by Christyl Rivers

Created on: August 10, 2010   Last Updated: August 11, 2010

Green tips are everywhere.  But do not get suckered into believing that the huge proliferation of new and improved products, is really the way out of a crisis that cannot be solved with buying.  It can only be resolved by thinking.  Think of how you feel in a pristine forest, beside a crashing wave, or in a bright meadow humming with life.  Remember that British Petroleum marketed themselves as Beyond Petroleum.  Now it is time to hold them, and all energy gazillionaire corporations, to that promise of cleaner energy.

Consider what else Nature can teach us, and set an example that others can sense directly.  Don't teach your children well, they are more likely to teach you, as they are already closer to our natural origins, even if they have already discovered television. Take them outdoors, quality time becomes life lessons that teach true wisdom. If you have no children, take a friend or lover.

This week devastating floods continue to claim lives in Pakistan.  The Greenland ice sheet just calved a chunk of ice four times the size of Manhattan.  World wide shortages of clean water affect millions, and wars over resources continue to broil. Should we save planet earth?  NO!  To assume that “we can save planet earth” reflects the same kind of arrogance that got us into this mess. We can save some things, but it is Earth who can save us, if we listen to her wisdom.  Nature, by example teaches us that there is no “away” in which to throw our refuse, and all “waste” must equal “food” if we are to survive.  Look at where plants and animals leave their waste products, you will see there is no garbage, only nutrients returned in an endless cycle.

The biggest thing any one can do is to advocate for family planning and reducing the number of births.  The second biggest thing anyone can do is to consume less.

There are other things that can be done.  You can help save some species, and preserve our own for perhaps a while longer, by shopping less, and when you must shop, use canvas, or other re-usable bags.  Keeping them out of the branches and trees is nice, but keeping them out of the stomachs of those species that ingest them and die is even nicer.

Use less energy.  Go to bed earlier, and live with natural light more effectively than we do with artificial light.  This will also improve your sleep.  Put on an extra layer of clothes

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