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:
- See the Big Picture; It's the Little Things
- Focusing In (on plastic)
- ECO-MAD Traveling
- 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
