What role does love play in sustainability? Every role! It’s high time we reignite our passion for our planet and prioritize sustainable practices every day. Indeed, our connection to what we cherish about the Earth enhances our understanding of our environment and how to safeguard it.
The Emotional Connection
When the duty to protect our planet is framed as a burden stemming from guilt or fear, it can be overwhelming and demoralizing. Conversely, viewing sustainability as an expression of love can foster a profound sense of fulfillment and empower us to make meaningful, lasting changes for future generations.
Lindsay Coulter (@SaneAction), a green living advocate (formerly known as Queen of GreenTM), community leader, mother, and co-founder of the EPIC Learning Centre (a nature school in Victoria, BC), addresses the significance of emotions like love in sustainability: “Emotions are fundamental to reasoning.”
“They form an intrinsic part of the human experience, guiding our attention to what truly matters. How can we empathize with the world’s pain or summon the courage to confront it if we lack the tools to manage our emotions? (Naturally, we should avoid acting based on harmful feelings.)”
“Guilt is a privilege,” Coulter asserts. “There’s no room for self-judgment or guilt. Opt for love instead.” Author Toko-pa Turner, in her book Belonging [Her Own Room Press, 2017], examines our need to reconcile our connection with the Earth, acknowledging the pain we feel from being distanced from what we love—Mother Earth.
Roots of Connection
Research indicates that individuals who engage in nature during childhood are more likely to champion its protection as adults. A 2017 University of British Columbia study revealed that 87% of participants who played outdoors as children maintained a love for nature into young adulthood. From that group, 84% prioritized environmental care.
A previous study from 2006 highlighted the importance of “wild” play in nature for fostering adult environmentalism, emphasizing the value of free, unstructured play where children can fully immerse themselves in their natural environments. Recall moments spent joyfully digging in the dirt or crafting flower crowns.
Deepening Connections
But what about those of us who have outgrown childhood? Is it still vital to connect with nature? Coulter emphasizes its importance: “Spending time outdoors helps combat profound feelings of disconnection. Dedicate time each day to seek out beauty and magic in nature; in doing so, we recognize that the world extends beyond our individual selves!”
Coulter suggests exploring Joanna Macy’s “Work That Reconnects” (workthatreconnects.org), a collective initiative aimed at cultivating a desire and capacity to contribute towards healing our planet. This platform provides numerous resources and exercises. As Coulter mentions, “Treat every encounter as significant, acknowledging that each being, be it a rock or a tree, has its own narrative.
“Stay receptive to interactions. Whisper to the trees. Embrace the art of observation. Show gratitude and reciprocity to all living things. Does the tree or water seem to reflect your presence? Engage your senses fully. Communicate your thanks to nature, celebrating its existence without attempting to change it.”
While many of us remain ever curious, there are countless ways for adults to strengthen their bonds with nature. Here are some suggestions to inspire you:
- witnessing the stars
- birds observing
- cultivating a garden
- engaging in ski or snowshoe adventures
- meditating or practicing yoga outdoors
- hiking
- camping
- identifying wild plants or mushrooms
- foraging
- watching sunrises or sunsets
Caring for Mother Nature
Every action we take counts. If you’re just beginning your eco-journey, try these sustainable living tips as a starting point:
- Plant trees.
- Minimize food waste.
- Conserve water.
- Learn to repair clothing.
- Reduce plastic usage.
- Move away from fast fashion and treat shopping as a necessity.
- Seek second-hand options or support local artisans.
- Choose active transportation, like cycling or walking, whenever possible.
- Read literature on environmental issues.
Spread the Message of Love
Complementing our individual eco-efforts with collective action is vital. What does that entail? Again, it returns to love. Working together reflects our shared compassion for the planet and its diverse inhabitants.
As we engage in eco-friendly practices (such as utilizing reusable containers), it’s crucial to address broader issues (for instance, advocating for clean drinking water across all communities in Canada, especially where First Nations lack access).
Begin with what you cherish. For instance, if you love sourcing local, organic produce (free from plastic waste) from your farmers’ market, consider volunteering with a group that enhances food security in your locale.
Here is a brief compilation of community-focused eco-initiatives that may strengthen our relationship with our environment:
- Establish a community garden.
- Organize a clothing swap event.
- Create a “buy nothing” community group.
- Arrange a shoreline cleanup or litter collection.
- Engage with a local volunteer cause.
- Share your skills with others, such as knitting or foraging.
- Participate in local meetings and town halls (many are now virtual).
- Advocate your views to politicians through letters or emails.
- Contribute to environmental or social causes through donations.
- Encourage others to get involved.
The natural world is a remarkable treasure that warrants our love, respect, and protection. This Valentine’s Day and every day, let us celebrate our planet—and its people—with all our hearts.
