211_Nine Actions You Can Take to Benefit the Global Community

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 211

Nine Actions You Can Take to Benefit the Global Community

Like it or not our lives are now a product of globalization. The cost of our fuel, the food on our tables, the clothes we wear, and even our household gadgets are subject to the conditions of the world market. It is now possible for a drought, a natural disaster, a financial crisis or even a conflict in some small country on the other side of the planet to affect our daily lives.

While globalization has its obvious benefits, there is also a downside. Among many other things, it has a significant environmental impact. It also increases our vulnerability and diminishes our personal security. But like so many other things, it is possible to be proactive  and protect yourself from the detrimental affects.

So join me for E211 Nine Actions You Can Take to Benefit the Global Community.

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E211 Nine Actions You Can Take to Benefit the Global Community.

What I want to accomplish in this episode is to first discuss some of the effects of globalization and how that happened. I believe it is important to have some basic knowledge of the effects of such a transition in our economy because this is something that affects our lives more than you know.  Globalization does produce a significant environmental impact. It substantially impacts the lifestyles of families in developing countries. It also makes a difference for our wallets and bank accounts. Like it our not.

Good news story of the week

But before we move on to this weeks episode let’s talk about the good news story of the week.

I have often said that the world would be a better place if everyone could go home to peace and quiet everyday like I do. All I have to do to spend time in nature is to walk out the front door.

This weeks good news story is sort of old news, but good news, but new news at the same time. Yet another study, this one out of Canada, suggest that an inexpensive school-based, nature born program seems to help some of the most vulnerable young people

The researchers showed that spending just two hours a week of class time in a natural environment can reduce emotional distress, anxiety, depression, aggressive tendencies, impulsive behavior and social problems related to interaction with their piers. This research follows a recent publication by UNICEF pointing to the importance of green space for children’s development.

The Canadian team looked at the effects of spending time in nature on the behavior and mental health symptoms of more than 500 schoolchildren across Quebec. Interview with teachers following the programs also suggested that children were more calm, relaxed and attentive in class after they spent time outdoors.

But the underlying reason I think this is extremely valuable to point this out once again is that approximately 80% of our population now lives in urban areas. Our disconnection from the natural world grows greater each year. As such, we are trapped in cities and have no emotional outlet.  You have to wonder if the majority of us spent time outside, if that alone would not solve some of the aggressive tendency in our culture, if it would not reduce the incidence of mental health issues.  The answer is so easy, just spend time outside on a regular basis.

Alright folks, let’s move on to this weeks episode regarding nine actions you can take to benefit the global community.

When we think of globalization most of us likely relate to the enormous cargo ships that are used to import goods.  And certainly every time you examine a product and discover yet again that it is “made in China” you likely think this is a product of globalization. However, this shift in our economic models started long before any of us realize.   

Humans have been trading goods for as long as we have been around. But as civilization started to develop, trade stopped being a local or regional affair and started to become global, albeit limited in the beginning.

The Silk Road, which connected China to Rome, is considered an early form of globalization. This dates back to the 1st century BC and resulted in the exchange of luxury items such as silk and spices across the continents. In the 15th and 16th centuries European explorers and the discovery of the Americas opened up new trade routes which promoted the further exchange of goods across the continents. And over time this simple beginning has grown into a tremendous global market that influences almost everything we do.

But to be fair, there are obvious pros and cons to globalization.

On the plus side, globalization increase our access to foreign markets and cultures, it reduces trade barriers, improves communication and exchange of technology, it increases economic growth, creates new job opportunities, and in many respects it improves our standard of living.

On the downside, globalization increases competition, it results in disproportionate growth and it causes increased environmental damage. Some would say that globalization increase our personal security but I would contend that it does the exact opposite. We have gotten to the point to where we are heavily dependent on foreign goods and services to make our lives function. We now import almost 50% of our food and that is expected to increase to nearly 75%.

If globalization is supposed to increase our personal security then what would happen if there was a major world conflict and all trade suddenly ceased?  A substantial portion of our good and services, not to mention our food supply, would simply cease to exist. That does not sound like personal security to me. It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

While these types of situations are of concern, it is fortunate that this scenario rarely happens. However, there are some other subtle affects of globalization on our daily lives.

For example:

The United States is now the biggest producer of oil in the world. You would think that local resources would be less expensive. But, the price of oil is determined by the global market, which of course has nothing to do with what is actually going on in the US.

Globalization has attributed to unhealthy habits in several ways.

-It has lead to the spread of Western-style diets, characterized by increased consumption of processed and unhealthy foods. This contributes to the rise in cases of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

-Global trade has made unhealthy products, such as sugary drinks and fast food, widely available, contributing to unhealthy habits.

-It has lead to a decline in nutrient-dense foods and an increase in unhealthy foods.

-Globalization can lead to food insecurity. The liberalization of trade and government subsidies can cause the displacement of local food systems in favor of unhealthy, imported food.

The first step in changing what we do is to realize that as individuals, our choices play a role in the global community. You may not know this but every decision we make has an impact on people and places well beyond the borders of our home country. From what you have for dinner, the clothes that you buy, how you get around and numerous other small things you do everyday help to shape the world around us.

For example:

Climate Change: Our consumption habits, energy usage, and carbon footprint contribute to climate change, which affects countries with limited resources and infrastructure, exacerbating issues like droughts, floods, and heatwaves.

Global Economy: Our purchasing decisions influence global trade patterns and economic systems. For example, buying products made in countries with poor labor standards or environmental regulations can perpetuate exploitation and harm local communities.

Resource Extraction: Our demand for resources like minerals, metals, and fossil fuels drives extraction practices that can harm local ecosystems and communities in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Amazon rainforest, or the Arctic.

Food Systems: Our food choices, including what we eat and how it’s produced, impact global food systems. For instance, the demand for palm oil, often used in processed foods, contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.

Healthcare: Our choices about healthcare and medical research can have global implications. For instance, the development and distribution of vaccines and treatments for diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, and tuberculosis are critical for global public health, particularly in low-income countries 

Education: Our support for international education initiatives and organizations can improve access to quality education for children in developing countries, breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.

Human Rights: Our choices about consumer goods and services can influence companies’ human rights practices.

Conflict and Peace building: Our political choices, including support for international peacekeeping efforts and conflict resolution initiatives, can contribute to peace and stability in countries affected by conflict.

Cultural Exchange: Our choices about cultural exchange programs, tourism, and international collaboration can promote cross-cultural understanding, exchange, and cooperation, fostering global connections and empathy.

As you can see, there are obvious pros and cons to globalization. Despite the many negative impacts of globalization, it does not have to be a bad thing. There are several things we can do to have a positive impact even on something as large as the global economy.

As you likely know, our world is rapidly changing. Messages about climate change and the condition of our planet are becoming increasingly urgent. And in the backdrop of all the noise, it is difficult to find ways to contribute to the common good. It is hard to find simple ways to get involved and feel as if you are making a difference.

Educate Yourself

Truly I think the first step is to simply educate yourself. If you are aware of the impact your actions have on carbon emissions and climate change, and even pollution in developing countries you will find it easier to not only reduce your carbon footprint but also make it less harmful.

If you want to reduce your carbon emissions, then learn about how these emissions contribute to global warming. You can learn about how more developed countries, such as the US, has a powerful impact on the economies of developing countries. You could learn a foreign language and study other cultures to gain a perspective that is different from your own. Gain some sort of expertise in environmental issue and even global social issues. Take advantage of the fact that we live in the age of information. By using the internet, you can learn about almost anything.

The positive aspect of doing this is that you are expanding your knowledge, changing the way you think and leaning something new and beneficial.

Choose Wisely

The next thing you can do is to be particular about what you buy. But in order to do this, you are first going to have to educate yourself and this is going to take some time and effort.

This may sound like a pain in your backside, and to some degree it will be. It is similar to someone expecting you to write a review on every single product you buy. The best thing to do is start small and choose one or two products that you purchase regularly. Look for organic products, those purchase under fair trade agreements, made from recycled materials, unbleached paper, or brands that support thing you believe in.

Pick a product and go to the companies website. Check out their media or public relations board and see if they are actually doing something to make a difference to local and global communities.

What most of us don’t know is that one in ten children worldwide is engaged in child labor. More than half of them are working under hazardous conditions doing mining, construction, and manufacturing. UNICEF estimates that over 100 million children worldwide are affected by the garment and footwear industries.

In my opinion, if you have the power to purchase something you have to power to make a difference. I you are going to make a purchase, make one with the environment in mind.

Conscious Consumption

If you have grown up in the land of plenty, you get the impression that the world is a place of limitless resources. More and more frequently, we are shown that this is just not true. Every single choice we make has some sort of impact, somewhere. Even if you live in the middle of no where, if you are connected to the grid, your electricity has to come from somewhere. Mostly likely it come from a plant that generates electricity from fossil fuels. So use this resource wisely.

The average home uses 300 gallons of water per day, 90% of which goes right down the drain. That is approximately 9,000 gallons of water per month. I know from a fact that the average person can get by on a lot less water. At the cabin, we use about 500 to 600 gallons of water per month. I know because I am the one that hauls water to the cabin. And this includes usage from three people, dogs, cat, chickens, turkeys and watering the greenhouse.

Be Smart About What You Eat

Most people do not realize that nearly 50% of the food that we consume is now imported. With current projections, that is expected to increase to 75% over the next few years.

But, be smart about what you eat. Apples, onions, spinach, broccoli, carrots, corn and beans are products that are typically grown locally.

To reduce your personal impact, eat only what is in season. For example, don’t choose to eat grapes in the middle of the winter because they are typically imported.

Choose fruits and vegetables that are produced without harmful pesticides. Organic produce is a good choice. If you find that organic is too expensive, the only purchase in small amounts of the most common things you consume.

Focus on environmental conservation

If you mention environmental conservation, most people would think of joining a local group, donating or volunteering some of their time. While such actions are valuable, there are still plenty of things you can do without ever leaving home.

If you just focus on the fact that everything we do, every choice we make, has an impact somewhere, somehow. So, make mindful choices.

-Reduce your food waste by planning your meals. Purchase produce from local farmers. Never put anything organic in the trash. Compost it instead.

-Conserve water by taking shorter showers, fix any leaks, install a tankless water heater, limit how many times you flush the toilet.

-Use public transportation on a regular basis. Carpool if possible. See if your employer will allow you to work from home a day or two per week.

-Plant trees and help with reforestation projects.

-Zero scape your yard. Turn part of your yard into the mini wildlife habitat. Never use pesticides or herbicide on your lawn.

Develop Sustainable Habits

There are literally hundreds of little things you can do to be more sustainable. Do some research on the internet and come up with a list of at least 20 things you can focus on. Pick one thing to start with. Once that is a part of your life, choose another one.

You can also go to the home page for this podcast and download a free resource on 200 sustainability questions and answers. There is enough information there to keep you busy for at least a year.

Don’t Take Anything for Granted

All too often we take for granted everything we have available to us because we assume those resources will always be there. After all, we can get online, order something and have it the next day if that is what we want.

Everything you eat, everything you wear, all your electronic devices, your house, your vehicles, even the water that comes out of the tap requires the use of resources to put those things in your hands. Those resources have to come from somewhere.

Trees have to be cut down to make paper. Oil has to be extracted and refined to produce gasoline. Minerals have to be mined to produce computer chips and parts for smart phones.

All the mining, refining, extraction, manufacturing and transportation requires water, energy, chemicals and further pollution. Think of it this way. Every time you throw something away, it requires the use of even more resources for you to go out a buy something else.

It is easy to overlook this fact if you only buy something occasionally. But when you add things up over the course of an entire year, reducing what you buy and use truly makes a difference.

Furthermore, most people do not realize that living sustainably is actually less expensive. By using less water, less electricity, and reducing your online shopping habits, you will save money you, use fewer resources and help save the planet. 

So, don’t take anything for granted.

Volunteer and Donate

I will be the first to admit that I am very particular about how I volunteer my time and how I spend my money. This is due to the fact that I spent many years  volunteering for organizations where in the end I had a difficult time believing in what they are doing.

For example, for years I was volunteering to work in medical clinics in third world countries. We were doing basic health care, vaccines and hundreds of surgeries to help reduce the local animal population. In my opinion, this made absolutely no difference because we never took the time to educate people on how to do things differently after we were gone.

Eventually, that is exactly what I started doing. I started educating and working with students in veterinary schools. This approach landed me in a university in Mexico, Bolivia, and in the Caribbean. The end result, students were improving their skills and were empowered to go out into their local communities and make a difference.

My point being, if you want to volunteer and donate, pick and choose carefully. Make sure that your time, efforts and money are truly going to make a difference.

Lead by Example

My last tip here, which I think is by far one of the most important is to lead by example. Practice what you preach.

If all the food waste in the world is what concerns you the most, then focus on reducing your food waste to zero. If all the plastic pollution really sticks in your craw then go plastic free. If you are concerned about carbon emissions, reduce how much your drive, reduce your use of electricity. Perhaps even install solar. If you think single use items are one of the most wasteful things on the planet, then vow to never use one. And if you are focusing on one particular issue, then be vocal about it and teach others. People will respect you for what you do.

If you expect the world to be a peaceful, sustainable, environmental friendly place, then that is exactly what you have to be.

Summary

Globalization has certainly had an extensive impact on our lives. It is difficult to avoid it. For example, the cheese grader I just bought was made in New York. The hat I purchased from Columbia Sports, the one I wear for almost ever outdoor activity, was made in Indonesia. The new backpack I just bought from NorthFace was made in Vietnam. The LifeStraw water filter that I depend on everyday was designed in Switzerland but manufactured in South Korea. The rolling pin I just purchased for a trip I am planning was made in Italy. The inflatable sleeping pad I use for camping and travel was made in the United States. Without even trying my home is full of products from numerous parts of the planet.

Now why do I purchase these products from these particular companies? 

Columbia is a founding member of the Sustainable Apparel coalition. The North Face has a biodiversity protection policy and uses a lot of recycled materials in their products. Life Straw makes a donation to a charitable organization every time you make a purchase. ThermoRest, which is based in Seattle, states that 97.5% of the energy they use for manufacturing, comes from renewable energy.

These are all companies I have patronized for decades because of their sustainable objectives and because they are committed to making a difference. Whether you realize it or not, every little thing we do has some sort of an impact somewhere, some how. So take the time to educate yourself. Choose your products wisely. Be mindful of what you eat. Be conscious of your resource consumption and focus on protecting the environment. Then take it a step further and develop some sustainable habits. Use some of your personal resources to volunteer. And above all, don’t take anything for granted. If you want others to change you are going to have to first change yourself and then lead my example.

So to start closing out this episode, I want to leave you with the sustainability tip of the week.

This weeks topic is recycling. And the question is why do so few people recycle.

You would think that recycling would be a no-brainer. The vast majority of people support recycling and 75% of us say it should be a top priority. Yet only 35% of people actually do it. Part of this may be due to misconceptions about recycling. But people fail to recycle for a variety or reasons. Bu the top 5 reasons are as follows:

-Lack of knowledge: People may not know what can be recycled, they may not know how to properly recycle something, or they may not be aware of the benefits of recycling.

-Convenience: People find it more convenient to just throw things away rather than take the time to recycle.

-Cost: People may not want to pay the extra cost associated with recycling

-Lack of infrastructure: People may not even have access to recycling programs or facilities in their area

-Perception: People may not think recycling is important or they may not believe that their individual actions will have an impact.

But you have to keep in mind that while recycling is absolutely important, it is not the complete answer to our waste problems. It is much better to produce less waste to begin with.

Now in closing, the key takeaways from this episode is that our global community is made up of everyone on the planet. It is the result of the individual choices of each of us that has gotten us to the point where we are now. But it is also the result of our collective individual choices that will also save this planet. The small things you do everyday do have an impact on the global community. Every action counts. Individual choices can collectively contribute to significant global outcomes. Not only that but systemic change requires individual action. Addressing complex global issues requires a combination of individual actions and collective efforts. And finally awareness and education are crucial. Understanding the impact of individual actions and staying informed about global issues can inspire and motivate others to take action. That is why we must lead by example.

Well folks I truly hope you have enjoyed this weeks episode. Be sure to join me again next week. Until then, this is your host Patrick signing off. Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.