I love the outdoors and have for as long as I can remember. The blue skies, warm sun, fresh air. Nothing beats the outdoors, and we need to conserve it so that generations to come can enjoy it as we do today.
For that reason, it pains me to bear witness to the rampant consumerism and disposable mindset of our society today.
It’s not so much any one issue, but rather our collective behavior toward “buy, use, toss, repeat.” The trash fills up our landfills (if it even makes it there), and leaves us only temporarily satisfied.
I realize it’s a big hurdle, and I’m not trying to claim that I’m perfect. Everyone by nature of living creates trash; it’s impossible to avoid.
I’m also not advocating for a Puritanical society where no plastic bags or coffee cups are ever allowed. I think that sort of “progress” sends us in the wrong direction.
However, I do think there are little steps we all can take to lessen our impact on the environment. Simple things, like walking instead of driving, paying more to eat local and carrying your groceries in a reusable bag.
This isn’t rocket science, and you don’t have to be perfect. Again, no one is. Just do your best to reduce the amount of single-use items you consume, and reuse them as much as you can.
In doing so, we’ll continue to be the worthy stewards of this beautiful environment we so lovingly adore.
Alex WhittowDurango