We need to get rid of the concept that humans are too important not to do their part. The reality is that humans, animals, and the environment are all too valuable. Humans aren’t more important than any other species, animal, plant, or anything else on Earth. So, we need to work together and do our part to learn how to help the planet and make it a better for everyone—including when we have fun. Sustainability and events, even fun ones, also go together. Moreover, business leaders are well-positioned to become environmental leaders because the public trusts them more than governments or other institutions.
In short, there’s no aspect of our lives where we can’t align with sustainability. As I reflect on the end of another year, I’d like to reflect on how to help the planet. Here’s the deal, climate change is an existential threat to all living things on Earth. As we all know, in recent years, the world faced down a pandemic. And now, folks, we have to turn our attention to the climate. As countries came together to help discover and distribute vaccines, because of our collective will to do it, we have to do the same for the planet.
The Threat of Climate Change for Life on the Planet
By now, you know the threats. But, sometimes, humans need to hear things over and over for things to sink in. So, let’s explore some of the realities of climate change. According to NASA, The effects of human-caused global warming are happening now, are irreversible on the timescale of people alive today, and will worsen in the decades to come. And while that’s sobering, it doesn’t mean we have to put our hands in the air and give up. Instead, like everything that humans have done throughout human history, we have to tap into our collective will and do everything we can to get things to a better place.
- We have to keep the planet below 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming. In short, if we allow the Earth to warm above that level, what we’ve experienced in weather and climate will look like child’s play.
- One of the elements that we need to realize is that climate change is a national crisis. For instance, if we do nothing (not an option), competition increases for food, minerals, and resources due to melting ice.
- Further, these massive storms, as a result of climate change, cost money, valuable resources, and lives. Therefore, we have to look at climate change as a threat to our economy.
- Climate change is also a global security threat. Inevitably, as people relocate, resources shrink, and massive natural disasters take root, countries will compete and argue with each other. Naturally, more troubles arise when there’s less peace, stability, and security.
What You Could Do Today to Start in Green Living
Every one of us must understand how to help the planet. Moreover, each one of us must do our part daily. Remember Margaret Mead’s famous quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Each one of us could do our part. For starters, those of us who lead businesses could lean into sustainable leadership. The reality is that sustainability can be profitable for your business.
Yes, each one of us can help the planet by:
- Recycling metal and paper products
- Planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide
- Buying low emission goods
- Turning off lights when we leave a room or building
- Make sure that all your events and parties align with sustainability.
However, it’s going to take a bit more than that. First, each of us has to do the work—every day—for green living in big and small ways. In other words, we can’t do it sometimes, or if we feel like it or remember. Like losing weight, this is a lifestyle change. In short, you have to assess everything at your business and home and do your part.
Consumers Are the Biggest Contributors to Waste
Unfortunately, consumer waste in landfills is massive. Think about everything you throw away on any given day. We have to rise to the challenge and stop using and discarding. I’ve said this often as someone who’s in the shoe business and a social entrepreneur. Hundreds of millions of shoes and sneakers get burned each year, incinerated, just to make room for next season’s shows and protect the brand. In short, there’s got to be a better way.
I’m a grandfather, as many of you know. I’m the proud grandfather of three amazing and beautiful children. But I’m concerned the world they’ll inherit will be dangerous because of climate change. So, for me, this is a mission, and I’m inviting you to join me in doing better. Let’s focus on how to work toward a cleaner and greener planet. My closing wish is that we all explore ways to keep the world cleaner for future generations. We need to help the planet by reducing our carbon footprint, recycling, and planting trees.
© 2021 Wayne Elsey. All Rights Reserved.