Is it that people feel useless to do anything about it? With the amount of ways that we can do our bit, I don't think it's that. It doesn't mean everyone has to relinquish all their possesssions and live with nothing. But we have to be realistic, yes change your car from a 3 litre 4x4 to a toyota prius, by all means, but why do you need a car at all to go down the road to the shop? Don't be lazy.
Is it the ability to ignore? The ability to turn a blind eye to something that needs addressing? Maybe. We know what happens when we don't address a burning issue that needs addressing, it gets worse.
Is it that people don't care? I think not. The evidence for this is the thousands of people who take part in demonstrations to alert politicians how much they care. What emotion do you feel when you hear that the way you live now is affecting the way your children will live in the future? Emotion plays a part in decision making. It's a sign that maybe some action should be taken.
Taking action means doing something. I'm talking about procrastination.
"Psychologists often cite procrastination as a mechanism for coping with the anxiety associated with starting or completing any task or decision."
Procrastination is spending time doing something else whilst putting off what you should be doing. I'm not saying don't spend time thinking but take control of what you're doing.
It's our responsibility, it's not something that can be blamed on the past, or something that's out of your hands, you're doing it now. Do 5 things right now.
Turn a light off, drink a glass of tap water (water scarcity is another matter, enjoy it whilst it's there) instead of boiling water for tea, turn a screen off, unplug a phone charger, start an 'i don't really need this' box then give the contents to charity or sell it on Ebay.
And lastly, get a bicycle, use it and it will change your life for the better. If you need inspiration, if you think you'll be the only one on a bike, read about Critical Mass and take part in one.
Bikes are superb, they unite people and make brains and bodies better.
You two are an inspiration - I just hope you manage to capture the unconverted and make them realise what they are missing. And re-ignite others who have forgotten what good things in life are free.
ReplyDeleteI have been told that I am easily pleased, probably by people who need much stimulation to be happy, but I'm glad to be so.
This morning I went for a bike ride and indeed gained much pleasure from simple things - the birds singing (including the cuckoo), the fields full of new growth, the vistas along my route, climbing up Nevill Holt hill without getting off and the wind rushing by as I free wheeled down, passing the time of day with folk who were out and about. These are things I have enjoyed all through my life and reading Ben Child's reply on your previous blog reminded me of a very happy rural childhood where life was full of the outdoors and nature.
We must look after our planet for the generations to come.
GET A BIKE - HAVE FUN, MEET OTHER PEOPLE, GET FIT AND SPREAD THE WORD