Every flit of a feather alters the world in some way. As I soar from high above, I see signals from the planet alerting her inhabitants that they are entering into a global crisis point requiring massive change in the way goods are produced and consumed. All life forms experience the effects of the mindless uses of resources and materials humans continue to generate at a massive level.
The amount of trash humans and companies produce is overwhelming. Many continue to subscribe to beliefs that individuals have little control of the impacts of trash production and harmful uses of chemicals and goods. Most are unaware of the destructive methods industries use to create everyday products. The methods are devastating to my animal kingdom, as we are forced to move, to find new sources of food, and put us in danger as we navigate our own survival.
Non-eco-friendly packaging and processes can cause a number of issues for our environment. Environmental resources become depleted as manufacturing continues to clear out my fellow plant and animal life to make materials. Habitats for my friends are literally being wiped out, leaving no option but for us to adjust or disappear. Toxic practices and materials generate disease and displacement.
Creating and utilizing more sustainable practices can reduce the environmental impact of your consumerist society. The first step to making change is to educate and provide knowledge to people, manufacturers, and producers. This will create awareness and a sense of urgency to propel change. Empowering with knowledge is the number one way to shift your collective perspective. This potentially allows for governmental policy review to assist in healing the planet, her resources, and her inhabitants.
Education centered on the health of your bodies, communities, and environment is a priority. Providing information that details the impacts of using toxic and non-sustainable materials is essential to influence human thought processes. This causes an awareness of the damaging effects experienced by continued use of harmful products and methods. Delivering options to create sustainable materials gives people, companies, and communities other alternatives for purchasing and production.
Providing alternatives regarding where materials are obtained, produced, and delivered gives easier choices to those that might believe that options are limited. Information that is readily available allows for no excuses in choosing products and practices that leave less of a carbon footprint for individuals and manufacturers. This assists the plant and animal kingdoms, as we have to alter our own existence in order to survive environmental changes generated by humans.
Cost and durability are important factors involved in the decision making process of producers. By highlighting and featuring top performing alternatives, companies that manufacture sustainable resources can influence producers that cost effective and resilient eco-friendly options exist. This also leaves room for more choices when deciding how products will be made and delivered to those purchasing them for use in mass production.
Another important aspect to consider is the use of renewable energy, recycled materials, and plant-based resources. Providing education surrounding the utilization of alternative methods influences the decision-making processes of individuals and manufacturers. Using these methods also limits the amount taken from our animal homes and allows us our freedom.
The use of solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power is much less harmful to our environment. Working with the energy of earth, rather than against it, allows the natural order to continue with less damaging effects. Our environments experience less destruction in the process.
Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces waste and carbon emissions, and saves energy. By recycling products already made, you can reduce the amount of resources needed to create additional goods. This benefits the planet by removing the need to invade our natural world for more supplies.
Plant-based materials can be used for packaging. Sugar cane can be used as a raw material in polyethylene tubes; soy is available for inks; mushrooms and coconuts can be used for packing and safe transport of goods; bamboo and cornstarch can be utilized for food containers and other dining options, such as plates and utensils. As an ambassador for animal life, I can attest that using natural goods to build has always sustained our existence.
By bringing awareness of eco-friendly options to consumers and producers, a desire for more sustainable practices can become the new norm for your species. The plant and animals of the world enjoy cohabitating this planet with you. Please remember we cannot return if we are eradicated due to human decision-making and belief systems.
I am Falcon. I am here to help you change your perspectives; to see that the flutter of your feathers helps every one of us, no matter how insignificant you may perceive it to be. Please waste no opportunity or resource to assist the world in becoming a place where the future of all is sustained by using choosing to be mindful of consumerism and its practices.
Essay by: Sara Roberts
Kirkwood Community College
