Your Relationship With The Environment: Part 4

Photo Credit: Flickr/BlindPew

For the past couple of weeks I have written about a set of agreements that mysteriously came into my life a few years ago; click here for Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series.  While the origin of these agreements may be puzzling (since I do not recall where they came from), I hope you agree that their message is encouraging and thought provoking.  You may choose to make a strong commitment with yourself to adhere to some or all of these agreements, or perhaps you just post them on your fridge for an occasional reminder.  However you choose to use them, I hope that these affirmative statements help you reflect on the green living practices and attitudes that you currently hold as well as bring you closer to integrating green living principles into your personal belief system.

Philanthropy and Service to Others: I agree to share my time and resources to the best of my ability while strengthening the health of my family, job, and community.

This can mean many different things.  The first thought that probably comes to mind is volunteering.  It would be great if we all had infinite time and we could volunteer hours each week to our favorite causes.  Many of us are already on busy schedules and feel that we don’t have time for such activities.  But I bet if we made it a commitment, we could find some way to contribute some time to an organization that does important work.  I know we have all heard it before, but it really is quite rewarding to give your time to people and causes that you believe in.  However if you just can’t find time, they can always use funds.  Many environmental organizations are non-profits and rely on donations for their survival.

But this can also mean that you agree to share your knowledge with your friends, family, and others you come in contact with throughout your day.  Perhaps you see others struggling with how to recycle properly.  Be of service to them and help them figure it out.  Be supportive and kind and encouraging.  Not only will this help them, but it will help you by reinforcing your good green habits.

The Web of Life: I agree to be mindful of the fragile web which connects all living things and to consider whole systems in my though, word, and action.

We are all connected on some level with each other and the rest of the natural world.  Everything we do has some kind of effect on the environment, either good or bad – whether we recognize it or not.  And how we are in the world has an effect on others and can have positive or negative impact on their environmental attitudes.  Let’s agree to be mindful of those potential consequences and do our best to limit the bad.  Let’s agree to think, say, and do more good than harm.

Eco Home Consultations provides green living consultation services in the Seattle area, focusing on practical ways to integrate green living into your household.  Learn more at www.ecohomeconsults.com or email questions about this blog or other green living issues to Melissa@ecohomeconsults.com.