What Does It Mean To Be Green?

With Earth Day 2019 a week away I started to think about what it means to ‘Be Green’. Of course the first thing that came to mind was being Environmentally friendly, but I wanted to dig deeper. What does it mean to be environmentally friendly to me?

Being green means being kind and doing what you can to not cause harm directly or indirectly to our planet, each other and ourselves.

Hope Falla-Wybouw

Traditionally this may not extend to ourselves but knowing we are all an extension of this wonderful planet we call home we must recognize that what we put in our bodies and minds, and how we interact with each other directly impacts the earth and everyone on it. The toxic food we eat and products we use creates toxic thoughts, which create toxic actions. The culmination of this toxic build up from the fast paced world we live in is represented in our current state of affairs. Those familiar with Ayurveda may recognize this as a world wide Pitta imbalance. We are too fast and too fiery.

Lets take a look at politics, specifically those in Canada, The UK and America because that is what I am most familiar with. This is something I usually don’t touch on but feel it is relevant here and necessary. We have people in charge that are not there to help humanity. They want to separate us with walls, and by leaving the EU. Leaders that think it is acceptable to cut funding for midwives and programs to help those with autism. These people have been VOTED in. The people were voted in by public looking for a change, who want things to be ‘Great Again’. People who promote that they are ‘For The People’ work every day to make changes that make our lives a little (or a lot) more difficult. They act like environmental polices are a joke and fail to protect the people and animals that need it the most. People trusted that their leaders would ‘Take Back Control’ by leaving the EU. In the past two years we have seen hard working, honest people being deported from their homes, we have seen boarders close, we have seen death and destruction.

The slogans promise change, growth, and happiness which is why I believe the public voted for them. Was this delivered? Is the world a happier place for these people being in charge? I think No. It’s time we take responsibility for the world we are creating.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi

I believe its time people recognize that We Are All One. That we are all co-creators and architects of not only our own life, but of the future of the planet and humanity. Lets reverse engineer this. If everyone ate a little better, we would all be a little happier and kinder to ourselves and each other. Start with your own mind, body and soul and see the difference it makes in your world.

If you read We Are All One in a cult like tone and believe this is a flippant thing hippies say I challenge you to open your mind and soul, do some research and start an internal exploration of yourself. A couple of years ago I totally had those views, today my views are much different and my life is MUCH better for it. A good starting point is “Samadhi Movie 2017” which you can watch on Youtube. Go down the rabbit hole, I dare you.

Be KIND to The Earth, to Each Other and to Yourself

Being green to the Earth is to be KIND to the her. Simple acts of kindness everyday make everyone’s world that little bit better. Remember big change comes from small actions. We all know the basics and hopefully do our best to implement them; Reduce waste, Reuse items, and Recycle when possible. But what else can we do that will make a real difference?

Dropping Meat and Dairy is the best thing you can do for your External Environment (The Planet / Mother Earth) and your Internal Environment (Your Body / Temple). A whole food, plant based diet is best for all environments. Consider the following external environmental factors;

  • Animal Agriculture is responsible for 91% of The Amazons deforestation and destruction.
  • One year without paper saves 8.5 Trees (per person)
  • One year without Beef saves 3,432 Trees (per person)
    • Cattle ranching is still the no.1 driver of Rain forest destruction
    • Cows produce 150 billion gallons of climate changing methane per day!
  • We all NEED trees to breath, to live. It’s as simple as that.

Now we know being Vegan is best for the planet but why is it better for your body? A well planned vegan diet will give you all of the micro and macro nutrients required for optimal health without the harmful affects of consuming meat can cause. If you don’t know what I’m talking about check out ‘What The Health’ on Netflix. It can be scary to learn at first, but remember knowledge gives you the power to change. I have been Vegan for almost a year and a half now. I have NEVER been happier, healthier, or stronger in my life. Lets see the benefits for our internal environment;

  • Lower Blood Sugar levels and improve Kidney Function
  • Reduces the risk of certain cancers
  • Linked to lower rates of Heart Disease
  • Reduces pain from arthritis
  • Helps to lose excess weight (I lost 20 lbs since being vegan)

Check out my other posts about my struggle to go vegan and how much I loved it once I finally made the commitment. My only regret is I didn’t do it sooner (said every vegan). Learn about Vegan Protein, and try some tasty Recipes.

Sources

Rain forest destruction and Animal agriculture: The Rain forest Foundation

Small Acts Big Change: Inspiration on how to raise kind, sustainable Children.

6 Science based health benefits of eating Vegan

Watch this short documentary with an open mind to expand your mind and awaken.