Today is Blog Action Day. The topic that thousands will be discussing is Climate Change. The focus of the day is on Action not simply words. So I have a very simple call to action for you. This isn’t really about Climate Change directly, however, the most direct way to deal with it is to find ways to change our daily routines. Others will do a much better job informing you of the dangers and impacts, so I will just offer a lifestyle option.
Think about distance and look for ways to reduce it.
If you are heading to the shops, remember the costs in transportation, wages, waste disposal, environmental impact and other social factors that may not be reflected in the cost of the items you are buying. Food is easiest to consider when trying to buy more locally. Head to the Farmers Market instead of the big box supermarket. Just remember that even at the Farmers Market it is a good idea to check out where and how the food is grown. Just because it is in the Market doesn’t mean it is automatically local. Form relationships with the sellers. Get to know the food growers and producers in your area.
When buying foods that are not grown locally, such as coffee, check out an organization like Ethical Coffee Chain, where transparency and connection is apparent through all the processes, from farm to grinder.
I hope you spend a little bit of time surfing some of the many contributors to Blog Action Day 2009. Let’s increase our environmental imaginations and take seriously our primary and original responsibility – to live in harmony with and take care of this incredible planet.