Can You Spare Some Change?

When, as a teenager, I realized that my parents were alive during World War II, I asked my mother what she remembered about that time period. More specifically, I wanted to know how the world was so helpless to prevent Hitler from killing six million Jewish people. I recognize that many soldiers fought to end the war, but why was it that so many people – both soldiers and ordinary civilians – were unable to intervene early enough to save these doomed people? How could so many have stood by, not making a move to be actively involved to stop this horrifying tragedy?

Her response was that the enormity of the situation caused people to feel unable to do anything about it. Where could one begin? How could this disaster be stopped? Ultimately, it took the collective effort and will of many thousands of people to put an end to the devastation.

Sometimes our current environmental problems can also seem overwhelming. Today, as so many species of our wildlife are being exterminated by the human footprint, and the entire human race is severely imperiled through climate change, a condition to which we all have contributed through our own actions, we mostly sit and watch silently, seemingly unable or unwilling to intervene on our own behalf. How is it that we remain idle, motionless and emotionless, incapacitated by the enormity of the situation, unable to make the slightest changes necessary to prevent our own demise? This reaction to our problem is one we simply cannot afford to take.

It will certainly take the collective will of nations to steer us off our destructive path. But before this can happen, it will require the concerted effort of individuals to put the ball in motion. Change is both possible and effective on an individual basis. I urge myself daily – and now urge you too – to make one small change in your routine today. Make that change something visible, something that people will feel encouraged to emulate. If you feel no one took notice, draw attention to your efforts by talking to someone about it. Do one thing today that will inspire those who witness your conduct to make a small change in their own patterns, and the enthusiasm and energy will overtake the feelings of powerlessness.

Above all, don’t be overwhelmed. You didn’t create our planet’s problems alone; you aren't expected to solve them alone either. Instead, know that the one small thing you do today will help more than standing idly by, and that the small things you do tomorrow and the day after that will raise the collective awareness of what needs to be done. The planet's problems are severe, terrifyingly real, and we all need to wake up and take action.

Here are a few sites to visit for inspiration on what you can do today. Please leave a comment on which suggestion you were able to implement. Thanks!

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/04/25_ways_to_save.php

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/living-green/articleOprah.aspx?cp-documentid=11016748

http://www.matessa.org/~mike/50ways.html

http://www.princeton.edu/~psinger/make_a_difference.html

http://www.sierraclub.org/wecandoit