Fellow photographer, Mark Graf, posted a very interesting and well written post that has been preoccupying my mind lately. He addresses the effects humans are making on nature and in my opinion does a great job. He has definitely done his homework. I suggest you check it out and even reread it. After all he has spent some time writing it, and re-writing it.
As for myself and as a photographer, I have posted images where I needed to drive out of town with intentions of getting my head straightened out, distance myself from the noise of the city in order to listen to the wind and meadowlarks song. In doing this I burn fossil fuel and make my own impact on the environment. When I get home and snack on a few cashews, one of my weaknesses, I am also making an impact on the environment. When I sit in a favorite coffee shop drinking my mocha latte, I am also making an impact. Mark says it well in his final paragraph, stating “We are going to leave footprints no matter what we do.”
I have personally been altering my lifestyle and its impact to the environment for several years. I also know that some of our society is making changes to decrease our impact. But, the real question is what impact do I make and how do I change that? Maybe it’s about writing my own ethics statement as a photographer and a resident on this plant.
8 Comments
Earl
Yes, that was a wonderful article Mark researched, organized and wrote. I read it a number of times know he put a lot of time into it and it shows. The carbon footprint of our actions is so complicated and in almost every case have both plus and minus properties. For example, driving an electric vehicle instead of fossil-fueled seems very environmentally positive. And it is to a certain extent. But a primary factor in how positive it is is determined on how the majority of electric power used to fuel the electric car is generated…and that is determined country by country. In a few nations, it’s very positive but not so much at the moment in the U.S. and likely to become even less to under the current political administration and lax regulations. And don’t even get me started on deposal/recycling of old batteries and electronics. But we all need to try and each do our part while also be aware of the indirect consequences. There’s so much education of the public that’s needed and should be taking place. There’s a quote I’ve used on the home slider on Meandering Passage…“The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the environment, we cannot sustain ourselves.” — Wangari Maathai. I hope we can find a way to serve the earth without “throwing out the baby with the bathwater.” Sorry for being so wordy…another footprint. 😉
Monte Stevens
You have good points and I think along that same line. If I remember correctly David Leland Hyde also had a post questioning some demonstration that was going on at D.C. because of the amount of jet fuel it took to the people to get there. We each must set our own ethics on what we can eliminate in our lives. Most importantly is reducing our affect and over time eliminate some of it. Me thinks, anyway. Thanks, Earl!
Joe
Ya know, Monte, I have to admire your ability to post something interesting nearly every day. I read Mark’s post and agree with everything he said. He’s an excellent writer and I enjoy his work. We’ve made an even more concerted effort here to reduce plastic and move closer to a plant-based diet. We’re still omnivores but are more conscious of our food choices.
Monte Stevens
I do think many of us are quietly making efforts to reduce our footprint. It is posts like his that will generate some thoughts that will germinate into deep seeded roots. Thank you Joe for you comments and the effort you guys make to reduce your footprint.
Mark
I am overdue for a thank you Monte for reflecting on what I wrote. After all, provoking thought about it was my main goal, and I thank you for continuing to spread the conversation. I wish I had it all figured out myself, and to suggest anything of the sort would be quite disingenuous.
One thing is for sure is that we should focus more on the systemic big things vs. our little daily activities that give us a reason for cherishing the next day. Savor those coffee shop visits Monte. Heck, I am willing to bet you will come up with more positive actions through your journaling there than others normally do. And if we can make small changes that are less overwhelming than the big systemic stuff, all the better. Let those folks at the coffee shop know you are keeping your eye on them to make improvements too. 🙂
Monte Stevens
I purchased one of their metal mugs and get a nice discount on my drinks. If I just get one of their four drip coffees it only cost me a buck. Mugs is conscious with it trash and has four slots to recycle including a compost slot. Thanks, Mark. I thought both your article and David’s were well written.
David Leland Hyde
Mark’s post was excellent. I like that you made a post of your thoughts on it and on its subject. I just saw an article in a Stanford magazine titled, “There is no such thing as a green product.” This is true, but at the same time, there are larger things we can do to make a difference. Just turning off lights in rooms we are not in, as one of a million possible examples, makes a difference over time. The little things do matter, but we need to prioritize, AND, I agree with Mark that small indulgences you use to reward yourself, probably do not need to change any time soon. There are bigger issues to go after. Good stuff, Monte.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, David! One reason I decided to quit as a flight attendant was due to the massive waste in all areas of air travel. The jet fuel tops the list. But, for me I was involved in throwing so much trash on each flight. I would walk into a restroom at the airport and hear continuous urinal flushing. So, I will continue to do what I can to reduce my impact. Just renewed my bus pass and have really used it the past two years, leaving the car parked. I will probably make my daily visits to the coffee shop’s until I run out spending money. 🙂