. The idea of passing along knowledge and wisdom in order to prepare youth for the important role of becoming engaged, thoughtful citizens of a global society is essential to the future of humanity. This is one main reason why the teaching profession deserves much reverence and credit (way more than it gets). This scenario should also remind us that every experience a child has is an opportunity for them to learn. As parents, grandparents, aunties/ uncles, godparents, or role models, we have many opportunities to be teachers, mentors, and inspirational leaders for the next generation.

A shift is happening. People across the globe are becoming more conscientious and making changes in their lifestyles which contribute positively to the overall health of the planet and all life on it. They are (especially the younger generations) taking part in this movement because they understand what's at stake - their or their children's/grandchildren's/great-grandchildren's future. Doing what we can individually is a fantastic first step in the right direction. But when children and teenagers worldwide are striking for the climate and demanding more from adults and leaders, it's time we all rise up and charge ahead to meet the challenge.

Now, more than ever, young people need to be prepared for an uncertain future. Anyone paying attention to the current environmental, economic, political and all around social climate should clearly understand we are on the brink of uncertainty. One way to combat the unpredictability of what's to come is to encourage acknowledgement of the past, involvement in current affairs, awareness of the possibilities of the future, and willingness to work together cooperatively. It's essential that the generations inheriting this planet are able to participate in the creation of their future circumstances.

So what can we (older generations) do to help?  We can begin by not underestimating the youth's intellect, their judgement, their understanding, their aptitude, their capacity for comprehension or their ability to perceive. In many ways, young people most likely discern the consequence of our current reality much differently than their elders, which is something we must not only take into account, but emphasize. Their reality in 10 to 50 years will be much different from ours today, and this is why it's significant to listen, learn, share our expertise and cooperate.

We need to address the concerns, ideas, and feelings of today's youth, and respond in a way that allows them to be heard, entices them to be open with their emotions, and inspires them to believe in their intentions. From young children to young adults, we must assist the younger generations in developing tools for diplomatic communication, navigation and assessment of information, cooperation, strategizing, unifying, adapting, taking action, and anything else that can improve their quality of life as a global society. We all have that responsibility and we can all make a difference.

**Put It Into Practice**

There are many resources to help get young minds of any learning level interested in and educated on environmental issues. These are just a few places to begin, as naturally the issues branch out, leading to many other consequential situations that affect all aspects of life as we know it (cultural, social, economic, etc.). They can also be fun summertime activities.

Oxfam education is a website that offers resources for younger ages, like a short climate quiz and many others.

The Environmental Protection Agency's website has a 'Planet Protectors Club' with information and fun activities to help children learn all about environmental issues.

The NOAA website offers a printable activity book as an "introduction to the essential principles of climate science".

NASA's Climate Kids website is a fun and interactive choice for young learners.

Educational charity The Eden Project has a fun website to explore, with a section of interesting science/climate resources for everyone and anyone, and a section with tips/ ways to help fight climate change and biodiversity loss.

WWF has an interactive website section about climate change and one on deforestation. It also provides a carbon footprint calculator questionnaire.

The Alliance for Climate Education website is empowering for older children and teens, with videos and a link to an award-winning video experience called Our Climate, Our Future (you have to sign up for it but an account is probably worth having for other resources).

The Campaign Against Climate Change website has a plethora of information and resources for schools that can really be utilized by anyone. They mention most, if not all, of the resources previously listed here. Taking time to browse this site is highly suggested for all people of all ages!

Here are some ideas on how to involve young people in community organizations.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development offers a lot of research and information regarding current issues and wellbeing of young people across the globe with their Youth Inclusion Project.

Stanford Social Innovation Review did a great series of articles a few years back on "Preparing Today's Youth for Tomorrow's World", there is a lot of great insight from all over the world.

Finally, UNICEF's Voices of Youth website is just one more of a plethora you can find with a simple google search or two (search something like "youth involvement in environmental/social issues"). It's informative, inspirational and encourages action from young people. You can browse articles, poems, artwork, and even submit your own. 

2020 Thoughts

Maybe, just maybe, this tragic pandemic plaguing the globe will initiate a metamorphosis that could serve as the transformation humans need in order to live more harmoniously with Earth. As we face impactful realizations of what's truly important and how precious those things are, hopefully we can cultivate deeper forms of vital qualities within ourselves like compassion, humility, gratitude, generosity, forgiveness and understanding. Perhaps, as a society, we can begin to emphasize concepts of simplicity, minimalism, sustainability, inclusiveness, acceptance, cooperation, and unity. The truth is, it doesn't have to be a 'maybe'. As a civilization we can make the conscious choice to evolve into a better version of humanity. We have an opportunity to positively progress out of a seemingly terrible situation.

During this unique time of life-altering change occurring around the world, unease is ubiquitous. Emotions and feelings of confusion, uncertainty, fear, sadness, anger, helplessness, loneliness, disappointment, anxiety, exhaustion, worry, stress, and frustration permeate the energy of the universe in a very palpable way. The global, human population is being affected and the future is dubious. But when we take a moment to reflect, we can remind ourselves that the reality of life on this planet has always been preciously uncertain and ever-changing. Usually, the act of living our lives provides fantastic distraction from those facts. Now, however, the threat of our fragility is literally infectious and spreading right before our eyes. Suddenly, we're forced to cope with this unfamiliar, distressing situation over which we have very little control. How do we begin to navigate this new, chaotic realm of existence?

A practical and poignant place to begin is with awareness, acceptance, mindfulness (being present), gratitude and reframing. As many wise people have said, "we cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to it."

Awareness of the present catalyzes acceptance of our true reality. To be mindful of the present moment is a lifelong practice; an intentional focus that we must remember and choose to return to. Concentration on the in and out of our breath, the sensations within our bodies and of our surroundings - these are the things we can hold on to as we aspire to let the rest go. Worries. Anxieties. Incessant thoughts. We can allow the present to be what it is while releasing concerns of the past and future. As we affirm our current reality, we can create a safe space where we give ourselves permission to experience the catharsis of purging whatever thoughts, feelings and emotions we need to. Always coming back to the breath, our rhythm of life.

Realization of what doesn't serve us, along with the cultivation of what does, lies in mindfulness and gratitude. As human beings possessing consciousness, we're gifted with the ability to be grateful. Being cognizant of what makes us happy or brings us joy, and acknowledging it, is a powerful thing that can lead to so much goodness. Even when we're aware and accepting of a harsh reality we're currently facing, we can choose to focus on gratitude and positivity in order to shift our mindset. We may cry hard, scream loudly, contemplate silently, laugh uncontrollably or react however we need to, but when we're done and we return to our breath, we can reframe our perspective in order to regain motivation during a trying time.

To focus on the good things we have or have to gain, instead of the bad, is again, a powerful choice we can make. If we're scared a family member might get sick or maybe we're worrying about our income, or the safety of healthcare workers, the homeless, and the elderly - we can hold all of that in a positive space in our thoughts, react in our own safe space, remember our breath, and then consciously shift focus to gratitude of our loved ones, modern medicine, selflessness of others, and the securities we do have. If there's more we can do to ease our worries or appease our fears, then we should do them if we believe it will make a true difference. But being present, being aware and accepting of reality, as well as reframing negatives into positivity and gratitude, are some great tools to use to stay healthy and maintain balance mentally during these unprecedented circumstances.

We are a resilient and intelligent species. Not only can we survive this pandemic and whatever the future has in store, but we can utilize all that we have and are in order to redefine what it means to thrive.