The Only Thing We Have to Fear...3 Reasons We Don't Do More to Save the Environment

The planet needs all of us. Our eco-system could use a group hug. Our landbase requires a team effort. Americans must get involved in a major way. This country not only has the most potential to provoke enduring social change, it also has a (well-deserved) bad eco-reputation.

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The U.S. makes up roughly 5% of the earth's human population but eats up (depending on which factoid you choose) anywhere from 25% to 40% of the planet's resources. The green movement and lifestyle is growing but why are so many Americans lagging behind? Here are my three guesses:

1. We are always led to believe that nothing major is wrong...at least nothing that our unique brand of grit and guts can't fix without much ado. Global warming? Economic meltdown? Epidemics of preventable diseases? Ecocide? You name it and we're ready to downplay it. We're Americans, dammit, we'll figure out a way to fix it. Besides, when the going gets tough, we'll simply call in the experts.

2. We are way too trusting of the experts. Rather than worry ourselves over why more than 100 plant and animal species go extinct each day, we rely on those in the know. Instead of learning what a "collateralized-debt obligation" is and how it contributed to the current economic depression, just let the professionals handle the mess.

3. Fear. Participating in sustained direct eco-action is not a popular choice. It could put us at odds with our friends, family, and community. It could jeopardize our careers. It could even lead to direct conflict with law enforcement officers. Scary stuff, for sure. But, as a thought experiment, ask yourself this: What frightens you more, being judged by our neighbors for getting a ticket for disorderly conduct or comprehending that 80% of the world's forests are already gone? There's plenty to be scared of, but some things are more terrifying than others.

So, What Are We Afraid Of?

Could we be afraid of learning that much of what we've been taught is no longer relevant? Are we afraid to open our hearts and minds and start caring like we've never cared before? Maybe, just maybe, we're afraid of ourselves and what were capable of accomplishing. On that note, I'll leave you with this thought from Marianne Williamson:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure ... It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us ... It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."