I find it really interesting to talk to people about how they came to be 'environmentally minded' or aware of their role in the wider issue of conservation. Today I met someone who told me about how a trip to Tiriiri Matangi* was a bit of a life changing moment for him. It was here that he had an almost 'spiritual' moment, appreciating that we are the visitors to the natural world, and that is the role we should fulfill.
It made me think about my own moments like this - maybe less spiritual as such - but those light-bulb moments when you realise something is not necessarily as you've always seen it. For me, this was returning home to New Zealand after living overseas for 8 years. Being back home was like seeing it all for the first time.
Prior to my return, I had been especially moved by a hiking trip in the Arctic circle, in the very north of Sweden. What astounded me was the commitment the people in this area showed towards the conservation of their natural environment; waste water, down to tooth brush water, being airlifted out rather than being allowed to enter the soil and groundwater; not a scrap of rubbish seen over the entire stretch of the 120 km trail; a true respect for the reindeer who made them home in this wild expanse.
So I was excited to come home to our own slice of paradise, but things in New Zealand just aren't as 'pure' as we might like people to believe. I wonder if there's a lack of environmental knowledge and understanding within the general Kiwi population and this allows us to ignore things happening right under our noses.
It was gutting to hear my own friend talking about walking Waikeremoana and having a bath in the lake - shampoo, soap and all - at the end of it. I watch my next door neighbour doing his weekly car wash, soapy water flooding down the storm water drain destined for the sea. Driving through the country and seeing massive slips and evidence of erosion thanks to a lack of vegetation. Dairy farms as far as the eye can see. The near-silent bush.
A few years ago, these things would have meant nothing to me and now they are indicators of so, so much.
* Tiritiri Matangi, a wildlife sanctuary located 30kms north east of Auckland, is one of New Zealand's most significant conservation efforts. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and many threatened and endangered species have been introduced.
The more people like us keep talking about it, the more others will realise what they're taking for granted - and hopefully we can change some behaviours. Keep communicating!
ReplyDeleteIt is sad how people here are so carefree about the environment around them and how their daily actions impact the environment. Some I would go as far as to say that they are totally ignorant. I especially struggle with smokers who just flick their cigarettes butts away. It's littering, and it could end up in some poor animal’s stomach taking up precious food space.
ReplyDeleteThe hiking trip in the Arctic circle sounds amazing. I love that the locals are dedicated to the environment and look after it so well. Sweds are good like that. I recall from research for Assignment 1 that Sweden leads the world for waste management. It would be good if NZ could one day claim that spot and claim back a healthier environment at the same time.