Heroes Wanted

The environment needs heroes. As our (human) population grows, the need to remember the environment becomes increasingly important. With the rapid urbanization of China and other Asian countries, the continual growth of the Western World’s hunger for excess, and the willingness of many poor countries to sell their natural resources for a quick buck, the need for ecological heroes is at its height.

We need heroes like Gaylord Nelson to champion the creation of the Environmental Protection Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Heroes like Van Jones to train a workforce in “green collar” work like installing solar panels to meet the public demand. Heroes like Teddy Roosevelt to use their political power to create refuges for fauna and flora.

We need heroes to change habits in the Western World and to create positive habits in China and other “emerging” nations. We need heroes to replicate the successes that have already been had and spur new initiatives to act as the models of tomorrow.

We need heroic politicians like the New Zealand government who has put a ban on building gas and coal fired power plants. Heroic towns like Vaxjo in Sweden who decided to reduce and eventually remove their dependence on fossil fuels ten years ago. Heroes like national capitals, Paris, Copenhagen, London, and Stockholm who have begun community bicycle programs to reduce auto traffic. Heroic groups like Environmental Defense to educate and campaign. Heroic initiatives like the Blog Action Day to get people talking.

We need heroes like you. We need millions of people doing the little things every day. You can use less water and electricity – and teach other people that these things aren’t “free”. You can buy a smaller car, or preferably, use public transport. You can find out how to get solar panels onto your home. Gretchin Rubin has more ideas here and James suggested the Green Guide in the comments. You could also sign up with The Green Thing and record your environment-saving activities.  As with most heroic behaviour, these things carry certain risks. People might call you a loon. You might have to give up the comfort of your full size sedan. Solar panels will cost you some extra money. Again, as with most heroic behaviour, the reward will be well worth the risk.

Will you answer the call coming from the natural world around you?

This post was part of the Blog Action Day in which thousands of blogs are writing about the environment. Find more blogs here.