6 Quotes & 13 Super Short Stories to Inspire Your Environmental Consciousness

on April 25, 2019 by Evolutions
inspire environmental consciousness

“The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth”

– Marlee Matlin

It’s easy to forget that we are indeed part of nature, especially in urban life with the large emphasis on technology and development. It can be challenging to respect and understand our connection and relationship to our host and home, the earth. Only through cultivating a mutual relationship with nature, can we learn to protect our home in ways that make us feel nourished and supported while enjoying the plentiful gifts of this beautiful planet.

 “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.”

– John Muir

Everything is connected.

We are made of stardust, of carbon and oxygen and water. We are not separate from the elements. We exist because of trees, because of lichen, because of soil. We depend on plants for food and oxygen. Plants depend on microorganisms and sunlight. Life decomposes to become more life. To understand our connection to nature is to understand life itself. We’re all ‘hitched’ to each other and to everything around us!

“The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition.”

– Carl Sagan

Human ambition and curiosity is wonderful.

We have made amazing strides as a species in understanding more about our natural world including outer space and most recently, black holes! It’s equally important to remember to listen deeply to the universe, to understand the needs of nature, and adjust our goals to include the nonhumans, who cannot speak or advocate for themselves.

encourage environmental consciousness

 

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”

– Rachel Carson

It’s soothing and inspiring to observe the small and myriad daily miracles taking place, especially during spring. Watch the flower unfurl, the clouds morph and move across the sky. As we watch the world unfold in all its natural glory, we understand its intrinsic value, how important, mysterious and magnificent everything is. This naturally leads to prioritizing the earth, so that generations beyond us can continue to enjoy the wonders of nature.

“You have to hold yourself accountable for your actions, and that’s how we’re going to protect the Earth.”

– Julia Butterfly Hill

Early interest in the environmental movement began in the early 19th century and has led to great awareness and impact. We all have agency. We all have choices. We can choose to feel inspired to protect the wonders of the earth. We can make daily choices about how we impact the environment. We have options. We have power. We can take action. Every small decision matters, to a larger degree now, since there are so many more of us!

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”

– Edward Everett Hale

Every small action, every individual intention counts.

It may seem as though our individual impact is minimal. We can work together to build a better future. Here are 13 innovative, inspiring stories about people taking action to re-purpose, re-move and re-plant to re-energize!

We have power and agency, together.