Blog Action Day: Why I take action

There's lots of great bloggers out there that will write about the political, scientific, and cultural aspects of climate change for Blog Action Day. So instead, I thought that I would write about something more personal - why I am taking action today and everyday to fight climate change.

A couple years ago I drove across country to move from the East Coast to the West Coast (okay, not the most green thing I could do). For those who've done it before, they know that the trip from the East Coast to the Midwest is pretty uneventful....a lot of cities, suburbs, and strip malls.

When you start the trip from the middle of the country to the West Coast, you start to understand what the country must have looked like to the first people seeing the country. Obviously you are still on highway. But, in certain areas, looking to your right and to your left, you don't see any human footprint...no buildings, no roads, no farmer's fields.

Instead, there are fields full of natural grasses bending in the breeze and untouched hills of rock plus the fascinating unique features of the West like the moonscapes of the Badlands and the interruption of the sky by Devil's Tower.

It was these views that reminded me of the impact we've had on nature. It's amazing to realize how much we've changed it and how we can never fully get back what we've lost. Sitting in my apartment in the middle of city, I still have snapshots of of those views in my head and wonder what the hill I live on looked like before me.

Looking at what we've done to our country, it's not hard for me to believe in what we are doing to the polar ice caps, the oceans, and the rest of our environment. And knowing we have these few natural places left, makes me want to save them even that much more.

So, that is why I personally take action today and everyday....What's your inspiration?

Getting back to the heart of things

Recently I attend an EcoTuesday event at which Marianne Williamson spoke about the connection between spirituality and sustainability. It might seem a slightly strange conversation for a group that bills itself as "a forum for sustainable business leaders". But in fact, after listening to Marianne, I realize that it was just what the doctor ordered.

So often when working in sustainability in business or just getting caught up in your green pursuits, it's easy to feel stressed and anxious. Often you aren't even thinking about the end goal. Marianne reminded everyone at her speech that it is just as important to do what you do with love as to the final product/result of what you are doing.

For me this means, that I need to make sure I take the time to connect back with my passion and beliefs - why I got involved in green in the beginning.... Because I want everyone single person, business and organization to take into account how they are affecting the earth in every decision they make.... Because I was awestruck looking at glaciers in Alaska last year and I want them to always be there....Because I loved volunteering to help save Leatherback sea turtle babies on a beach in the Carribean and I want them to come back every year even when I'm not there...

So why is it important to connect back to this passion? It helps me keep going. Working for green causes is not always easy and there is a lot of discouragement along the way. And, it would be so easy to give up. After hearing Marianne, I pledged that I would find one way every month to re-connect with this passion - whether it is volunteering, hearing a talk like this, going for a hike, etc.

If you are interested getting involved with EcoTuesday across the country, check out https://www.ecotuesday.com/.