From where I sit, the earth is a mess. I mean this literally. We irresponsibly dump our garbage into gullies, streams, and rivers, not realizing the implications of doing so. It is an eyesore. More than half the refuse is a non-biodegradable material. This then flows into our oceans where marine life feeds on them, reducing their life span. We comfortably pollute the world we live in, and a litany of the earth’s woes does not stop there.

We are battling massive heat waves, which are a result of climate change and global warming. We battle forest fires, displacing plant, animal, and human life. Rivers and streams are drying up. Many are dehydrated. The bee population is declining. To add insult to injury, humans fight against each other. The earth cries…

Many governments and organizations have opted to pump resources into preserving the earth as we know it. They must be applauded for their efforts. This is one step in the right direction. However, is it enough? In 2019, the Government of Jamaica has banned single use plastics and the use of some Styrofoam in 2020. Thankfully, our plastic waste has been reduced. However, there is still improper disposal of garbage in the country. Our gullies are still filled with trash.

We are in this predicament because we do not value our environment nor people. No amount of gun control or crime plan can completely stop acts of terrorism. Won’t people still seek to kill using other means even when guns are not present? No vast amount of public education and bans can completely fix the garbage issue. What use is knowledge without proper application? No government system can fix what is broken in us because the system is broken.

Truth is, if we see the need to preserve life and livelihood, positive action will follow. Effecting change starts with a changed man and woman. It must start with the individual. We need a renewed mind and heart. It starts with us being practical and intentional in our efforts as citizens of this earth. Until we as individuals change, our earth will stay the same. Let’s do something different. Let us value what we have been given and act accordingly. The earth is depending on us.

^{Photo by Jayson Tucker (IG: @tuckerjayson18)}