Happy March! I’ve decided to start a new mini-blog-series (if you have a more catchy title, let me know) about the planet. More specifically, the planet as it is, how we impact it, and what we can do help reverse the damage we have caused and limit impact in the future. Humans are the only creatures on this planet capable of putting an end to the continual destruction we cause, or at the very least, minimizing future damage. Everything we do, *purchase, consume, etc. impacts Earth in some form or another, whether we like it or not. While we have made strides in some areas, such as protecting endangered species, we have taken backwards leaps in others– deforestation, for one. Since many of us no longer live off the land, it is easy to see how we can become disconnected from the impact we have on the environment. Discussions will include personal experiences and thoughts as well as science-based and peer-reviewed research (with links when they’re available). There is a disclaimer at the bottom of this post as I want to be completely transparent and genuine as possible.

We only have this planet. We need to treat it better. Perhaps it is because many of us are not directly affected by decisions from purchases, manufacturing, sourcing materials, etc. that we “turn a blind eye”. And it’s not just consumerism. It’s easy for me to sit here and type about how goods are the only things to impact the planet, but that’s not true. If we think of the planet, environment, and plants/animals as the center of a cluster diagram, there are several offshoots that have their own branches. There is this complex network of issues, causes and events, etc. that all need to be addressed. Changes have to happen on a global scale, which could be possible if everyone were to make an effort. Let me know if there is anything you would like to see discussed, how your sustainability journey has been (if it applies), and changes you anticipate seeing post-pandemic. I hope you all stay safe and well! Below is a disclaimer and a note.

Peace & Love, always!

Personal Disclaimer About Buying in Packaging: I don’t want to come off as some “eco-warrior” who lives off-grid, is completely zero-waste, and only eat what I grow. That’s simply not true. I also don’t want to sound like a hypocrite. With the pandemic still being a part of everyday life, packaged options are (1) more available than unpackaged, and (2) safer because it’s easier to ensure proper sanitization without contaminating the item. The only thing is that we rely on others to be as sanitary as the individual is. Now, back to packaging, which will be one of the major players in this series. Admittedly, I have been buying more packaged items mainly because of my current financial situation. Most packaging comes from Japanese food. Just about everything comes in some form of (typically plastic) packaging, including our staples like rice and local eggs. In a non-pandemic world, I would otherwise stay away from a majority of pre-packaged goods. Also, all bulk sections being closed in my area; I do the best with the options that are available. All packaging I acquire is recyclable in my area or through one of Terracycle’s free programs. Once things are safe, and life gets bad to whatever “normal” will be, my strict low-waste rules will be back in action. As I’ve said before, I want to be 100% transparent. Side note: This whole series was originally going to be more of a free-writing exercise, until I realized that it would just be thoughts with no order and less value than a composed set of posts.

*As important as making conscious decisions is, we are still in the midst of a pandemic, so making safer choices may not be as eco-friendly as we’d like. Also, everyone is in a different location, income level, etc. Doing the best with the resources that you have/that are available to you is wonderful. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. The lifestyle I live outside of a pandemic is not attainable for everyone, and I can’t emphasize enough that that is okay. You shouldn’t feel bad, guilty, etc. for not living the way someone else does. Stay safe!