Words & Photo Tina Kelly
Times flies, they say. And I would have to agree. It’s been 14 years of writing on science, nature, ocean and Salish Sea topics for Seaside. Most recently I’ve authored the column Going Green. The column’s premise – to advise on sustainability topics and offer up changes and habits to tackle in order to be “greener.”
The tips and tricks were practical, useful (hopefully!) or at times, even a little unconventional. Over time, the scope evolved to include related book recommendations and feature local organizations making a difference in environmental issues. So now here we are with a new column name.
Can we agree that the Earth matters? (I sure hope so.) I checked in with friends, family and coworkers whose decisions put the environment first. I asked them to pinpoint their why. Why are they compelled to make a difference?
The first person replied with: “I don’t believe we should wantonly destroy the place that sustains us.” For them it is a deeply moral core value. My why is not dissimilar, and I am lucky to have these types of people in my circle.
For others, whether their response was immediate or they took a moment to think, there was a specific reason. The responses are diverse and can be connected to many different environmental issues. Not surprisingly, change is often rooted in personal experience.
• “Ingredients in processed, packaged food and in many cleaning, health and beauty products are making us sick. I want to choose the healthiest options for my home and family.”
• “Being outdoors is my happy place – hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, diving. I want these spaces to be clean, cared for, and remain natural.”
• “It’s simple: my kids. They are my why. I feel it’s part of my responsibility to them.”
• “Because it shouldn’t be left to the young or next generation. I can’t or shouldn’t be absolved of doing my part.”
• “I’m an animal lover, any and all animals. Pollution and changing climate are affecting animals and their habitats all around the world.”
• “I enjoy fishing and want to feel comfortable eating what I catch. The idea of food polluted with toxins or microplastics is distressing.”
• “Right now? The cost of living. Many of the choices I make save me money.”
Other whys, I imagine, could be a farmer driven by the effect of climate change on their crops and livelihood. Related to that, the rising cost of groceries may move some to do their part. And the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events personally impacts many.
Everyone’s why may not be so easy to nail down. And there are factors that then affect the what and the how of actioning change. Barriers can be physical, organizational, societal and psychological. Some of these barriers may feel a bit more surmountable when you have a concrete personal reason to do so. Maybe you’re the type that isn’t keen on being seen as “green,” but I hope we stand on common ground in believing the Earth does matter. That belief, in part, should help you find your why.
I look forward to covering more topics with Earth Matters – environmental stories, both challenging and hopeful, along with accounts of the people and organizations doing important positive work.
