What impact do we have?
This pandemic has put a lot into perspective. There is so much happening, even though it feels like there’s nothing going on because of social distancing. Issues that have been ongoing reached a point where leaders in power had no other option but to face them and act. While there are many causes that we would like to see a change in, we are only one individual. Because of social media, we are inundated day to day with opinions on causes people feel personally. So it’s important to know where you stand and know what battles to fight.
For example, there is a list of causes I support but only select few I choose to actively fight and advocate for. Living a greener and more sustainable lifestyle is one I am very passionate about. I have previously shared this in past posts, but with today being #earthday, I wanted to dedicate a post to it.
The impact of our daily activity as humans has been made visible during these times. Across the globe, there is significantly less air pollution. We have been giving an opportunity for a fresh start and to think about the impact we have on this planet as we return to a more normal way of living post-pandemic.
We have caused irreversible damage to the Earth and it will continue to let us know as the alarming increase of global warming continues. We don’t want to come to a point where this situation is so pressing and too late to do anything. WAKE UP! Look at what happened with not acting soon enough to this virus.
Simple ways to help –
- Recycling paper and plastic products. Recycling cans and bottles even if there is no deposit.
- Buying sustainably. Can you buy products that supplement for paper or plastic that is single-use?
- Plant-based eating. Good for your health and for the environment. Maybe it’s one day a week you do.
- Green energy. This was an easy yet accessible option that I was presented living in Portland. I currently am enrolled in renewable power for our home through PGE. 100% of our electricity is renewable and generated from wind, solar, and geothermal power, how cool is that? I want this to be an option for everyone.
- Reusable water bottle. Eliminating the need for single-use cups in your office or on the go plastic water bottles.
As mentioned earlier there are many causes that we see ourselves wanting to see action taken in, and maybe this is not one that you want to fight. But I encourage you to think, we only have one planet earth and it is really needing you to help it.
For those, like myself, who choose to advocate for this cause, the fight is everywhere; at home, at work, and in our communities. We need to continue the conversation and educate each other. EarthDay.org revealed a great campaign sharing: Together, we can SAVE the Earth. Speak Up / Act / Vote / Educate.
I love that they including voting because we have major elections happening this year, including a presidential race. There are also many local races happening. Those in power have a significant influence on the environment as they can set laws and regulations in motion. Some that could be beneficial or contribute to being harmful. It’s kinda crazy that on a large scale, big corporations and the government have such a power to contribute to making this situation worse. So please, vote.
Yesterday, I spent some time looking at those that entered the Portland mayoral race and educating myself on the Oregon voting process. I have not yet been registered to vote in Oregon and currently, the only way to do so is through mailing in a form. Illinois along with 20 other states have same day voter registration which I think is phenomenal. But there’s a lot of things in play for this election, like the lines. So absentee ballots are in play, and Oregon is on track with that. But as we shift into post-pandemic life, the time for a better system is ticking.
We have the power in us to vote, we have the power to choose. The choices we make have a greater impact than we may realize. If adjusting one or two daily actions could have a beneficial impact on the planet you live on, would you do it?
Jane Theory 