Environment
Conclusion
As citizens and consumers we can play a transformative role through local action to complement the work of international environmental organizations and NGOs. The way we lead our lives is a powerful statement in itself: are we conscious of how much we consume and how our eating habits determine land use and availability of food for others? Buying consciously contributes directly to rebuilding the environment; this includes selecting products that are recycled, patronizing companies with proven environmental records, and simply consuming less.
As actors in the world economic arena we can also have an impact. There are many investment opportunities that are environmentally screened and promote positive land and resource use all over the world. Even the largest corporations are vulnerable to shareholder activism and many have changed environmental policies as the result of demands made in their annual meetings.
As voters we can make a huge difference in local, national, and international environmental practices. From the preservation of wetlands and development of pocket parks to lobbying for higher emission standards we have a powerful voice in how the commons-resources which belong to all of us-are being used.
At the beginning of the 21st century, we are at a turning point in our relationship with the natural world. There is ample evidence of a strong determination on the part of ordinary citizens to forge a new way that respects nature and controls our tendency to overproduce and over-consume. But old habits don’t disappear easily, especially when the economic benefits to be gained from exploitation are so alluring. But the benefits from such a changed relationship to the environment could be tremendous. We do have the ability to play a substantial role in protecting the environment.