Global Warming & Sustainability
It All Starts With You
I hate talking about global warming.
It seems to me that, whenever I am being thrown into a conversation about the state of our marvellous planet, I am being bombarded by brutal statistics, misinformed opinions presented as facts, and end-of-the-world predictions, all fuelled by anger, guilt, resentment, and a curious sense of fatality.
Folks, it is clear that there is an issue. And it is clear that something needs to be done about it.
In this article, I will offer my perspective on this big fat glob of opinions, facts and solutions that has become our conversation about the current state of the Earth.
I’ll say it straight away: I believe that the best way to change what isn’t working is:
- By looking at your limiting belief systems around your lifestyle choices and your relationship with the Earth;
- And by taking responsibility for the impact your personal actions have on your environment.
Sounds good? Let’s do this thing.
Limiting Belief #1: “It’s somebody else’s fault.”
That belief has got to be the top winner of all limiting beliefs on global warming (and my personal favourite):
“Somebody else created this problem, and I’m certainly not responsible for what is happening.”
Add the icing on the cake: “And even if I wanted to do something about it, it wouldn’t be enough, because it is the fault of big corporations and irresponsible governments and farmers and my parents, and people who have big families, and basically, everybody else but me.”
Darling. The Earth was given to us all to cherish, enjoy and protect.
It may be true that your sustainable actions have a smaller impact than, say, a government’s new policy on zero-waste, but they matter. You matter.
It is your responsibility as well as Apple’s to take care of what has been entrusted to you, whoever and wherever you are.
So, what can you shift, heal and change today (and I mean: right now) to have a more sustainable lifestyle — not only because it is necessary, but because you can?
It could be that you stop buying those stupid muesli bars individually wrapped in single-use plastic, and start making your own, which will be healthier for you anyway. Here’s my favourite recipe — it’s so good that I made it at my wedding, and my mother-in-law scoffed it all.
It could be that you start organising a carpooling system for everybody and your kid’s school, so that it no longer takes 500 cars to take 500 kids to school every morning, but 400, or even 250.
It could be that you turn that milk bottle into a pooper scooper, to take with you in your daily walks with your doggie.
Ultimately, change starts with you.
How can you contribute to the well-being your community, whether local or global?
What action can you take now to help us all move forward?
Limiting Belief #2: “It’s too late.”
I have scientists in my entourage. And their favourite hobby is reading the latest research paper on global warming, and having endless discussions on how to make the Earth idiot-proof.
Take the other day for instance: I was talking about this delicious raw, sugar-free Black Forest cake that my husband had made for my birthday.
I mentioned to my friend that we had used regular cream cheese instead of the vegan cream cheese the recipe recommended.
Mostly because we had already spent $50 on cashew nuts, walnuts and dates in bulk and locally-sourced honey and whatnot.
To this, my dear friend commented: “Well, that’s useless” — because my cake suddenly wasn’t completely vegan.
The global warming issue has become so big and complex that the people who are taking action often feel angry, resentful and judgemental: it’s vegan-ism or nothing. It’s zero-waste or nothing. It’s mud houses or nothing.
I’m not a scientist, I’m a healer.
I haven’t read all the information available on global warming, because I know that it would make me feel scared and worried about the future.
I don’t think that I need to feel that way in order to make a sustainable difference for myself and my community, starting now.
I believe that I am much more resourceful and ingenious when I feel positive and hopeful.
But that’s just me.
Ultimately, whether you choose to be angry about the state of the planet (about the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, the burning of the Amazon Forest, the rising of the ocean levels), or whether you choose to focus your attention solely on the amazing inventions that people have already come up with to clean up our oceans and revitalise our forests, the goal is the same.
But the way to go about it is completely different. I know that my friend is doing his absolute best to make his lifestyle as sustainable as possible.
I just wished he could say the same about me, without judging or criticising my efforts.
So, what does sustainability look like to you?
Limiting Belief #3: “I have enough on my plate already.”
You’ve got to take your kids to school every bloody day, work that 40-hour job, go to the gym, drink enough water AND do good stuff for our planet.
In other words, you’re busy. I get it.
But this isn’t about adding ‘buy less plastic’ to your already endless to-do list.
This is about making a change, and then another, and then another, that will help you to live in harmony with your environment, whatever that means for you.
Asking your barista to make your latte in a reusable cup every morning is a great start.
Eventually, you might choose to bring your own container whenever you order a takeaway at your local Indian restaurant, bring your veggie scraps to your community garden, or organise a ‘Clean Up Your Beach’ initiative for your town, if that’s something you feel inspired by.
It’s just about getting started.
I personally wake up every morning, feeling that I’ve been given yet another chance at Life. Another day to cuddle my husband, and heal the world in the best way I know how.
And my way is to start by looking at my belief systems.
If you believe that it is Donald Trump’s fault that the world is f*****: how is this this serving you?
If you believe that it’s too late, and feel guilty that you’re not doing enough (and that the world is f***** anyway): how can you turn this belief around to find hope and motivation once again?
If you believe that you have enough on your plate already anyway (thank you very much): how can you simplify your life, and make time for things that are really important to you, like spending time with your children, and making sure that we don’t all have to migrate to Mars in 30 years (because the world is f*****)?
You see, it all starts with you, and your mindset. Do your part. Get inspired by what other people are doing to better their communities and heal the Earth.
And join the game. After all, we all have a part to play, each in our own, unique way.
It is no surprise that you’re on this Earth, at this exact moment in our History. So, make the most of it.
So, tell me, what part are you called to play in our quest to live a more sustainable life?
