Earth lies at the centre of humanity’s hug – with all of us going about our business on her surface.
Were the earth to be given a voice, she might say it’s more like a stranglehold some days. Without the sound of her gasps, can we still hear and respond to her calls for mercy?
Our relentless pursuit of more treats the planet like a pin cushion, extracting her life blood of precious metals, forests, animals and water is weakening her overall. When will enough be enough?
We all learned when we were toddlers that taking without asking is not the way to make friends. How fascinating that as grownups, collectively, we don’t seem to realize the benefits of checking in with the planet before taking from her. We are human-centric in our actions.
Indigenous ways are much different, with the natural world considered and regarded as much more alive and deserving of respect. Prayers and thanks are offered when taking. Often, even permission.
To take the life of a tree or animal is no small thing. What if we returned to this level of reverence? Might it slow down our consumption and ramp up our consideration?
April is a time when we see the earth’s resiliency and natural flow from the dead of winter to verdant abundance come summertime. It’s only natural that we celebrate in various ways the coming of spring and all its gifts.
Often this is done by giving back in some way. Planting seeds, pruning trees and folding compost into the soil are all ways to nourish the earth’s systems that in turn feed us. What a perfect way to spend Earth Month.
Other ways to connect and give back this time of year can include learning how to more delicately interact with the earth’s resources. Weaving a basket, tanning a hide, making jam from summer freezer left behinds, or creating a wreathe from windfall all bring us into an appreciative relationship with the earth’s bounty.
Repairing rather than running out to buy new is another way of softening our impact. If we don’t know how, someone in our life probably does.
A grandson might be able to connect your printer to your computer. A neighbour might show you how to fix a seemingly broken shovel. A colleague might lend you a tool and the know-how to repair a sticky drawer.
Despite our collective ways of seeing the earth as a candy store to steal from, many individuals have the wisdom to know that we need to harvest before we can reap.
The truth is also that we love to share. It simply feels good. Sharing weaves us together as a community and helps us support each other rather than always relying on the earth to pop out another new thing.
This Earth Month, find your way to thank and give back to the planet that offers you so very much each and every day.
Let’s Talk Trash is contracted by qathet Regional District to deliver its waste reduction education program. For more information, email [email protected] or go to LetsTalkTrash.ca.
