Reading time: 3 minutes
It may feel like an impossible task, but together we are far more powerful than we ever imagine, we CAN help save the planet.
1. Stay informed
Keep in touch with the problems on our planet. Try to find a balance between staying awake and aware but avoid becoming so overwhelmed you have to dive into denial and numb out. Equally, obsessing about what’s wrong needs soothed by reminders about all the amazing things which ARE happening. (see note below).
“In all aspects of our lives balance is key. Doing one thing too much can cause upset, like the old saying goes, everything in moderation is the secret!”
Catherine Pulsifer
2. Express your feelings
Bearing witness to the destruction on our planet is heartbreaking. A myriad of emotions wash over us as we hear about what’s wrong. Find a way to honour and acknowledge this grief. It demonstrates your care, concern and compassion; the precious connection we have to to all of life on earth, our collective love.
“Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible in us be found.”
Pema Chödrön
3. Do what you can
Whilst we definitely need Government intervention there is still much we can do. No matter how small and insignificant your individual actions may feel, do them anyway. Listen to this recent BBC programme and research what individual changes matter most.
“I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.”
Jana Stanfield
4. Understand power-with
There are many ways to use and abuse power. Much of modern life runs on the premise of power-over where one entity has control over another. This type of power has been exploited and caused much of the devastation on earth. We must instead seek to understand and develop the concept of power-with, to grasp the immense changes which can come about when we act together for the benefit of all.
“If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.”
Joanna R. Macy
5. Demand government action
The changes we need will require acton at Governmental level. Currently they are paying lip service to climate change, failing to meet their own targets and continuing to support business as usual. The more of us, their voters, who demand that they act, the better. If we pester for long enough, on mass, they will be forced to take notice. Write to or meet with your MP and tell them we need the system to change or/and join Extinction Rebellion in non-violent direct action to demand they tell the truth and act now.
“Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”
John Stuart Mill
Amazing Things
50 easy ways to save the planet
About the Author: Mairi
