my #1 new years resolution benefits you too.

I got a huge wake up call on Saturday.
It was something that brought me to tears.
It was something I was ashamed of.
But most of all, it was something I wanted to change.

Sitting on a folding chair at a symposium by the Pachamama Alliance in Dumbo, Brooklyn, I learned in detail how our planet is seriously suffering because of humans. I’ve always been aware that climate change and global warming are real issues, but as someone who isn’t affected much by it daily, I have kept my focus in the present and on my own life and my own experience of the world.

Of course, the news has kept me updated about the thousands of people are now displaced in the Phillipines because of Typhoon Hagupit. I read about the insane amount of snow Buffalo, NY got last month. And I experienced Hurricane Sandy firsthand. Yet, somehow, I wasn’t inspired to really get involved in making a difference until now.

What did it for me?

Well, the purpose of the symposium is to educate attendees about how “the dream of the Modern World” is impacting the earth, the rest of humanity, and the animal kingdom. The dream is this: us humans think we need more money, more things, more fame, more status, and more freedom to be happy. We live in a consumer society where buying more keeps the economy alive and well.

However, why do we need more while the other 83% of the world barely has roofs over their heads, clean drinking water, enough food for their families, and clothes to stay warm? We’ve gotten so disconnected from the big picture and–although there are definitely stories about the harsh realities our planet is facing–we tend to turn a blind eye.

I think the most heart-wrenching data I learned was about animals. Did you know that lions are almost extinct? Did you know that in the next 50 years, half the animal kingdom will likely be extinct? I was SO horrified and saddened to learn this. It means our children’s children will likely never have the joy of seeing a living Polar bear, a lion, or thousands of other species. Their habitats are being so disrupted that they are beginning to starve.

Many people would argue that this is the natural order of things, that animals historically become extinct. BUT this is happening because of how WE are treating the planet. Humans are carelessly taking from the earth and then trashing it. We cut down forests, we pollute huge bodies of water with oil, and we steal land from native people harming their ways of life. Isn’t it time we take a look at how we are living and being? The truth is humanity is using more than the earth can keep up with.

Every plastic bag is made at a petroleum plant that usually stands in a village in a developing country. Every piece of garbage we throw away is accumulating somewhere and seeping into our soil. We have given humans in the modern world all rights and none to the earth. Why don’t we respect this place we call home? Don’t we want future generations to experience the lush beauty of nature, clean water, and fresh air?

Ok, I’m going to get off my soapbox now.

The good news is that there are many things we can do to help improve the health of our planet. Phew!

The first is to make a commitment. While I was at the symposium, I signed a piece of paper that said:

I am committed to bringing forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, socially just human presence on this planet as the guiding principle of our times.

Having this statement as the foundation for all of our actions will ensure we’re more present to how much we consume, how much we throw away, and how much we reuse.

Here are little ways we can all make a big impact:

1. Stop buying bottles of water. Carrying a refillable stainless steal or glass container is easier than ever these days. If you do one thing, do this because it not only helps the environment, it also is better for your health. Water sitting in plastic bottles for an extended period of time means that the chemicals in the plastic are seeping into the water. And that’s not good for you to drink.

2. Stop using plastic and paper bags when grocery shopping. Bring your own reusable bags. One of these bags alone has the potential of preventing the use of over 600 one-time use plastic bags. Another startling statistic is that it takes over 14 million trees a year to produce a year’s supply of paper bags. Save the trees with your own bag!

3. Don’t throw away your leftover fruits and veggies. Often when preparing meals and snacks, we throw away a lot of food whether it’s avocado skins, kale stems, or citrus peels. Save them by putting them in your freezer and when you remember, bring them to your local compost station. Everything dropped off for compost will be made into nutrient dense soil, instead of more garbage.

4. Buy less stuff. This is a tough one. Every single one of us will likely always want the latest gadget, the trendiest piece of clothing, and more decor for our homes. However, there is a way to be more thoughtful and crafty about our purchases. Most of the time, we don’t really need to buy anything, but perhaps it’s an opportunity to be creative and give that desirable object to someone in need.

5. Remember why this is important. There are so many times in life where we wake up and want to make a difference. But then, we fall back into our coma of doing what we’ve always done. A great way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to sign up for updates from environmental organizations or keep a post-it note on your fridge or bulletin board saying “I love the earth and am committed to it’s well-being.” Whatever will keep you focused on doing this work, do it.

6. Spread the word. If more humans committed to loving up the earth and being mindful about their carbon footprint, we could make HUGE difference faster. Please encourage friends and family to get involved and become advocates for our planet and future generations.

The truth is, our health as a species is dependent on the health of our planet. If our soil is polluted, we can no longer enjoy fresh, nutrient dense vegetables. If our water continues to be a container for garbage, we will no longer have fresh water to drink. If our carbon emissions do not decrease, we will have much less fresh air to breath and land to live on. THIS IS FOR REAL. Now is the time to change our lifestyles. RIGHT NOW. TODAY. Heck, make it your New Years resolution!

I don’t usually write such passionate posts, but this is so important to life itself. And we are the solution. We can make our planet healthy again. Are you with me? How does all of this make you feel? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.