There are a ton of tips out there we can follow in order to help preserve the environment (hybrid cars, fluorescent light bulbs, recycling, etc…). I think the one place we have to start with though is OURSELVES. The first thing we need to overcome is our own attitude and way of thinking. We have to consider issues of the environment seriously and realize that it’s in our best interest to care about these issues. We need to have an active, positive interest and not just an interest that is driven by legislation or prices. Let me explain. It’s great that we recycle but I believe the main reason it is done is because of laws that say you will get a ticket if you don’t separate your recyclables from your garbage. What happens if the law changes? Will people still recycle? Let’s look at gas prices. Gas prices have been going up for a while. As such I believe people have been looking at alternatives such as hybrid cars to cut their has expenses. In turn, car manufacturers have increased their product lines to include more hybrid cars to meet demand. This is great, but what happens if gas prices drop? Will the demand for hybrid cars remain?
We all need to look at ourselves and realize that environmental issues are indeed important for their own sake.
I think our society is starting to see things differently. There’s been more awareness in the media in part due to Al Gore and his movie/book An Inconvenient Truth as well as his Nobel Peace Prize. We’re starting to see people look at issues and ask what can be done. But we still have a long way to go.
What to do? Let’s all look at our day and be aware of the things we are doing and look at what the effects of our actions are. Could that be recycled? Is that energy efficient? Where is that garbage going? Why is it important that I care? If we can be conscious of our actions then that is first step in helping our environment.
I know I’m a bit cynical but I’m actually very hopeful too. We can change our attitudes, though it may take time. This post is written as part of Blog Action Day. Look around at other blogs and see what is being written. I’m sure there is a wealth of information out there today that can help us all and help the environment.
Let me know what you think.
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