Even though we live in an individualistic era
there are many things we can do as individuals to preserve what we have left
such as our mindset, actions, and spirituality. It is no secret our planets
population is increasing at alarming rates and due to the increase in the
earth’s population we will use up our oil supply in a few decades. Oil is found
on the oceans floor and comes from dead animals on the sea’s floor and cooked
by nature. Venezuela discovered oil in the beginning of the 20th century and
since then we have become addicted to a non-renewable source of energy that
took centuries to create and decade to almost wipe out our oil supply. Many
modern civilizations have come to believe that the paths to a better life are
consumerism and the manipulation of the “Machine of Nature” (Pg. 229) to our
advantage. To consider our earth as a machine is one way we can change our
mindset. Our earth is not a machine; it is something that should be put into a
museum because our earth has lots of sentimental value. Saying our earth is a
machine is like saying the earth is our slave and when our slave does not
produce enough of what we need we take from other countries causing war and
despair in many civilizations. “In order to fix the future we must understand
the past” (Pg.230) this quote suggests we should adjust our actions by seeking
more information instead of relying media and news outlets. In order to keep
the human species alive we must adjust our daily lives and accept a new way of
living called Sustainable living in which we adjust our lifestyles to try and
reduce the use of the earth's limited natural resources. One way to adjust to
sustainable living is to unplug all unnecessary appliances. So many of our
small appliances such as cell phone chargers, USB hubs, cordless tool chargers,
game systems, cable boxes, microwave ovens, etc. Use small transformers that continue to run
even when the appliances are not in use or being charged. While the energy
consumed by each appliance is fairly small, when you add up how many you have
(and how many every person has), unplugging them can really make a difference
in reducing our energy consumption. Another way to adjust to sustainable living
is by carpooling or using public transportation. We have gotten into the bad
habit of driving our cars to work -- usually by ourselves. Doing so is such a
waste of limited resources and money, as well as adding to the pollution
(through greenhouse gas emissions) of our environment. Carpooling is a great option
that reduces pollution, costs, and time. (Yes, there are some inconveniences
and hurdles you may need to overcome, but the benefits far outweigh these.)
Even better than carpooling is using public transportation -- trains, busses,
subways, etc. -- to get to and from work as well as for other trips and errands.
Using public transportation is cheaper, often faster, and has less negative
environmental impacts than driving our own cars
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