JUST ONE THING

Ambivalence seems to be the prevailing attitude for so many when it comes to the health of our planet and its inhabitants. And it’s a tragedy.  As Jane Goodall said, “How is it that the most intellectual creature to ever walk the earth is destroying its own home?”

It’s a minority of individuals who have any sense of stewardship about anything involving nature and animals. Some people are concerned with a specific animal – for example “Save the Whales” – which is perfectly fine. Some are concerned about all animals and nature – for example Green Peace. But we’re talking a very small number of people when it comes down to it.

One problem that those involved with saving animals or even just one species must deal with is that  they’re regularly scoffed at as extremists, tree-huggers, radicals,  hippies,  and other invectives.  I think it’s safe to say that a majority of people don’t give a thought to a species of any kind becoming extinct and might not even care if someone planted the thought.

This realization really hit home when I sent out an email to a group of 70 people, most of whom I know well. Some I’ve known for years. I asked that they consider supporting the publication of Saving Our Oceans since the net proceeds from the sale were being donated to several 501c3 organizations. Many of the 70 live in California, and California does have a healthy history of protecting their coastline and marine sanctuaries.

Get ready for the big response! Ready? One person out of 70 said they’d be delighted to buy the book. That is .02 per cent.

One woman asked me to remove her from my email list. 

Well, it’s very possible it could simply be me.

However, I have found only one individual in the tiny town where I live who cares one whit about the health of the ocean, the captivity of orcas, Japanese whaling, or any environmental topic.

Photo by change.org

It's NOT okay for 1,000,000 species of plants and animals to die off. It is NOT acceptable to be harpooning the smartest mammals in the ocean (possible smarter than people in some regards) or holding them prisoners in swimming pools for entertainment. It’s not acceptable for big business to rape, pillage, and pollute the earth. There seems to be a robust “leave it for others to fix” attitude. Or is the real reason behind inaction and ambivalence that the problems seem overwhelming and hopeless? 

Yes, for the most part we all have extremely busy, stressful lives, but the solution might be simpler than people realize. Imagine this: What If everyone, every single person, did something helpful. Just one thing. I think we can all afford to do JUST ONE THING.

Start by saying NO to PLASTIC Bags, Bottles and Straws.