…and there’s never been a more important time to ignite some metaphorical wax.
Climate change, species extinction, plastic oceans, dead coral – it’s easy to feel glum about the state of our fragile planet, especially when our political leaders slumber at the proverbial wheel. Being a conservationist isn’t much fun when 2.5 million trees are being felled every day and three species disappear every single hour! For years I shied away from these problems. “What can one person do” right? But I figured we should all be responsible for taking personal action. It’s just a matter of discovering how we can do something and who best to do it with.
There’s a story about a man finding a beach littered with stranded starfish after a big storm. On seeing a small boy, returning a starfish to the ocean, he said “there are thousands of these creatures on the beach, you won’t make any difference.” The boy threw another starfish back into the water and replied “I made a difference to that one!”
It’s true, we can’t do much as individuals, but together we can become a powerful force. So, where to start? I recommend volunteering with an established environmental organisation or a community group, and there are so many to choose from. Virtually all the major environmental “NGO’s” have volunteer or intern programs where you can conduct research, prepare for demonstrations, get involved in “non-violent direct actions” or learn to lobby members of parliament. Organisations such as the Australian Conservation Foundation and The Wilderness Society, local environment groups such as Save Manly Dam, Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon, Manly Lagoon Friends and Pittwater Natural Heritage Association. They are always seeking committed members. Look for listings on the Council Directory: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/community/community-directory
In addition, there are rubbish removal groups, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew, Operation Straw and Take 3 for the Sea. They rely on citizens to target discarded litter which despoils our bushland and beaches.
Wildlife care groups such as Sydney Wildlife, WIRES and Manly Penguin Wardens rely on volunteers too and hold periodic training courses.
Northern Beaches Council has a number of environmental initiatives you can get involved in. Among them is “Bushcare”, established to tackle the problem of environmental weeds across the Peninsula. There are over 50 such groups in this program. Head to: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/bushland/bushcare-volunteers to find out more.
Many people don’t like to try and influence government decision-making. Politics can seem complex and intimidating, but don’t be afraid to find your voice and be a loud advocate for environmental justice. Democracy should involve much more than simply voting on election days. Both major parties still support continued fossil fuel extraction so it’s best to throw your hat in with one of the smaller parties, or individuals, demanding firm action on climate change, animal rights and ecological protection.
I like to think that negative environmental attitudes can be converted, redirected and used to power positive deeds. Being active in protecting the earth and its amazing biodiversity is surely the best thing you could ever do. This fragile blue planet is definitely worth the effort.