Fuelled with the wisdom of the Lego Movie (which I can't quote because it will give things away), I decided I need to make some changes. I am currently looking at a planet, that is quickly destroying itself, and at a globe of people that don't seem to care about each other.
I have children, and I love them enough not to want them to be parents that have to watch their children suffer, and that is the time frame we are now talking about for climate change.
A few years ago I started looking at the packaging of what I purchased, and the overall level of consumerism. I cut back, but I'm no saint, and the over abundance of wrapping is in the bin each week again.
I drink tea and coffee, I fly, I drive (and watch motorsport). I'm not going to get all preachy to you. I am talking about me. I need to make some changes. I need to make a difference.
I would like to do something to stop some of the insane governing decisions that are announced daily. I don't want to just sit complaining about the current government to whoever will listen. I want to start something that makes a difference. That stops the downtrodden being even worse off.
The problem is, I don't know what to do, or how. I just get overwhelmed with all the terrible things we do on this planet, all the needless suffering and all the hate & violence that seems to lurk in every nationality.
So, I will think a little on this, and start with easy small changes. Then hopefully grow it.
Feel free to throw me ideas.
Linking up with Sunshine Sundays.
Pssst: Vote for me if you aren't in it yourselves! www.surveymonkey.com/s/BAB2014
*On a side note, I thought you wracked your brain, but apparently, you do not.
If there was an easy answer, I don't know what it is either.My efforts include growing our own veggies and herbs and topping up with produce from the Farmers Market where possible. I like to be thrifty, but don't always have the opportunity. It's hard to be everything you want to be, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI really think over-consumption is the biggest issue, but you know, I still buy stuff! I consciously try to buy less stuff and buy things with utility and meaning, but we are pretty indoctrinated. I started studying a Master in Environment a few years ago and was keen on working with not-for-profit social enterprises or in corporate social responsibility. I had to drop the study half-way through. I'm still keen to make a difference but like you get overwhelmed by the challenges.
ReplyDeleteWe got solar panels and installed energy efficient lights. Go Team Abulous!!!!! I'll feel a touch less guilty when global warming hits. Oh - re getting together - after 2nd May suits me :-)
ReplyDeleteI think Bec sums it up well "It's hard to be everything you want to be". We try to cut back where we can, use reusable and renewable products when practical, but it does often feel as though we fall short.
ReplyDeleteI recycle and have a four-minute water timer. No carbon footprint for me!
ReplyDeleteI jest. Clearly. But many people think that's enough. I don't know what the answer is either. Please tell me when you work it out! x
I with the others - when you find out, I'd love to know. Like you, most times I feel over whelmed at the changes that need to be made but I think you are right in starting to make small changes and then slowly over time, you will be doing more than you share.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend !
Me
It is so hard to know what to do as one consumer household, we try our best at recycling, walking to school, saving water & electricity.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel! I read stories and see pictures of the suffering that is going on in this world, particularly child poverty, and it breaks my heart, but short of donating money I don't know what else I can do that would make a real difference. If I didn't have to work and look aftr a family I would most definitely be volunteering my time to help and make a worthwhile contribution.
ReplyDeleteMy greatest environmental sin is my pod coffee machine - it's a ridiculous amount of packaging for a cup of coffee. That said, I won't be getting rid of it any time soon, I'm hooked!
ReplyDeleteThe pod AND the damage done growing the coffee. Tea and Coffee are worse for the environment than growing cattle. Whenever I get thingy about the environment, my partner likes to ask me about the fuel consumption about me FLYING to Singapore to watch the F1....that's a whole lot of fuel for a weekends entertainment....
DeleteI thought it was wracked too! Huh.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those hard things. Our society is built for convenience and whilst I don't agree with it, and try to fight things when I can (like the packaging), a lot of the time it just comes down to cost. I wish it was more affordable to be more environmentally conscious.
I really try to do little things like recycle, walk where possible, turn off lights etc. I hope it is making a difference.
ReplyDeleteI know the lego movie is pg but is it suitable for 3 and 5 year olds??
Thank you so much for linking up!!
I think so - I think the PG is for some of the words (not swear words but comments, that would go over the kids heads). There are explosions but they're lego - I guess it might be a little scary? I have no idea why it's PG and not G. I didn't realise. I took my 5 yr old - who fell asleep (which really made me mad, not because I'd paid $9 but because we could have gone to Captain America instead if I knew she would fall asleep - that'll teach me to try and be a good mama!! I'm BUSTING to see Captain America!!)
DeleteI voted - thanks for the reminder! I share your concerns but I too am overwhelmed with how to actually make a difference. Starting small seems to be the most logical place to start but I agree with Jess it seems it is more affordable to just not care about sustainability - so very sad.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
DeleteI think "Be the change you wish to see in your children" {From Lauren "Sparkling Adventures" is a great statement to go by.
ReplyDeleteTaking baby steps and changing one aspect at a time sounds like a great plan. Interesting to see how our world can be changed by one person making a difference.
It can, with the right idea...there are examples in history. And also, if enough 'one person' makes changes, then there's a change...
DeleteProbably the best thing I do at the moment is make my own baby food so I'm not wasting umpteen plastic satchels when I can make it myself and store over a weeks worth of food in one bag.
ReplyDeleteVoted for you too :)
Cheers! I know I won't win (tho I could do with the courses!) but I don't want to be the laughing stock with no votes!
DeleteI think that the first step is to be aware of the impact we (as individuals) have on the planet. If each of us takes just a small step, it will mean significant change. Will it be enough? I don't know, but we must start somewhere and begin to build the momentum.
ReplyDeleteMe? I decided to spend an extra $2 on eggs and buy cage-free organic ones and try not to buy too many frozen vegies. Kirsty used to drive me crazy with all the green shopping bags in the back of the car, but now I feel guilty when if I come home with a dozen plastic bags that I am going to throw away. I guess it's time for me to add one more thing to my list of must-do actions. Suggestions?
I feel exactly the same. I worry about the world I have brought my daughters into and what kind of world they will live in when they are older. I am amazed at the amount of packaging on foods that we go through each week with little kids and have made a vow to eat more nude food. I think it takes one step at a time to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteHow similar our thread of thinking was this week Lydia? Yes...small change is the beginning. Thanks for sharing your insight and questions for Sunshine Sunday xx
ReplyDeleteFrom little things, big things grow. I think if we all do our small part it will make a difference. I'm off to vote for you now. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAs Nathan said previously, the biggest thing we can do is to first be aware of the waste. If everyone was more conscious of what they are buying, consuming and throwing away the demand for more environmentally conscious products would grow and the cost of looking after our planet would be less. I do what I can when I can but its a smidgon of what is possible if I had more time and more money. Buying ethically forces you to buy less as its expensive. One little thing have done is promise myself I will not buy any new clothes this year (so many already in my wardrobe!) and either buy secondhand, borrow for special occasions or if I have to buy new, ensure its environmentally friendly and from a fair trade manufacturer. This is difficult to know sometimes so it ensures I will not rush into any purchase. Also, why do people buy new phone models every year??? Phone companies really need to look themselves.
ReplyDeleteYou've got my vote!
ReplyDeleteAnd every time I put rubbish in the bin I cringe, if it can't be recycled that is, all that in a landfill - ECK!
Packaging is out of control! I think educating our kids about what damage we've done and how they can halt it, will be an important step. For sure, every little bit helps. If we don't start somewhere, we don't start.
ReplyDeleteOff to vote for you now Lydia. Good luck!
I do not think even the top scientists or climate experts know what to do Lydia. We can continue to do our little bit as individuals and raise children to be aware of their footprint on this beautiful earth. It is totally overwhelming when we begin to think about it. Starting small is the only way we can begin.
ReplyDelete