Time to stand up and be counted

"It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable." ~ Jean Baptiste Moliere

I came across this quote on Twitter today. Inaction, or not doing something about a problem, can be as damming as doing something to cause the problem. In France for example, 'non-assistance to a person is danger' is a criminal offense. If you see someone in urgent need of help and do nothing, you are criminally negligent.

There is overwhelming evidence that some of our actions as a people are reckless and putting many animal species as well as fellow human beings in mortal danger. The beautifully produced documentary Home makes a very compelling argument not only about the catastrophic effect of global warming (something some people still like to deny is a problem), but the irrefutable fact that we are depleting vital natural resources at an unsustainable rate.

Many of us - myself included - are aware of and concerned about these problems. We lament the dismal example being set by political and corporate leaders and their myopic focus on the next election or quarterly earnings. But when does OUR inaction become complicit in the fact that we are not addressing the problem? Many ordinary individuals at grassroots levels or through NGOs make great personal sacrifices to make a difference. But many more of us need to step up and take an active part in changing our ways, changing our world.

I have a comfortable, privileged life, even by 'Western world' standards. I have more resources at my disposal than a majority of my fellow citizens. I have a choice to make: Do I continue using these resources to avoid the problems of our world (pay more for 'healthy' food, hire home security services, air conditioning, etc...)? Or do I refocus my spare time and resources to help confront and address these problems?

The answer is obvious. Still, inertia is a powerful force, and I realize the crucial first step is to change my ways, my consumption before I can effectively or credibly seek to change anyone else's.

I'll try to keep coming back here to keep track of concrete steps I'm taking in that direction. All advice and comments are welcome!