"Not to wax nostalgic about the 1970’s, but back then people got upset when they saw injustice. They got tired of seeing our air, land and water polluted. They were shocked when the Cuyahoga River in Ohio was polluted so badly it caught fire. And on one great day 20 million Americans marched all across this land. Politicians had no choice but to take notice." - Senator John Kerry
This quote caught my attention today, for more than a few reasons. Number one being that it perfectly encapsulates how I feel about our generation. I have always wanted to be an advocate for change. I would have made a kick-ass hippy back in the day! I also believe that there are every day life changes that we can make to do our part to change.
Matt and I had decided before we got home that we would make some changes in the way we live. They may seem major, or really minor to some, but they make us feel great about the way we're living. First, we decided that we would support local producers by buying only local foods. So, on our first trip to the grocery store, we managed to buy only foods produced in Canada (Except bananas, but that was far-fetched!). We spent over $200 supporting Canadian producers! We also bought recycled/recyclable grocery bags. We've since stopped accepting plastic bags anywhere we go! In Nova Scotia there is already a law that you have to compost and recycle or you'll be fined, so that was well under way. The best part of eating locally is that it also forces us to eat produce that is currently in season. We are trying to figure out how to narrow down our local eating to producers within our province.
Anyways, the real reason that the quote got me thinking is that back in the 70's people were so passionate about change. They lived and died for the causes they believed in. And they got the recognition they deserved for what they did. These days there is not enough recognition for the amazing people that fight for change. Sometimes they are even looked down upon for being too radical! In a society that needs so much change, can we not all do some small part to make a difference? Although we all recognize that we need to change, many people don't know where to begin. If we were to encourage people to make one small change at a time, we may be able to work together. Imagine 20 million people marching together towards change?
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2 comments:
Good for you. If more people just took a stand about something the world would be a better place. My stand is vegetarianism, but just doing what feels right is the key to a better tomorrow and not just accepting things the way they are because its easy to do so.
Yes! Exactly! Its really about making better choices for yourself, which in turn, are simply better for everyone.
I think the important thing is, not to preach, but to live by example. Others around us have seen the changes that we've made, and simply joined in! Buying reusable bags has got to be the easiest way to start... and they're so inexpensive.
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