Extending Our Compassion
by Andrea Rose (printed in Satya magazine 2005)For the past ten years, I have been a regular attendee of vegetarian and animal rights conferences across the United States. I do whatever I can to attend these events not only to share information, but also to learn what others are doing to help animals and spread vegetarianism. One topic of concern has been the importance of simplifying my life so I can reduce the impact my lifestyle has on the earth. This includes the issue of recycling and minimizing waste.
I volunteer for a local recycling group and have been trying to bring the message about recycling to these events, but have been met with some resistance. It seems that the subject of personal waste reduction and recycling is not of interest or concern and the correlation between animal welfare and the environment is totally overlooked at these events. Animals need a clean environment to live in that isn't polluted by our toxic waste and trash. Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles and other animals die annually by accidentally consuming our plastic bags and other trash. Fish and other animals choke in our streams from toxic groundwater, a side effect of our landfills. We need to evaluate our waste habits and trash production so we can avoid contributing to such harmful acts.
Recently, I attended a major animal rights conference and was troubled to see vast amounts of waste being discarded without any regard to the environmental consequences. Trashcans overflowed with styrofoam, paper cups and material that could have easily been recycled with some thoughtful effort, but there were no recycling bins in sight. It was unfortunate that no one was aware that this seemingly innocent action has such negative effects. Tons of water and other resources had to be used in order to turn raw materials into these bottles, cans and boxes. If these products were recycled and turned into new products, energy and resources could be spared.
Unfortunately, even if we follow a vegan lifestyle, we still contribute to landfills and their harmful by-products, pollution, and to deforestation due to our daily purchases and habits. We can choose to participate in creating environmental pollution or not to by consciously thinking about what we are buying and the true cost that went into making it. According to the EPA, landfills produce more methane gas than cows! Isn't the production of methane gas, a powerful greenhouse gas, one of the arguments against eating meat? Every time we choose not to recycle, we contribute to landfills and their toxic by-products and use excess water and energy. In order to remain true to our commitment to help animals, we can think of the following points before we purchase anything: Can this item be recycled? Is this item in too much packaging? Do I really need this item?
Have you ever thought about the resources that go into the cherries that are neatly wrapped in a styrofoam package, or the plastic tray and box a frozen meal comes out of? These convenience items are very destructive to our environment and one must consider the energy it takes to produce them, in addition to the cancer causing by-products that are released into the air and streams. Many items are packaged in containers that cannot be recycled or in so much excess packaging that it takes a chainsaw just to get to the product. Even if some of these containers are recyclable, many of them are not, and Americans still end up trashing billions of containers annually.
It is so easy to help the earth, and thankfully so since many of us believe we don't have the time or energy to do anything about it. The benefits of reducing consumption might not be readily measured, but it is the personal satisfaction that we are doing our best to help the earth that matters.
One simple way EVERYONE can make a difference is to use cloth bags for ALL shopping needs - not just groceries. One won't have to be confronted with "paper or plastic" (both of which are destructive) and this discipline contributes to good habit formation. Keep several bags in the car so they will always be on hand for unexpected stops at the store. Remember how difficult it seemed to read every label before eating something? Now it seems like second nature and we do it without thinking. Developing earth-friendly habits and reducing waste can be just as simple.
If one thinks about all the energy that is used to produce our plastic water bottles and all the toxic by-products released during production, it becomes apparent that this destructive habit cannot be ignored. A good alternative to disposable water bottles or plastic cups is using a water filter that can be used hundreds of times before it needs to be changed. A ceramic coffee mug, stainless thermos or glass cup can be used at home, work and travel and there are many refillable drinking bottles on the market.
Another positive action that is well worth the effort is to refuse to buy products that are in non-recyclable or excessive packaging. Do we really need muffins that are in a hard plastic container or snow peas wrapped in a tray with cellophane wrapping? Call or email the companies that produce products in non-recyclable materials and suggest that they use more environmentally-friendly and less wasteful packaging. This provides retailers with an incentive and an opportunity to improve. Remember that every phone call or comment a company receives represents many more people that didn't make the call so make it matter.
Have you ever thought about bringing your own ceramic dinnerware to potlucks or restaurants that use disposable and/or styrofoam plates and cups? This is one of my favorite thoughtful acts since it helps the environment and also demonstrates to others that "green" living is easy and a normal thing to do. When one thinks about the landfill space that is permanently occupied for each disposable plate or cup we use, it seems totally unnatural to even think of using an item "just once."
Every time we do something kind for the earth, we are remaining true to our convictions and are setting a positive example for our friends and family. It might seem like our actions are too small to make a difference, or that our negative contributions are not significant, but apathy is the most damaging of all. It falsely teaches us that environmental degradation is out of our control and that we are doing enough simply because we are vegan or that we recycle. Most importantly, an environmentally abusive lifestyle teaches others around us that this is an acceptable way of life and normalizes it. Each and every one of us have the power to reduce our negative impact on the earth by making every action matter, and with each positive action we take we get closer to how it feels to live a kind and compassionate life that includes ALL species, including plants, wildlife and our precious resources.
Please visit reusablebags.com and www.epa.gov.recyclecity/ for more information.