Why is it so hard for people to do the right thing for the environment? This is question I ask myself almost daily. I can’t say that I am any better than the next person, as I do the same things everyone does. I buy stuff, and I toss stuff. I enjoy flying places to see new things. I like red meat, chicken, fish. It would be hard for me to give those things up. My footprint on this planet, I’m sure is not sustainable.
No matter how hard I try, I am human. I have wants, I can be greedy, and I enjoy stuff. I’m not proud of my purchasing choices at all times. I am trying to make better ones, but even doing that is hard. I say that I am really no different from the next person, but I guess that really isn’t true. I am aware of the impacts of my decisions and still do things that I shouldn’t. So, in some ways, I am worse. What good is learning to do the right thing, if you are not strong enough to do it?
I have been working on this project for several weeks now, and I am learning that people either are really passionate about this topic or would like to not talk about it. Those, who do not like to talk about sustainability, are really the people I want to talk to the most. If the person is really into this subject, whatever I say is really just preaching to the choir. They already have own opinions, and preconceived judgments, by speaking to them I am just adding fuel to the fire. No, the people I have the most to learn from, and could have the greatest impact on, are those who don’t wish to participate.
My own family, for example has not been very supportive of this project. Granted, they all have busy lives, and don’t have much time to spare. Setting that aside, I spoke to them personally and learned that they really don’t care. Common excuses include: “I don’t know much about the topic to have a fair opinion,” “I don’t do many sustainable things.” In adversity, there is opportunity.
I am lucky enough to go to school and learn all about the latest thoughts and ideas in this field of study. In many ways I am a steward for the planet. I need to take the knowledge I have learned and pass it on to those who don’t know. What this really comes down to is this, I need to talk and teach those who don’t know. Only through communication can I get these people to start considering the impacts of their decisions.
As I mentioned earlier, I know my impacts and I find it hard to make changes. I don’t know what difference I can make, but I know I should be passing on what I have learned. If I can get one person to see the light, I have made a difference.
Going back to my first paragraph, I want to conclude this post with one final thought. I believe that it is easier to do the ‘right’ thing when you are in a culture/environment where it is a common practice. I know I could make the best choice if I got support for making it, or if others around me were doing it. Being a leader is hard in a place where your thoughts are not supported is tough. I want to say good job to all of you out there making tough choices and being strong enough to stand behind them. I inspire to be like you
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