Blog Action Day ‘09 : Getting Back to the Basics

Blog Action Day 2009 is here! So what does that mean? Well, Blog Action Day is a day where bloggers all across the globe shift focus and discuss one global issue, sparking conversation and discussion to raise awareness. What a powerful way to connect people from all over the world for a cause that affects us all.

This year, the topic of choice is Climate Change. As I began to think about what I wanted to write about today, I figured I’d start with the question, what does climate change mean to me personally. What does it mean to my community, my country, and the world that I have come to know? For so many of us, things such as climate change, going green, sustainable and organic, have become little more than “buzz words” or the reason why one item costs more than another. But, even though some have misused and watered down these terms, the issues behind these ideas are still very very important to our lives and our well being.

So, what are some tangible things that we can see today that are the result of climate change and what are some things that are beginning that will soon change the way we live?

Displacement of people around our country and the world :

We have already seen an increase in hurricanes as well as food sources, lakes, and rivers, drying up. There has also been much more volcanic activity, wildfires, and flooding. All of these things affect our safety, security and our health. During my Taebo Class a couple years ago, I met a really sweet lady who I had never seen in class before. By the end of class I had learned from her that she was now living over the Taebo studio in DC because Hurricane Katrina had destroyed her family’s home.

For those of us who love an island vacation, climate change is narrowing down our choices as the water levels continue to rise by staggering amounts. Not only are the islands essentially be covered over, but the coral reefs which are great for snorkeling are disappearing and the coral which used to line the floor of the Caribbean is nearly GONE. Along with them, our salmon, lobster and other sea dwellers are going too, due to rising water temperatures and pollution.

Increase in human health issues :

With more and more technology and medical advances, one would think that the human race was getting healtheir, however that is not the case. Climate change has been linked to numerous new health issues as well as the resurgence of deadly diseases that have not been seen for some time. People are suffering more strokes due to heat waves, smog-related deaths and heart attacks due to the warmer climates causing quicker hardening of the arteries. Allergies are becoming more severe due to overgrown ragweed and mold (which I can attest to). Diseases such as Malaria and Lyme Disease and spreading more quickly then ever since the weather is not getting cold enough to kill the bugs and animals carrying these diseases. I know that I have definitely noticed that I seem to get bitten by mosquitos ALL of the time, and don’t even get me started on the battles I have with the grasshopper spiders in my house.

Increased fighting amoung the nations :

With climate change comes starvation, drought, famine, conflict over resources, and migration due to the change in sea levels. As emotions and fears rise, so does tension and war.

Decrease in things we love to treat ourselves with :

As the climate changes, so does our ability to produce such things as mixed nuts, avocado’s, potatoes, and certain grapes. So, for all of us who like to have a nice glass of Pino Noir, French wine, light and dry wines, or french fries we may soon be seeing these things in scarce quantities. :-/

So, what can we do about this?! Get back to the basics. Just as our body’s have an amazing ability to give us what we need, if we let it work the way that it was made to, so does our planet. Helping to reverse the effects of climate change doesn’t mean that we have to go without or try to change everything about ourselves all at once, it simply means doing things a little differently…

Choose items that are non-toxic and recycled. This helps to cut down on pollutants, uses less energy, and is also healthier for you and your family.
Choose local and seasonal products, foods, materials. This cuts down on the energy and resources used to get things shipped to your location and supports a sustainable lifestyle. It also aids in our health. One of my favorite things to do is go to my local farmers market and pick out fresh fruits, veggies, and whatever else I can find. Check out these delicious veggies, grown by James (thanks for sending this photo James!!). You can’t get much fresher than that!

Instead of buying individual items or those with a lot of packaging, buy bulk and use things such as refillable water bottles and reusable lunch and grocery bags. Costco is my favorite place to shop (when it’s not crowded lol). They have all kinds of goodies and keep me from going to the grocery store every week for things I consume daily. Such as water and gatorade.
When designing, use items that are recycled or recyclable. Use materials that re-grow quickly such as bamboo. Think about things such as planting trees in areas of the yard that will shade your house and cut down your electric bills. For those with yards, think about using rainwater collection systems to water your lawn (to make your own, check out these step by step instructions). I am a firm believer in re-purposing household items, as you can see here and here. Even though I may have bought it in the past, it still feels like I got something for free, and I like free
Support those who make products that are biodegradable and earth friendly. This will encourage others to do the same and eliminate some of our waste. We here in the US have more waste than any other country in the world. If earth friendly and organic products became the standard we would have much more competitive pricing and a be much healthier in the process.
Carpool or encourage your boss to allow telecommuting. You save on gas, are exposed to less germs, and pollution can be cut down. It’s a win win situation. Plus you’ll get to work in your pajamas

So, what about you guys…have any good tips for helping us to get back to the basics? What are some things that you’re doing at home or work? Anyone have any stories about how the change in climate is affecting you? We would love to hear and discuss!

To hear stories from others around the world click here