"Is there really Global Warming or are you just wearing too many layers?"
-- Steven Colbert, Comedian
This quote from the host of the television show "The Colbert Report," makes me laugh out loud, although the Global Warming controversy is no laughing matter. In his insightful way, Colbert goes on to say that "Global Warming has been real ever since Al Gore invented it." But is it real? And, even if it is, do we care?
There have been and continue to be endless debates among "experts" all over the world on both sides of the Global Warming issue--now often referred to as "climate change." (After all, somehow we have to account for the really cold winter we've been having!) A recent U.S. survey, based on the opinions of more than 3,000 scientists, concluded that "human-induced Global Warming is real." On the other flip side of the debate is the feeling among other experts who say the warming of the planet has nothing to do with human intervention and that the Earth is simply going through a natural cycle. In fact, we're now hearing about the next "ice age" that's on its way. Is the sky falling? Who do you believe? What do you believe?
What I'm about to say may shock you, but quite frankly, WHO CARES?! And, how many of us actually even understand what Global Warming truly is or what exactly we're supposed to do about it? Should we build shelters for stranded polar bears? Should we drop giant ice cubes in the arctic? Should we rationalize it by saying that Al Gore just made the ultimate disaster movie and do nothing? Of course not, but most of us just don't know what our role in all of this is supposed to be. So let's simplify things.
It really doesn't matter who's right and who's wrong or what's real and what isn't because the bottom line is, whether Global Warming truly exists or not, we've made a mess of our Planet and need to clean it up. So, let's do something positive for the Earth that we can all wrap our arms around...combat a real problem we can literally see almost everywhere we turn... POLLUTION!
So, check out how simple this really is. We litter. Stop it! Our cars spew carbon monoxide when we drive two blocks to the market. Try walking. It's good for you. If you have to buy plastic bottles or aluminum cans, fine. But, recycle! All of this and much more is hurting our health, the health of our loved ones, and slowly killing off our wildlife and destroying nature. Yet, by taking even small steps, we can contribute to the solution, rather than the problem. Become a modern conscious consumer...make small changes. You don't have to trade in your SUV for a Prius. Just do what you can. If everyone contributes a little bit more, it will make a big difference.
For the past couple of years, in addition to our philanthropic work on "I'm Tired of..." bracelets, which raise money for many of the world's important causes, including Global Warming and pollution, I have been the editor of White Apricot, an online newsletter and website that focuses on eco fashion, beauty and lifestyle for what we call the "modern conscious consumer," someone who wants to contribute but doesn't wish to completely sacrifice his or her lifestyle in the process. Trust me, you don't have to become a treehugger, like Ed Begley, Jr., and power your household appliances by riding a bicycle. I still drive an SUV because my lifestyle requires it, but I try to walk whenever possible. Every morning when I arrive at our office, I also clean up the litter that's piled up in front of our building. I used to take 20 minute showers. Now I'm in there for less than 10 minutes. Is that still too long? Maybe. But, I've cut the time in half. It's all good.
No one likes the fact that the polar icecap is melting and our glaciers are disappearing, but what can we do as individuals to fix that problem? Maybe, if we start with pollution, it will make a difference. I honestly don't know. But what I do know is that as abhorrent as pollution is, the fact that many of us stand by and do nothing is worse. If we all take incremental steps, we can have an impact!! Don't waste! Don't litter and pick up other people's litter. Turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth. Stop using so much plastic that winds up in landfills. Teach your children to care for the environment. Recycle! Try to buy products that don't hurt the Planet whenever you're able.
Maybe we won't stop Global Warming, but at least we can make a difference and make our world a better happier place while we're here.