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Another Passenger
WELCOME ABOARD SPACESHIP EARTH
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Bonnie MacDonald
We would like to introduce our most recent contributor to New
Perspectives, Bonnie MacDonald.
Bonnie's positive attitude and outlook will be a definite asset to the
section that is meant to be uplifting. We welcome Bonnie and know that
you, our readers, will enjoy her take on life." |
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On April 22nd International Earth Day will be celebrated around the
globe by people of all backgrounds and faiths. It is an annual event
dedicated to the recognition of the magnificence of our planet and our
role as caretakers of its future.
While it often seems that the world’s people struggle to find common
ground, there is no denying that we all share this planet as well as the
huge task of its rejuvenation. Our
interconnectedness is undeniable. As Marshall McLuhan, a great educator
and philosopher said, “There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We
are all crew.”
Possibly the first step in becoming dedicated passionate caretakers of
the earth is to spend more time in nature and truly reconnect with our
environment on an emotional level. he fact that right now we have within
us carbon atoms that inhabited wild animals, ancient mystics and forests
of long ago does create an amazing sense of wonder. And who can help but
be moved by the appearance of a famous Kincardine sunset or the
smell of spring in the air? But all too often we allow ourselves to run
on “autopilot” and are just too busy to take in the wonder of it all.
Maybe it’s time for us to slow down and honestly acknowledge the
fullness of what is at stake if we continue with our present mindset and
practices. As participants of Earth Hour last month, many in
Kincardine and around the globe experienced an hour of “conscious
living”. If we continue to make even more conscious choices to reduce
excess consumption and treat our environment with the respect that it
deserves, then there is indeed hope.
(next column)
17/04/2009 05:05 PM |
(continued)
We can choose to sit down as families and communities and commit to
making the necessary changes. This involves sacrifices and dedication,
but the process can be educational, extremely rewarding and maybe even
fun.
Have you ever wondered, “What would the world look like if everyone
lived like me?” Well, there is an opportunity to find out. By visiting “Consumer
Consequences” and playing the family friendly interactive game of
sustainability, the shocking answer to the question can be found.
After choosing an avatar and answering a series of lifestyle questions,
the players are shown how many “Earths” of natural resources it would
take to sustain all 6.8 billion humans if our present lifestyle
continues. The game results reflect the waste produced, the
infrastructure required, the energy consumed and the impact on the
surrounding land. Despite the obvious variables in the game, the results
provide a jolt of reality, and better yet, the players are offered a
range of suggestions on how to improve their score in this “game of
life”.
Deep down we know that we are not only talking about environmental
issues here, but issues of humanity because everything is so intricately
interconnected. We are talking about fairness and about correcting the
imbalances of the world through more conscious choices so that the needs
of the entire global community can be met. In the days ahead, let’s
commit to changing our ways so that we are more compassionate players in
the game of life.
Let’s sign on as active caring crew members of “Spaceship Earth”. Let’s
do our part. Let’s make a difference.
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