Caring for the Earth Today
By Bob Russo

As we all know, we are living in a rapidly changing world.  The major industrial and technological advances of the last 150 years have drastically altered the natural, evolutionary course of life and, consequently, the human-earth relationship. 

Problems from global warming to loss of plant and animal habitat to extensive topsoil erosion are placing an enormous strain on our Earth’s ecological balance.   
Even with these challenges, I believe that each of us can help create a more ecologically balanced earth. 

So, where do we begin?  First, by realizing that we each have the power to make a difference.  Small steps taken in large numbers add up to enormous change! 

The next step involves a change in awareness.  We can recognize that each of us is an individual and equal strand among the many forms of life that occupy a place on this precious planet.  That which affects one form of life ultimately affects the whole. 

Another step is viewing our interaction with nature as Sacred.  Human life originated in the wilderness.  At our core, there is a “wildness” or authenticity that is craving to be expressed.  It is a deep spiritual root that connects heaven and earth and enlivens an awareness of the Divine Presence.  The Desert Fathers understood this connection and thus sought time in nature for contemplative prayer. 

An extension of this step is a growing appreciation and awe for nature.  We begin to see everyday acts of nature as divine miracles.  We may stop what we are doing to experience the glory of the setting sun.  Or, we may stand in wonderment at the enormity of a towering cumulus on a warm summer afternoon.  And, we may be humbled by the intricate process of photosynthesis and the key role it plays in sustaining life on this planet. 

Thomas Berry writes in The Dream of the Earth (pg. 46):

“The ecological age fosters the deep awareness of the sacred presence within each reality of the universe.  There is an awe and reverence due to the stars in the heavens, the sun, and all heavenly bodies; to the seas and the continents; to all living forms of trees and flowers; the myriad expressions of life in the sea; to the animals of the forest and the birds of the air.  To wantonly destroy a living specie is to silence forever a divine voice.”

Out of our reverence for nature comes the desire to live a more holistic and sustainable life.   

Here are a few things each of us can do to make a difference:

• Support organic farmers.  Soil building and conservation are the heart and soul of organic farm production.  Your support helps preserve our valuable soil resource and reduce the overall use of herbicides and pesticides.

• Build a Compost pile.   Composting is a great way to recycle, using weeds, leaves, and grass clipping you collect on your property.  Neighbors are always happy to contribute!  A great way to learn about composting is by attending one of the free compost workshops in your community (put on by the Riverside County Waste Management Department).  These one-hour workshops are held on Saturdays and provide a wealth of simple, helpful information with easy-to-follow guidelines.  To help you get started, the County also offers Smith and Hawkins tiered compost bins for purchase at approximately half the usual retail price.

• Plant a Vegetable Garden.   This is a wonderful tool for developing an appreciation for the earth and tuning into the seasons.  And, it’s an enjoyable activity for the whole family!   Container gardening is a great option for apartment and condo dwellers!

• Recycle.  Recycle aluminum cans, paper, glass, plastic, and whatever else is acceptable for recycling in your community.  Purchase recycled products whenever possible.

• Reduce driving.  Consolidate errands and shopping trips.

• Financially support an “earth-centered” organization.  There are a number of organizations that do exceptional work to support the healing of the earth.  Find one that matches your values and give what you can. 

• Attend a Personal Retreat.  Take some time each year for quiet time away from your usual surroundings.  A retreat in a mountain setting is an ideal way of re-establishing a connection with nature and your authentic self. 

To close, I would like to thank all of you for taking steps to heal the earth.  We’re on this journey together.  And, it is certainly one of hope and inspiration!  As we make positive choices to live in balance with our Earth Mother, that enthusiasm and energy will spread and inspire others to do the same.  Living our values is certainly worth achieving.  Through this, we not only enrich the earth but ourselves as well.