Here is an editorial from the NY Times today.
I wonder if it is merely hype (and it definitely qualifies as good hype considering the subject matter) or an effort with some sincerity. Since the buying power of Wal-Mart is monumental, even a small effort on their part can have a profound impact. Just bringing some awareness to the Wal-Mart customer can also have a significant and hopefully lasting result.
I have been surprised by the lack of knowledge, and interest, on important issues among so many people that I have recently spoken with, seemingly dulled by the stress of daily life and repeated barrage from the media of misleading or false information. After spending much of the last nine years in Europe it has been quite interesting to be back in the U.S and observe the contrasts. The experience of buying local is so much more embedded in the European consciousness than it is here, as well as a sense of responsibility to the land, one’s community and nation. I also think that just because something is hailed as “new and improved” Europeans are less inclined to jump on the bandwagon and they demand to know why it is better.
Perhaps it is time for us Americans to be a bit more inquisitive as well. For instance why is it that our supposedly modern food supply system is delivering more and more salmonella poisoned food? And why is this being accepted as normal and acceptable?
It seems that so many areas are coming to a point of urgency that they can no longer be denied or ignored….the environment, our food supply, the health, or lack of, of most Americans which has contributed to the health insurance crises, the power of big business to create regulations that only serve their interests and not the interests of the public, depression among so many, unfortunately the list goes on and on.
The concept of sustainability is far reaching and extends to almost every choice we make in our daily lives. Give some thought to this and see what you can do to create a more sustainable today, so that we have a future that we want to experience. Here are just a few ideas:
Think about your food choices….how do they effect your body, the environment, and your community
Turn off the lights when you leave the room, see how you can conserve our precious resources
Recycle
Be kind to those around you, loved ones and strangers too. An authentic smile can change someone’s day
Pay attention to what you read, watch on tv, and speak about. Are you furthering creativity and goodness or adding to the negativity. Each of us has a choice.
Shop at local stores and farmer’s markets as much as possible. Keep the dollars in your community, supporting growth and allowing your neighbors to keep local businesses.
Share some of your own ideas of how you contribute to a sustainable today, and tomorrow