Do it Yourself

Did you know that the UK Is the second biggest producer of plastic waste in the world, second only to the US – and – mind you – it exports about two-thirds of its plastic waste to developing countries? Whatever cannot be recycled still gets in the OCEAN. For how long do we need to point fingers and live in this state of ignorance and disinterest? This is a call for you to consider limiting your plastic use, be mindful with your garbage and initiate for a cleaner, greener neighborhood.

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So here we are again! Now you must have been on the Moon if you still need an introduction to this pandemic, the lockdown and what has brought with it. A neverending story, yet, a story that keeps its mistery of yet a still unknown outcome. Unusual as it is, I sometimes feel happy by just walking around people and looking at their faces trying to understand what are they thinking. How hard of a time are they having? Are they worried, happy, or bluntly indifferent?

Yet I often draw a line and with or without this whole repertoire, I try, every day, to make the best of it now, in this moment. Beside my daily yoga routine, I enjoy walking and exploring the city, as recently I moved to Stoke on Trent, UK. Not long after I arrived, I discovered this stunning park in the city center where there is a lake, hidden gardens, squirrels and all kind of birds including geese, ducks, pigeons and load of crows. 

There is a continuous movement by the lake as there are people that come and feed the birds. Too bad I found a lot of rubbish around, bottles floating, even with the garbage bins there, at everyone’s disposal. It took me some days to actually mobilise and had a briliant idea – to make my walks even more enjoyable, to use my time wisely, purposefuly, and collect the garbage. Above all, the experience of actually carrying that big garbage sack after collecting it brings me relief. That hey – we can do this – where there is will there is a way. 

While we may not be in the position to educate others, we can take the lead and educate ourselves, thus having an impact on others as well. I believe in the power of the example. We can have the initiative and just do something to make a difference by simply starting small. And what a better time than now to do it – when time is plety and we could use finding a purpose for our morale. You don’t necessarily need to volunteer or work for an organization. You can start doing it yourself. All you need is a pair of gloves, a big sacket and some nice music to listen to.  Find a corner of your city or in your community and get to work. 

While 2020 was not a kind year, we have learned to be resilient and put others before ourselves. The Earth needs some of our attention before it is too late. Let us overcome this passivity, stagnation and connect, unite for something better. For a more responsible, aware and future-oriented year.