By Yogi Baba Prem Acharya

www.vedicpath.com 

It has become quite common to hear terms such as “save the earth” or “We need to become green!”  These words have begun to echo globally.  As a species, It is obvious that humans are the most successful species on the planet in terms of population growth and technological advances.  With our success, we have learned to harness natural resources, exploit and manipulate chemistry and make considerable advances in health care.  While these are significant advances, many people have lost their connection with the earth, failing to recognize that the natural resources are literally gifts from the earth.  The relationship between humanity and the earth has been tenuous at times.

Within the ancient teachings of India, there are numerous stories about humanity’s conflict with the earth.  These usually mention human suffering, famine, struggles for survival and similar stories.  One such teaching involves Bhu, the earth Goddess.  Bhu (the Goddess of the earth) did not want to give up her resources.  As the teaching continues, people suffered greatly and begged the Gods to intervene, which eventually they did; but Bhu felt that human kind was selfish and would not honor the resources that were given.  To make a long story short, eventually the Gods convinced Bhu to give up her riches to eliminate human suffering.  It was after this event that humanity has slowly made significant technical advances in harnessing natural resources and management of food, with the greatest of these advances slowly appearing in the human timeline within the last hundred years or so.  The result of this journey has been the emergence of a term—Save the Planet.  So what are we really talking about when we say, “Save the planet!”

Saving the planet is more about saving us (humanity) and other forms of life than the planet.  The age of the earth is in the billions of years.  It is hard to believe that we will destroy the earth, unless it is through nuclear disaster and possibly global warming (there is a possibility that Global Warming might trigger an ice-age instead) or similar large scale catastrophes.  When we talk about saving the earth, we really mean saving our species, other species and nature in some resemblance of the current or recent past; additionally, we are talking about a change in conciseness.  These are honorable goals.  They are important goals.  As we (modern humanity)  are recognizing that all animals and plants have a right to inhabit the earth.  In fact, they have just as much right as we do.  This mentality was beautifully illustrated many years ago while I was on vacation at Sanibel Island in Florida.  I watched a father and son walking along a barrier between the inlet and Island.  The child said, as he was looking down at the water, “Why can’t we catch all those fish?”  The father replied, “Because you will want to bring your son here one day and show him the fish.”  What a brilliant statement.  What truth.  It not only taught the child an important lesson, but also beautifully conveyed the father’s hopes, dreams and desires for his son and grandchildren.  Isn’t that what so many people desire for their children?  Isn’t it something we desire for the earth?

The growing attendance of the earth’s natural parks also indicates our desire and need to reconnect with nature.  As nature is healing to us; it provides a healing energy and center of prana to everyone.  Nature, in general, is a process of healing and returning to a calmer and more relaxed state of being.  Especially for individuals that camp, hike or just spent time taking in a beautiful vista. 

While we have waited for decades for politicians to solve these issues, it is time for people to join to together and make the changes to “Save the Earth.”  The power for change is with the people.  Each of us makes a vote everyday with our dollars.  I try to view every dollar I spend as a vote and message I send to corporations.   I believe that this ha made a difference, as others have chosen to vote using their dollars as well.  Together, we are a powerful force and message to companies. 

Examples of our success

When I think back and look for examples of our success, on many levels I am impressed at many of the accomplishments we have made:

These are but a few of the examples that are common and growing in our society. 

The growth of vegetarianism and Vegan lifestyles.  These systems have reduced the numbers of animals farmed and harvested.  As well as bringing the plight of animal cruelty to public spotlight.  Vegetarianism has also reduced the number of greenhouse gasses such as methane that is released by animals, especially cows in the western world.  While much improvement and work is needed in this area.  Humanity has made some tremendous growth in this area.

Packaging for CD’s.  Initially, this packaging for CD’s was a tremendous amount of paper for a small product.  Due to artists and public outcry over packaging, the amount of packaging was greatly reduced; now it is only the CD with a thin plastic over it.  This has been taken even further with the development of MP3’s, which eliminates the need for packaging at all.  While admittedly electricity is needed for MP3’s, it should be considerably less than the resources used to produce, package and deliver CD’s. 

Development of hybrid cars.  While there is still considerable room for improvement in this area.  It is still an exciting development. 

The development of the photo-cell.  This technology is commonly used to heat swimming pool water and for walkway lightening and other important useages.  There really is no reason to use walkway lightening that is not based on photo-cells.  It is free energy.

Recycling of paper and plastic materials.  A great deal of metal is recycled, as well.  While this can be improved, we have made tremendous steps forward in the past 50 years.  

Improved energy efficient appliances. 

Earth ship housing.  While this is a relatively small number of homes.  These self sufficient homes are an excellent example of using technology and science to preserve natural resources and limit carbon emissions. 

A personal story:

When I was child approximately 11 years old, our school provided student’s with  seedling trees to plant.  I ordered about 150 seedlings.  Of course, my family was not happy to learn what I had done, and that I expected them to help me plant them, as well as donate land for this purpose.  My mother finally agreed to help and allow me to plant on the section of land.  I dug 100 holes myself and we were successful at planting 100 trees, but only 75 survived.  Each day I would carry water up a hill and water each seedling.  I did for an entire summer, to help each tree root and become established.  All of these trees have survived and remain to this day.   These were pine trees which absorb approximately  6.82 kg of CO2 each year.  Each year these trees absorb approximately 12.5 tons of CO2 each year.  Once they matured, at around 26 years old these trees have removed 162.5 tons of CO2 for the past 13 years; in addition to the CO2 they removed while maturing.  Additionally, they provide shade and cooling to earth.  Each tree produces enough oxygen to support 2 people meaning that these 75 trees provide oxygen for 150 people.  By this one action, I eliminated my carbon footprint.  Additionally, this one act and one summer has provided oxygen for myself and 149 other people of the world—every year!!

Simple things we can do

Remember that each of us votes with our money.  Frequently corporations assume that our purchase implied our agreement with their policies and practices.  It is not always possible to know the intention of a corporation, but it is possible to do simple things that can make a big difference:

Purchase bamboo based clothing.  Bamboo is stronger than steel of similar size and is a renewable resource.  I have purchased several bamboo items and find them to not only be high quality but very durable. 

Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.  Gallons of water are wasted while brushing teeth. 

Don’t flush the toilet to get rid of a bug, piece of lint or similar item.  It is amazing how often people flush the toilet to get rid of a bug.  Take the bug outside and let it go.  It is better karma and will have saved a few gallons of water each time. 

Purchase low flow toilets.  If you cannot purchase a new toilet, then place a small brick or half a brick in the toilet to reduce the amount of water used with each flush. 

Use a low-flow show head.  A tremendous amount of water can be saved this way.  Take showers instead of baths. 

Use a water filter or filter system at home to reduce or eliminate plastic bottles.

Use a metal bottle to carry water and again eliminate plastic bottles.

Turn the air conditioner thermostat up a degree or two from your usual summer temperature.  Likewise, turn the heat down one or two degrees in the winter.  Simple things such as wearing socks and heavier clothing can keep you very warm. 

Purchase organic foods when possible. 

Purchase locally grown foods when possible to save local land and transportation costs. 

Plant a tree.  Trees provide oxygen and help cool the earth.  If you live in an apartment, have plants, especially holy basil as it is sattvic and has a special energy. 

Grow produce when possible.  It is easy to grow tomatoes and vegetables even with an apartment balcony.   Not only is the food delicious, but again the plants are good for the earth and consume carbon gasses. 

In hot climates, close windows shades that face the morning sun. This helps to keep homes cooler and saves electricity.   In winter, make sure window shades are open that face the morning sun.  This helps to heat the house and save electricity.

Water yards using reclaimed water, if available.  Water at night or very early morning if possible.

Plant yard plants that more drought resistant, if applicable to your area. In the western United States some homes have rock yards with only a few plants. 

Use soaker hoses to water shrubs as opposed to sprinklers.  Water yards overnight, unless in an area prone to grass disease.

Use “green” light bulbs.  I started using these bulbs back in the 1990’s to save on electricity and carbon emissions. 

At bedtime, in winter, turn the thermostat down one degree. 

We discovered, in Florida, that parking the cars outside the garage and going in and out the front door instead of the garage not only saved electricity for the garage door opener, but saved significantly on electricity costs for air conditioning during the summer. 

Washing full loads of laundry saves on the number of loads and electricity used.

Keeping dryer vents cleaned saves on drying time and electricity. 

Reduce the usage of yard chemicals.  As an example, if you have fire ants and they are causing harm to family or pets, instead of using pesticides use grits. 

Plant a variety of plants that keep pest away such as marigolds. 

Purchase from companies that have a low carbon footprint.  Of course some companies manipulate this information. 

Check your carbon footprint at http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx   Note: I cannot endorse this organization as I do not know them personally, this company does collect money for planting of trees etc.  but their calculator is interesting.  Here is the information from our test:

Here is our information.

Your footprint is 8.85 metric tons, which equates to 13.83 metric tons per year

The average footprint for people in United States is 20.40 metric tons

The average for the industrial nations is about 11 metric tons

The average worldwide carbon footprint is about 4 metric tons

The worldwide target to combat climate change is 2 metric tons

One can see that we are doing considerably better than the average person in the United States based on their calculations, but there is room for improvement. 

Now for the readers part.

Now I ask that readers participate by emailing techniques and tips that they have found beneficial.  Include permission to add them to this article.  We will periodically add them to the article so that all people of the world can benefit.  Kindly send them to universalyoga@cfl.rr.com

Readers Contributions:

(Note we cannot compensate you, but by sharing things you have learned, we all work together to make the world a better place.)

 Sources:

Tree carbon calculation based on http://www.erasecarbonfootprint.com/treeoffset.html

http://chemistry.about.com/b/2010/04/22/how-much-oxygen-does-one-tree-produce.htm