People typically live their lives paying attention to the things that matter the most to them personally. How the kids are doing at school...getting promoted at work...staying ahead of the bills and caring for our loved ones are the kinds of thoughts that tend to dominate our minds. Each day, we go about our individual lives in the comfort of having certain expectations as to the reality of our world in which we live. When suddenly something happens to challenge our previous assumptions it can cause a host of various reactions. One day we are out shopping for a bigger SUV with no sense of ecological remorse and the next day we are confronted with stories of catastrophic global consequences that threaten the long term viability of our entire planet.
Depending on who we are, these chilling predictions may not seem real...but to the ecological scientist who for the past thirty years has been studying the eco- trends, weather patterns, bio-science and the dwindling array of species, the news may come as no surprise. But these experienced professionals make up a somewhat small segment of our society at large...the "average" person will probably react to the information with both a feeling of suspicion and incredulity. We have to admit... in our society where the daily bombardment of so called "news", aimed at selling ratings rather than imparting the truth can be confusing. It's no wonder that people are wary and frustrated in terms of what to believe anymore.
In this Editorial you will find everyone referred to as an Ecologist...because in varying degrees, each of us is. At one end of the spectrum we find those who devote much of their lives to experiencing the many fruits which this Planet has to offer. These people are purists who choose to embrace Mother Nature in her most natural and naked forms of expression. On the other end there are those who are oblivious to Nature in the wild, choosing instead to dwell primarily in the environment created by the hand of Man. Their excursions tend to take place between work and the home, from the car to the restaurant, or the dinner table to the TV. Without passing judgment as to the merit of the personal choices or inclinations of individuals, I believe that the bulk of our population falls somewhere in-between. I also feel that we all share a basic respect for the global village which is our home. Thus all evidence to the contrary, I remain convinced that no-one (psychopaths excluded) intentionally wants to inflict damage on our Planet Earth.
With the logic expressed above in mind, the focus of this article is on the "average" person...not the extreme adventurer, or the urbanite. If a person is interested enough to be reading this Newsletter, it's fair to assume that they care (at least a little) about the ecological viability of this planet. Let's go with the premise that they recognize that nature has been compromised and accept the possibility that it may actually be worse than they had previously suspected. They would also like to do something to contribute to a better world, but aren't quite sure what a person in their position can do to help. This "average" caring segment of our civilization is extremely important, because without their active participation in the global solution the odds of overall success begin to dwindle.
At the current time 20% of the World's population consumes 80% of it's natural resources. Add to the equation the emerging nations however, and that percentage rapidly shifts. The conundrum we are all facing is that 100% of the planet Earth will still remain at 100%...regardless of the increased world demand. It has been estimated that if the newly industrialized nations follow the consumption patterns of the previously dominant countries, several more clones of Planet Earth will be needed to satisfy the demand. Something obviously has to give...we either figure out how to curb our global appetite, or stand by as the planet is literally eaten out from beneath our feet.
With the avalanche of new information that has been released in recent years regarding climate change, deforestation, the tragic loss of habitat and entire classes of species, as well as the compelling evidence linking disease to environmental pollution, there is a growing movement in our society to find a new paradigm from which to live. The "average" person now finds themselves balancing uneasily along the "razor's edge" with one foot fluttering above the Green and the other dangling above the Grey. The intention of the Eco-Tips Newsletter is to explore this dilemma in the form of offering suggestions from foremost experts and educators in the Eco-movement, as well as to celebrate the accomplishments of the "Average" Ecologist.
In this edition we will read about a vision to restore public parks in urban areas to the vitality they once enjoyed after band-shells were erected as part of the public works programs intended to help pull the USA out of the "Great Depression".
We will imagine through the eyes of a child how Christmas can take place in July...even while they are confined to a hospital bed as the Summer passes them by.
We are privileged to feature a brilliant perspective by two of the foremost Ecologists and Explorers in the world, who have produced a multitude of films, as well as publishing more than thirty books on the subject of Bio-diversity and Ecology.
Enjoy some Eco-Tips from the Professor of Construction Management, Sustainable Design and LEED theory at one of the leading Architectural collages in the country.
Can the dynamic energy of music be harvested and channeled into paths of personal success? Read the story of how one Grammy nominated and world renowned musician is demonstrating the principals of how they can.
You will read how an essential mineral has become so deteriorated through processing that it has lost it's true value. You will also read about the benefits of using the "real thing".
Finally...you will find access to the websites, information on upcoming events and features involving the distinguished contributors to this edition of Eco-Tips. As you imbibe in their stories and emulate the spirit of their endeavors...you, in your own personal way, may be pleased to find that you are becoming an "Above-Average" Ecologist.
Enjoy the articles...may they enhance the quality of your personal life as well as the lives of all those who you touch (which is everyone).
