UNLESS



A little while ago, our Founder, Sonia, was reading her 7 year old, Pema, Dr Seuss’ The Lorax as one of her (many) bed time stories. First published in 1971, she was struck by how relevant the underlying message of the book is, to our current planetary crisis. ⁠



In May, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, or IPBES, published a landmark new report. The IPBES Chair, Sir Robert Watson is quoted below:⁠



“The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever. We are eroding the very foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide.”⁠



“The Report also tells us that it is not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now at every level from local to global,” he said. “Through ‘transformative change’, nature can still be conserved, restored and used sustainably – this is also key to meeting most other global goals. By transformative change, we mean a fundamental, system-wide reorganisation across technological, economic and social factors, including paradigms, goals and values.”⁠



It’s time to put apathy aside and act, decisively, to challenge those with interests vested in the status quo. Their opposition needs to be overcome for the broader public good. We still have the means to ensure a sustainable future for all animal and plant species, people & this wonderful planet. ⁠



For in the words of Dr Seuss, “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” ⁠


Below we have outlined a few, small, daily decisions within your reach, actions that can help you overcome the overwhelming sense of helplessness we can tend to feel when faced with these big issues.

  • Exercise your rights as both a citizen and consumer. As citizens we can put pressure on governments and companies to instigate societal & system-wide change. As consumers we have the power of choice. “Every time you spend money, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want” ~ Anna Lippe
  • Reduce, recycle, reuse, repair & rot. Head over to this Biome blog to discover simple tips to incorporate the 5 Rs into your daily routine.
  • Switch to renewable energy. Renewables are becoming increasingly more economical around the world. By 2020, the most commonly used renewables will be on par with or cheaper than fossil fuels. The more of us making the switch, the more cost effective they will become.
  • Cut your diet carbon footprint. You don’t have to become vegetarian or vegan to make a difference, but by reducing your consumption of animal protein by half can cut your diet’s carbon footprint by more than 40%
  • “Choose well, buy less & make it last.” ~ Vivienne Westwood. Enough with this endless, throw away, consumer culture. Buy quality. Repair it when it is broken. Pass on to a new owner if it no longer serves you. Repurpose it!