As we enter the final month of summer for 2013, we're reminded to not only take advantage of the beautiful, natural environment we're privileged to live amongst, but to also preserve that beauty for those that will come after us.
It's no secret exposing ourselves to the natural world, spending time among plants and animals, can bring us to a better place personally and have positive repercussions in society.
There is evidence everywhere, including studies, anecdotes, and personal testimonies, about the benefits of including nature in our lives. Reduced stress, improved memory, and better physical health – these benefits have all been attributed to time spent outdoors, away from the city lights.
It seems seeking out nature has become our way to escape the manufactured stress of post-modern life and get back to our roots – where we came from as people.
As the author and conservationalist Terry Tempest Williams said, “Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.”
With such deep, resounding benefits, it's no wonder there are those working to preserve what we can still call the natural environment.
It is absurd to think those that sensibly protect and preserve the planet for the future in the face of unfettered human expansion have become the villains.
We could all do better to take care of the environment we've been provided. We should better heed the advice of indigenous elders. We should better educate our children about the benefits of nature and how to preserve it. We should be better stewards of nature ourselves.
We all deserve to enjoy and benefit from nature. But in return, we should take the extra time to take care of what we have, because if we don't now, it won't matter later.
