For a planet with finite resources, we are consuming at a rate where we would need 2.8 Earths to sustain our consumption in 2019. The scale of this challenge may seem so extreme that we as individuals struggle to see how we can make a difference. One simple way we can all have a big impact is through the effective change of personal consumption patterns – and with Christmas just around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking about it.
We spoke to Melanie Lewis to find out what drives her passion for the environment, and how we might create change ourselves this Christmas.
Mel is on a mission to inspire action that ensures the responsible management of human activity affecting the natural environment. She is currently researching a PhD in climate change innovation and strategy, is a member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) and the District 8685 environmental officer.
What does ‘being environmental’ look like to you?
I think we all have a duty to ensure we contribute more to the world than we take. To me, this means we never stop learning to improve the way we do things. If current trends continue, by 2050 we will have more plastic in our oceans than fish. As consumers, we have the opportunity and responsibility to make choices that minimise our impact on the environment to allow future generations to continue living in the same prosperity we have enjoyed (educated, employed, disease-free), in a healthy environment in harmony with the resources offered from the land.
Why did you join ESRAG?
Not long after joining Rotary, I was introduced to ESRAG and I joined for two reasons:
- I wanted to connect with like-minded Rotarians to see what we could achieve together; and,
- I saw huge potential for the environmental space to bring a value proposition relevant to potential and existing Rotarians.
Since joining ESRAG, I’ve been involved with the Green Events Working Group developing a guide to help Rotary lessen its ecological footprint through simple actions. I’ve also had the opportunity to connect with global changemakers to strengthen Rotary’s service in line with the UN’s Agenda 2030 – a big part of which addresses environmental sustainability as a tool to help many of those people we seek to serve in our global grant projects.
ESRAG is well positioned to help catalyse Rotary to support the environment: it is ready to take on new people and new ideas, and provide the platform for Rotarians everywhere to create positive change.
So how can we tackle the Christmas waste issue?
Get your members together for a Zoom party and reflect on areas of improvement in your projects for better environmental practices, such as reduce, reuse, repurpose (save the recycle as the last resort). As Rotarians, we have a huge opportunity to create positive change and lead the way, showing others how they can do the same.
When thinking about gifts, consider experiences, which have been shown to provide far more lingering memories. Look for opportunities to support local businesses with handmade local goods, support charities, or create something yourself. If you’re like me and keep every piece of artwork your child/grandchild has ever made, why not reuse them as wrapping paper!
But it’s not just about gifts – you can support the environment by investing in LED lights, using a living tree, making your own decorations and, really importantly, trying to reduce your food waste. If we think ahead and be more proactive with designing our activities thoughtfully, Rotarians will indeed become People of Action using best practice.
This article was brought to you by the RYLA Oceania ESRAG community project team – find out more about RYLA Oceania at rylaoceania.org and visit www.esraganzpi.org for more on ESRAG.