Looking back at the last decade, it seems to me that looking after the environment greatly centred around driving a Prius and recycling. Both positive moves toward lightening ye ol’ carbon footprint. But with 2010 upon us and a dawning of a new decade staring us in the face, I thought it could be time to define what it means to be an environmentalist in the new age.
So, here are my top 12 attributes of the new age environmentalist, in no particular order… If you have some additions, please feel free to add them in the comments!
1. Not only recycles, but uses less waste material by buying less. Understands that buying more stuff means greater unhappiness and more suffering (check out the teachings of the Tao Te Ching for more insight into this). Lightening the material load clears the mind and allows for more quality time spent on the stuff in life that really matters.
2. Avoids processed and man-altered foods, including GMO, pesticide-laden produce. Knows that chemicals are not only bad for their own body, but for the planet and all of its inhabitants—plant, insect or animal. Grows or buys their own organic produce and helps to spread the word on this all-important action.
3. Doesn’t eat animals, consume or wear animal-derived products. Knows that they share the same consciousness as all living things, so to harm another is the same as harming themselves. Understands the many factual reasons as to why eating animals is also detrimental to the future of the planet.
4. Listens to their own heart and the hearts of others. Extends a helping hand whenever possible, knowing the greatest gift they can give is a selfless act of love toward another. Love without rules helps expand consciousness.
5. Is not concerned with their reputation, good or bad. Rather, the new age environmentalist marches forward in their life purpose, knowing their cause is much greater than themselves.
6. Meditates regularly. Maintains a close connection to source energy (or God) and the environment.
7. Lives by their own rules, rather than obeying the rules set out by mainstream media. Understands that mainstream news sources have their own agendas, instilling fear in the hearts of those who watch it. Knows the media-hyped green industry has been saturated with those who see the value in the eco-dollar, rather than eco-solutions.
8. Buys only recycled, upcycled or organically-made fashion. Understands that cotton is sprayed with toxic chemicals that harm not only the wearer, but the environment.
9. Only buys beauty products that are not only tested on animals, but also those that aren’t laden with toxic chemicals. Understands the skin is the body’s largest organ and benefits most from products (from the pantry) that can also be eaten (such as extra virgin coconut oil).
10. Walks or uses carbon-neutral transport whenever possible. Knows walking is a great way to connect with nature, while also doing the body and the planet good. Understands that looking after themselves as nature intended is a very real way of being kind to the planet.
11. Uses their knowledge and passion to educate others in a positive, uplifting, useful way. Knows that all good news is best shared.
12. Knows that they don’t know everything. Is a student of life and readily admits they don’t know if they indeed don’t. Is open to new ways of thought and advice on how to further extend their helping hand.
