Destroying the Evidence

Saturday was Earth Day 2023. My grandson Leo and I had picked up some garbage on a nicer day earlier in the week. I set out on a run Saturday morning in a chilly and light rain/snow mix. I planned to do some more clean-up later in the day, but started noticing litter along my path. I came across a plastic bag and decided to start then.

Among the garbage were beer cans and mini vodka bottles, cigarette butts and packs. I considered this: people destroying the evidence of their excesses, harmful habits, and escapes. I used to drink and smoke too. I was destroying much more than evidence.

And then this thought struck me more deeply: If we don’t care enough for the environment and getting in front of the devastation with more initiatives and individual efforts, the evidence we are destroying is that of our own existence.

A planet in peril is either saved from disaster, or meets disaster after disaster, and finally a catastrophic ending.

The situation is dire, but there is time and there is hope. We can each ask ourselves in our daily actions and habits, and in our consumption choices, am I adding to the destruction or contributing to the help and hope?

If grateful living has taught me anything, it is this: small efforts and shifts in perception gain momentum.

Our planet needs some human momentum to save it now. If we each make even one change in our habits and choices, think of the difference we can make. Let’s build some momentum. Stop destroying the evidence. Start loving and caring for our earthly home more deeply.