Saturday, April 26, 2008

Our World Our future


Sunday Scribblings Topic is-The future of the planet

I have much hope for the future of our planet.
Reform starts with education. With education comes Awareness and through awareness we are able to make positive changes. Despite popular thought, I just have to believe it's not too late.
Two examples that pop into my mind are Cigarettes and Seat belts. I remember riding in cars as a child, hanging over the front bench seat... reaching for the radio or just chatting. It now seems amazingly stupid to me, that until we were educated on the statistics of how many lives are saved using seat belts, We just weren't aware of the dangers on our own. In 1984, New York State became the first state to enact a mandatory seat belt law, the law became effective in 1985. I started driving in 1976 and used my seat belt from that day forward because I just KNEW from all of the information made available to me, it was safer. I remember taking my kids to PA. and my friend telling me, You don't have to buckle them up, its not the law HERE. I was shocked at her ignorance and replied, "It's my law."

The first anti-smoking campaign began in the '60's. They aired One anti-smoking ad for every four cigarette ads. We've been aware of how dangerous cigarettes are for a very long time. Cigarette ads were banned in the U.S in 1970 and MOre and MOre warnings educating us on dangers associated with smoking were drummed into our heads. In 1984 congress passed the Comprehensive Smoking Education Act sending us more specific warnings of the dangers of smoking. It didn't happen overnight, but we finally have become consciously aware. I live in a very educated community, If you smoke here, you feel like a leper. Most everyone I know who used to smoke has quit. Enlightened people are bound to take action.. So, my point is...
When we were kids we had earth day once a year and that was about how often we thought about the planet.
Today, more and more, people are being educated and educating themselves on How to make positive changes to care for our world. Just reading the few blog posts I've read on the topic reassures me of my perpetual hope. Everyone is very conscientious. Everyone is trying to make a difference. I LOVED reading how Granny's hubby Is working hard trying to help our energy problem! I have so much hope that there have to be others out there like Otto. We are a society of great minds and hearts. The more attention the topic gets and the more we try to educated EVERYONE on tips to help preserve our planet, the more I believe a positive change will occur, and we can be assured that our children and their children's children, all down the line, can live happily ever after.

18 comments:

paisley said...

and education will work,, on those who CHOOSE to be educated... unfortunately,, the statistics on those CHOOSING to be educated are not very heartening...

read my post distraction... what will it take to get those boys and their mothers as portrayed in that piece to join in?? or if not to join in to not undermine what people like you are trying to do????

money.

myrtle beached whale said...

I believe in wearing seat belts but I don't think it should be a law. We have too many laws. The government is way too involved in our lives. I don't like laws against victimless crimes or to protect us from ourselves. I don't believe in laws to make someone wear a motorcycle helmet. If they want to smear their gray matter across the pavement, I don't care. I don't believe growing and smoking marijuana or prostitution should be against the law. I think that where a person can smoke should be controlled because it affects other people that don't want to share their smoke or go home with the stench on their clothes and hair. But if they want to die of lung cancer themselves, I don't give a rat's ass.

Lucy said...

You believe in seat belts Rick, but what about those innocent kids whose parents don't? I agree with you about many of the laws we have but Not about this one. If a parent isn't wise enough to buckle their kids, maybe if they face a possible fine, they will. (But thanks for the hot comment!!)

myrtle beached whale said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
myrtle beached whale said...

Child restraints and seatbelts are totally different issues. I totally believe in child restraints. I did not mention them. I don't think you did either.

Granny Smith said...

You're right. Education is a necessary first step in creating change.

Thank you for visiting my blog and linking to the post. As I write this (at 10pm), Otto is sitting behind me writing letters to people interested in solar-turbine plants.

Phyllis

Giggles said...

Oh how life has changed since we were children. My house my rules....always! Safety first was always my concern. I agree we can educate people to live well and preserve our planet!My child speaks of living green, with solar heating and a rain barrel one day! I think the newer generation, and the oldest generation gets it! It's the baby boomer's that seem to be behind the eight ball! Great Post Lucy!

Hugs Sherrie

Jon said...

You can't see, until you can see.
Compulsory use of seat-belts was made law here some years ago and it has saved numerous lives. As for smoking I stopped 1st January this year, after almost 30 years on the dreaded weed and I'm very glad I did. I can already see an improvement in my health.

Jon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Robin said...

I think the reason that it's worked for seatbelts and smoking is the combination of education and punishment - it is now a punishable crime to drive with a child out of a carseat, or to smoke in a non-smoking location. Until green behaviors are similarly mandated, I suspect we won't see wide-ranging change.

Pirate Princess said...

Wow Lucy - such controversy! :)

Educating self is the first step to be sure! When we start acting responsibly collectively then we'll start experiencing more freedom! Well, I'm an idealist, and that's what I believe. ;)

rel said...

Lucy,
Education is the lynch pin for change. Changes for the good seem to come slow and sometimes not at all until gov't feels impelled to step in and protect us from our selves. I don't think it's so much a concern for the individual as it is concern for the greater impact on the social system. I.e. folks that smoke use up tremendous medical resources. Victums of car accidents who failed to buckle up strain and drain the system, police, rescue, hospital, etc. I suppose instead of enacting laws to mandate no smoking or to wear seat belts, we could support laws that essentially say: if you smoke and get COPD, emphysems and/or lung cancer you will be denied health care, welfare, and any other social services. So go ahead and do your thing. A similar law about seat belts could apply. If police determine that a seat belt was not worn by an accident victum they should leave them there and not call the rescue squad.
Now look, you got me started. ;)
Anyway, I like your post and applaud your positions!
rel

Forgetfulone said...

Education - bureacracy often keeps us from changing what's necessary to make a real difference, but I haven't lost hope.

Smoking - As a former smoker, I can say I wish they'd had tougher laws 25 years ago so I couldn't have purchased them. I'm so glad I don't smoke anymore. I hate the smell, not to mention the health risks.

Seat belts - gotta love 'em!

Saving the planet - I try to reduce, reuse, and recycle, but I'm not hugging any trees yet! Tee hee!

JP (mom) said...

Isn't it interesting how major paradigm shifts happen even in the span of a few decades? I'm glad to see so the push for green products and reducing waste.
Good to catch up here with you Luc. Been missing the blogworld :) Hugs, xx JP/deb

Anonymous said...

The experience in the UK is that education on these matters isn't working. As a result we now have compulsory wearing of seat belts and restraints, and a ban on smoking in all public indoor spaces.It is also now unlawful to use a cell phone in a car.
It is sad that it takes the power of the law to persuade people to help themselves, not common sense.

myrtle beached whale said...

Wow, I am so glad that I am self-disciplined enough not to need the government to run my life for me. First seatbelts and motorcycle helmets, then fines for putting a coke can in the wrong trashcan, and the police going through your nightstand looking for dildos. Best of luck to all of you who want more laws. Germany in 1939 had lots of laws. I hope global warming fries us all before we give up all of our freedoms.

Tammy Brierly said...

I like Rel's solution a lot! Smoking and remembering my seat belt took awhile but I smartened up. ;)


Thank you for the AMAZING box of goodies! XXOO

Patois42 said...

Your comment on my post was spot-on. I do feel more hopeful having read yours.