Day 4 - 215 -- Sustainable Practice

The day brought visits with friends and some help to unpack heavier boxes at the new research office. I stayed late to finish some of the course work that needs to be done this week -- so I don't have to do it on vacation this year. <smile>  Unpacking showed me there are some items to recycle and others to donate. That will need to wait until September.

While reading email today, I noted that yesterday (August 2) was Earth Overshoot Day. This day represents the point in the year when humans have used all the resources that the earth can readily renew. It draws attention to the lack of sustainability of our current lifestyles in Canada and other western or northern nations. This year is the earliest the day has been reached, indicating that we aren't reversing things as quickly as hoped.  The point is not to bring a message of doom and gloom, but rather to advocate for some change. Even small changes made by many people can move things in the right direction. Another article I read today discussed the goal to moving to a more plant-based diet. Even choosing lower on the food chain more often with fish and fowl, plus one or two plant-based days each week, can make a difference. Recycle papers and plastics. Start composting in the backyard. Use public transit and walk more often, where possible. There are many small changes we can make, we only need to find the willpower. Many tips and ideas can be found on websites such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Suzuki Foundation. 

Several songs came to mind when thinking of this topic. I settled on one from the '70s when fossil fuel reliance became a major issue. I've loved this song and the singer-songwriter since I first heard her many years ago. She is a fellow Saskachawanian. Enjoy! 

Big Yellow Taxi -- Joni Mitchell