Speaking Up

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

This quote is borrowed from a friend's facebook post today (Thanks Tina!). It struck a nerve with me. Sometimes I get so wrapped up with day to day happenings that I forget the big picture. Sustainable living is not about saving money or being trendy. It is about doing what is right for the environment and people who we inadvertently exploit in other countries to satisfy our craving for more. It is easy to buy and use conventional chocolate, coffee and cheap things made by people in other countries because we are blind to how these things are made. We do not think about the environmental or economic impact of our culture of more is better because it is easy to hide from the long term results of what and who we are exploiting. I am as guilty as the next person.

It is time to stand up and talk about things that matter but talk does not do much good if we do not follow it with action. It might seem overwhelming but if we are joined together in our actions and prayers, we can make a difference.