As Don Quixote said: “To change the world, my dear friend Sancho, is neither madness nor utopia. It is justice“
We all love to gaze upon a beautiful landscape, breathe fresh air and enjoy a clean space; and our individual actions can have a hugely positive influence on preserving this that we hold so dear.
Nature is the Great Mother who provides us with everything we need. Doesn’t she deserve to be taken care of?
Perhaps we will be encouraged to contribute, from a position of awareness bathed in respect, admiration and gratitude, rather than with fear or worry, when things are done from this happy place, we get better results.
Below you will find a set of measures worth considering and how we all can help contribute.
REDUCE, TO NOT TO WASTE RESOURCES: Control water consumption in irrigation, hygiene, swimming pools; Reduce energy consumption by turning off unnecessary lights, use energy-saving light bulbs (compact fluorescent and LEDs; Insulate our homes by applying the appropriate standards; Use motion sensors, make use of blinds and awnings; cook efficiently; reduce energy consumption In transport: use public transport, cycle or walk; organize trips with several people in the same vehicle; Avoid elevators whenever possible, adequately load washing machines and dishwashers; disconnect mobile chargers and other electronic devices, consume seasonal and organic farm products; reduce the use of paper; use recycled paper; reduce (ideally AVOID) the use of plastics in toys, footwear… choose recyclable (PET, HDPE…); reduce the consumption of products containing toxic substances, such as insecticides, solvents, disinfectants, stain removers, polishes, aggressive cleaning products (“clean without chlorine”), do not buy clothes that must be dry leaned or use ecological dry cleaners; Reject consumerism: practice and promote responsible consumption; Avoid sprays and aerosols (use manual sprayers); Use devices that work with solar energy: radios, mobile chargers…
CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS EDUCATION AND CITIZEN ACTION: Take direct action to spread and divulge : take advantage of the press, the Internet, video, organic fairs and school materials; Promote social recognition of positive measures for a sustainable future; Be careful not to harm the flora and fauna; Denounce ecological crimes: illegal logging, untreated dumping, predatory urbanism; Collaborate actively and/or financially with associations that defend sustainability; Support programs to help the Third World, defend the environment, help populations in difficulty and promote Human Rights; Demand solidarity taxes; Promote Fair Trade; Reject products that come from predatory practices (tropical wood, animal skins, fishing, unsustainable tourism…) or that are made without fair trade or labour union rights, or with child labour and support companies with a guarantee; Demand clear information policies on all problems…..
These measures were taken from the working document made as a contribution to the Decade of Education for a Sustainable Future (2005-2014) instituted by the United Nations to deal with the current planetary emergency.
