Unless

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Anyone who has ever read the book “The Lorax” (written way back in 1971 if you can believe it), or seen the movie (released in 2012 by Universal Studios) knows that what Dr. Seuss is getting at is that it is everyone’s responsibility to make the world a better place. We can keep on living our lives, using up the natural resources around us, and being blind to the effects of those abuses, but that doesn’t stop what our actions create. In the land of the Lorax, it is a world without truffula trees. In our world, it looks like major environmental issues, such as climate change, air pollution, water pollution, increased natural disasters, and more.

It can be pretty depressing to think about, so it is no wonder that so many stick their heads in the sand when talk of “fracking”, “drought”, “global warming” and other environmental topics hit the news. As Dr. Seuss said though, if people don’t stand up and do something about these things “nothing is going to get better”.

It’s Not.

So what am I suggesting? How about we all start caring even a little bit. A whole awful lot would be better, but we need to start somewhere before we don’t have anything left to save. And this weekend is the perfect time to start.

Use Your Power

Saturday, March 29th, 2014, from 8:30 – 9:30 PM is Earth Hour. Turn out the lights. Better yet, power down your computers (go ahead and unplug it even!), turn off your TVs, and flick off any non-essential power sources for an hour. It is only 60 minutes, but the statement you are making is that you care about the Earth. And the Earth needs us right now.

What do you do while the lights are out? Why not spend time with family or friends and discuss what else can be done for our planet. Make a pledge of things You can do to make our world a better place. You can visit WWF Earth Hour to watch some of the many videos uploaded by people who pledge to make a difference, and while you are at it, upload your own! Listen to what people are planning on doing and come up with your own ideas. Why not back a project on the Earth Hour site? Plant a tree this spring with ReForest London and count it towards London’s Million Tree Challenge. Or maybe you could switch out your old fluorescent light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones? There are so many ways that you can make a difference to the planet. It starts with a #MomentofDarkness. And remember;

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”