3. A Conservation Conversation
I was one lucky kid growing up. I was surrounded by acres of green grass and the best trees for tire swings. Every morning roosters would wake me up before my alarm got the chance, and there were many nights where I’d come home to my dad making dinner with homegrown ingredients. Memories like these are why land conservation has a special place in my heart. Conserved land provides us with clean air, pure drinking water, healthy food, and a place to escape the bustle of our daily lives.
SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
While the land quite literally gives us life, we have been attacking it on all sides. Habitat loss, development pressure, water use, energy development, and climate change all threaten the conservation of our land. The U.S. alone loses 6,000 acres a day to urban development (The U.S. Forest Service).
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
Support those leading the fight! Conservation International works directly with corporations that have the largest impact on conservation. Through these unlikely partnerships they show companies that protection of nature is key when making economic development decisions.
The Conservation Fund is best known for helping their partners identify conservation priorities and request assistance achieving their goals. They often support government agencies like the National Parks Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
One of my favorite non profits, The Nature Conservancy, has protected more than 119,000,000 acres of land and thousands of miles of rivers worldwide. They work with elected officials to shape the policy and programs that will defend public lands, like the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Speaking of policy…call your local representatives! I used to work on the Constituent Services team for a Senator, and I can assure that your comments are recorded and shared with the member. Call up your elected official and urge them support policy that protects our land! Usa.gov makes it easy to find and contact your members.
Visit your local parks! Children today spend 90% of their time indoors (Hofstra University). When I was growing up I couldn’t wait to get outside and play! Spending time outdoors relieves feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety, while improving fitness, creativity and attention. We could all use some fresh air, so find your favorite local park and sign up to give your park a little love through clean-ups, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance projects.
Live responsibly. Always remember that as humans we are only on this earth for a short time, but our actions have long-term effects. We have gotten careless with our planet and she needs some TLC. Easy ways to start living a green life:
Get rid of those single-use items. Stop spending money on plastic utensils and get yourself a cute reuse-able bottle!
Consider Meatless Mondays. Besides the numerous health benefits associated with consuming less meat — meat production produces significantly more greenhouse gases than vegetables. So less meat = less gases = happy planet.
Make the switch to energy-efficient lighting at home. Yes, these bulbs cost a little more upfront, but they can last up to three times longer and can use up to 80% less energy. Your wallet will thank you!
OUR EARTH, OUR RESPONSIBILITY
I visited Muir Woods a few years ago and fell in love with one of John Muir’s quotes:
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
This planet is so generous. It gives us everything we need: air, water and food, and asks for nothing in return. It’s time for us to give back by protecting and advocating for her. A pledge to conservation is a promise to our children for an earth that is healthy, clean and giving. I hope that my passion for conservation is contagious and you walk away from this post with more than you were seeking.
“Happy trails to you, until we meet again.”
