What's Your Motivation: Fear or Love?

In our October 27th Colloquium class we had the privilege of watching and discussing the documentary, No Impact Man. This was a film that I had heard about but never had the opportunity to see. In it a husband and father , American, living in New York. Set out with his family to make little or no impact on the destruction of our planet earth. This includes no electricity, no garbage, no T.V., no meats, and no grocery store shopping. In case your thinking this is impossible they did indeed survive. The documentary followed this family over the course of the year making these drastic changes to their lifestyle. From the "power off party," to doing their laundry in the bathtub, to getting a worm compost to help eliminate all trash, to trying different methods of refrigeration, to bicycling everywhere, to buying all foods and supplies from a local farmers market. It was amazing to watch.

However, while watching the film I couldn't help but think about how little people would be willing to make lifestyle changes such as these. Even I, what could I do that would actually make an impact on not having an impact? After the film was over our class had a great discussion on the importance of making similar changes in your lives, such as making your own cleaning products instead of buying. We discussed how we live in a remarkably totally synthetic world. Everything on this planet has the ability to re nourish itself and grow and develop, including the human body.

We discussed how for millions of years humans have been able to heal themselves through natural herbs and plants found on earth and how doctors are trained by pharmaceutical companies. They only know how to do one of three things to fix medical issues. According to Dr. Gerry Segal, "1. slice and dice (surgical) 2. poison with drugs (pharmaceuticals) 3. burn with radiation." All of which methods that only cover symptoms not solve the source of a problem. These methods do not coincide with all of the earth replenishing itself.

Nor does our consumption and overpopulation coincide with the earth being able to replenish natural and necessary resources fast enough.

Colin Beavan, the author and creator of Impact man has 6 guidelines for a low impact life to help everyone start in their journey towards little or no environmental impact. http://http//www.noimpactdoc.com/no_impact_year.php

So now, it is up to you. Is your reason for change out of fear or love or both. For me it is both. I have so much fear for the years to come. I KNOW within my heart that everything will dramatically change in my lifetime. So many people do not realize this and will not be prepared its time we stand up and take action, and not just say that we will. Earth is such a astounding gift for us. I love it and I hope it can be continued to be used for my kids and grand kids to come.