So much has been said about the existing precarious situation of the environment and of humanity. The Ten Commandments for the Environment has given us a deeper understanding of the connection between the Creator and the Creation. Many articles have been written calling for a radical change in lifestyle in order to address an environmental disaster that is believed to be already commencing. But writing, calling, and appealing are just very small parts of this advocacy. We need to know what we can do and carry them out with alacrity. The doing is climacteric and pivotal. Time is not on our part. The longer we wait and take our sweet time not minding and neglecting this occurrence, the lesser are our chances of effectively responding to it. Just like what we had experienced in so many environmental tragedies all over the world, we could only watch and pray that the destruction to life and property, to say the least, would be manageable and fleeting.
I will mention some things we can do in order to demonstrate our reply to the question of ecological crisis. Since we were mainly responsible for the existence of many of them, we are also the main component in reversing, if not stopping, their advances. After knowing, choosing, and committing what to do, let us do it! The doing makes the knowing, choosing, and committing meaningful and fruitful. The words should be made flesh. So, here are some words which we can turn into flesh.
First, I propose that we should always think about the environment. The care for the environment should always be a part of our activities. Our country is full of activities; fiestas, Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, conferences, etc. It would be good to incorporate the care for the environment in those revelries. Let us always connect with the environment. Not only will we increase our awareness, we can also begin to live it. For example, we could adopt the principles of reuse, reduce, recycle and even repair. Decorations, for example, need not be always new. At times, the old and the used can be made phenomenal when combined with creativity.
Second, I propose we should start asking our elders again. With all due respect to the “experts” of today, the years of experience by our elders (70 or 80 years are significant) are irreplaceable and very valuable. Let us make them tell their stories about how the world used to be. Let them educate us about the climate, air, water, land, plant and animal species, the community, transportation, and people then. The changes they would cite during those years should be a gauge for us on how the world would be years from now if we continue our present ways. Also, we would have an idea of what and how much we have lost through those years. I am sure they would mention: how cold was the month of December, how clean were the waters of Pasig River, how aplenty were the trees in the city, how sweet were the tweeting of the birds, and how happy were they playing among each other every afternoon and during weekends and holidays.
Third, I propose that it is not too late to assess and reflect on our hierarchy of needs. We really need to muster all our brain can produce in order to determine which are needs and wants, accidents and essentials and secondaries and priorities. We tend to be very dependent on advertisements that we end up buying and stacking a lot of unused things in every part of the house. It is believed that our non-negotiable needs have three tiers. First are those that meet our biological requirements like clean air, water, soil, food and environment. Second are the needs coming from our social nature. These are what will give meaning to our lives like families, meaningful work, security, justice etc. Third are the needs for spiritual fulfillment. We are aware that we have a Creator and a superior and we are part of the whole creation which is undergoing a process. All of these needs must be met in order to attain satisfaction. If we look at how we have been so far, we have to admit that our choices and ways had not been going to the direction of fulfilling these needs and we are far from that satisfaction.
Fourth, I propose that we get out of our way to get involved in groups, movements, or organizations advocating the care for the environment. Being part of them challenges and forms our commitment. They also help in shifting our values towards the advocacy. I can honestly say that I had changed a lot in speaking, thinking, and acting since I embraced this advocacy. Involvement can actually be in different levels. At the most superficial but nevertheless important level, we can support an environmental organization with money. These organizations are usually operating on shoestring budgets. There are many groups available. Let us examine them and see which group we will support. On another level, volunteer to be a part of the group. Participate in their activities. Learn and understand the language and the culture. You will be surprised at how vast the field of environmental care has become. David Suzuki, an environmentalist-scientist recalls how volunteering made him a serious campaigner for the care of the environment:
“Volunteering gives you a sense of actually working for the benefit of humankind and the future. And it rewards you with a great deal of fun, especially when you find companions who share your goals and are working along with you to achieve them.”
There are really a lot more we could do. Embarking to be at sea and proceeding to navigate the route towards environmental balance is foremost. There are those who think our actions will be insignificant. “What is the point? “Whatever will be, will be.” There is really nothing we can do.” These are very tempting attitudes. It is, however, a copout. When we do things on our own, it is really insignificant. But when we do things together, even with just a fraction of the eight (8) billion world population, we become significant. Pondo ng Pinoy, which encourages contributions of only twenty-five (25) centavos had amassed almost three hundred million pesos (300) in a span of ten years! We know the dynamics. Let us execute the mechanics!
Photo credit: greenmountaincleanertimes.com