Welcome to the inaugural post of the ‘Environmental Warrior’ blog. An Environmental Warrior has an open mind, investigates important issues through research and experience, accepts the facts, is impartial and objective, acknowledges both sides of an argument, takes action against injustice, has integrity and an environmental conscience, is an advocate for the environment, treads lightly on the Earth and respects all living beings, human and non-human.
In my posts I will explore different topics and share ideas and strategies for creating a simple, sustainable lifestyle, based on my own experiences and discoveries, report on an initiative or project aligned with my interests, or provide an in-depth investigation into an environmental hot topic. As my professional and creative focus is marine conservation, the majority of posts will be written within that context. I understand that we do need to live in the world, enjoy quality of life, have fun and achieve our goals, but we must care for the Earth that supports us. I believe we can do this with compassion, grace, awareness, reverence and gratitude. We all have the potential to be an Environmental Warrior.
I have always had a deep affinity with the natural world and a love of animals. From an early age I loved exploring the environment around me, and would spend my waking hours immersed in nature, walking in the mountains, observing the stars, being near the ocean. I still do. Being in nature is an opportunity for rest and reflection, and a wonderful way to restore inner peace and a sense of self. I don’t consider myself a religious person, but I am a highly spiritual one. My beliefs align with the principles of traditional indigenous wisdom and eco-philosophy. I feel there is much we can learn from indigenous and ancient cultures and I believe we can combine traditional ecological knowledge and modern scientific theory to form a new way of thinking and being in the world.
I have always been conscious of the environmental impact I made, but I thought I was doing everything I could. For years, I tried to do everything perfectly. I didn’t want to make any impact on the environment at all, but that lifestyle became increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to maintain. After studying environmental science and ecology at university and reading everything I could get my hands on from a diverse range of topics, my understanding of how life worked changed. I no longer saw the world in the same way.
My studies showed me how I could take a more balanced approach to life. I needed to accept that I couldn’t live on the Earth without making some degree of impact. I could, however, reduce my impact. Now, my life is a work in progress. Every day I am finding new and better ways to live, simplifying my daily practices, while enjoying a happy, healthy life and pursuing my dreams. I am not here to force my opinions on you or tell you how you should live your life. The way I live my life is right for me, but it may not be right for you. But I believe we do have to take responsibility for our choices and accept the consequences of our actions.
I encourage you to read widely on a variety of subjects, and not just those that interest you. Be open to new ideas, particularly those that challenge your current way of thinking. Question everything, including your own biases and those of others. Do not blindly accept what you read or are told. If an idea or argument does not make sense, do your own research and see whether it holds up to intense analysis. Use reliable, credible sources. There is so much information available today, but not all of it is accurate. Think critically about what you read, and discern for yourself its meaning and validity. But do not ignore the facts. Be open to changing the way you think or to adjusting or expanding your viewpoint. Form a balanced view.
Investigate how the world works, make your own decisions, find your own truth and live your life aligned with your principles. Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey.
Environmental Warrior 