The abundance earth has to offer Illustration by Isabella Hatfield
Blog By: Rachel Grimsley
In this ever-changing, ever-growing world, increases in pollution and development naturally affect our ecosystem. Our planets’ abundance of species and resources have natural limits and can be limited further by our own ecological footprint. It’s easy to forget or undervalue our significance on an individual level, but there are many simple things you can do to cut down on waste, conserve materials and energy and promote sustainability. Understanding the gravity of the effects we’ve already incurred to the planet without even thinking about it helps us begin to understand the gravity of the effect we can have with even the smallest amount of intentionality.
For instance, researchers at UNAM (Science Advances, 19 Jun 2015: Vol. 1, no. 5, e1400253) used fossil records to illustrate a predictable, natural rate of extinction for every 10,000 animals of ~two species per century. Between habitat loss and decreasing air and water quality due to mass urbanization, nearly 500 species have gone extinct in the past 100 years alone. This includes -but is not limited to-the devastating loss of “158 fish, 146 amphibians, 80 birds, 69 mammals and 24 reptiles.” That’s not even including plant life and insects! You can’t ignore the loss of life: The Caribbean monk seal (Neomonachus tropicalis), the Bali tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica), the paradise parrot (sephotellus pulcherrimus), and so many more.
With the weight of this information, it can be difficult to think about our involvement on an individual level. Something as simple as avoiding waste, recycling, even picking up a few pieces of trash once in a while actually reduces potential harm to your ecosystem. There are countless ways to make small, intentional changes to your routine that also benefit you directly. Many cafes and coffee establishments encourage customers to bring reusable cups, even offering discounts to promote mindful waste management. Instead of purchasing bottled water, invest in a comprehensive water filtration system and reusable bottles, which are more sustainable for the environment, for your body’s pH levels and for your wallet. Try carpooling to work, or the grocery store. Shopping at cooperative grocery stores, farm stands and other local food establishments that promote low-waste systems and organic, mindful agricultural practices benefit the ecosystem as well as your community and your body. While you’re at it, using reusable shopping bags are a simple way to cut down on plastic waste, plus you’ll never have to worry about a flimsy plastic bag tearing with your precious cargo in it. Every single thing seems so simple, so small, but as those habits form and expand, change happens.
On a larger scale, it’s easy to find and get involved with local volunteer opportunities for environmental restoration and conservation. Many businesses and events are beginning to practice sustainable practices such as conscious waste management, including recycling and composting, mindful water and electric use and This reduces projected waste by an exponential rate. For example, Metta Creative advocates for sustainability, conservation, and health, practicing conscious waste management and offering plant-based potluck events, educational workshops about sustainability and consciousness -as well as art and music- at events such as Catharsis on the National Mall, Beauty in the Backyard, etc.
There are many organizations that offer sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, or habitat restoration programs and events. The Endangered Species Act has attributed to bringing numerous species back from the brink of extinction, and there are many organizations across the country that support and protect this legislation. You can also get involved on a legislative level, like lobbying, or educate yourself on other programs and laws your local government may have in place already. First and foremost, do your part when and where you can. Making a habit of it is the first step to sustainability.
For more information about sustainable living:
Mid-Atlantic Permaculture Convergence
Eco-versity, The Earth Leadership School
For more information about endangered species & wildlife restoration:
https://www.fws.gov/southeast/endangered-species-act/
https://www.fws.gov/southeast/endangered-species-act/recovery/
https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/the-us-endangered-species-act
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/volunteer-and-attend-events/
🌍 Mettā Creative is a community organization supporting members like Izzy & Rachel in the movement for regenerative living.
💬 To earn rewards by making content & inspiring friends to live mettā, become a member of the network!