GreenFriends Australia: Practical ways to care for Nature

Energy

Many years ago, before climate change was a household word, Amma said “The legendary dinosaur and many other living species have been completely wiped out from the face of the earth, because they could not live in the changing climatic conditions.  In a similar manner, if man is not careful, when his selfishness has reached its peak he too will have to succumb to the same fate.” (Man and Nature, p. 20). 

Climate change has and will continue to have a devastating effect on some species, including human beings.  You may be aware that greenhouse gas pollution is contributing to the world-wide climate change.  Most of the electricity used in Australian homes is generated from coal, a high greenhouse-polluting fuel.  Energy use in homes creates around 20% of Australia’s total annual greenhouse gas pollution. 

For ways to help Nature by reducing the greenhouse gasses you produce, click here: Energy Saving Tips

Water

Australia is one of the driest continents on earth, and the situation has been highlighted lately as a result of drought and climate change.  In spite of our dry continent, Australians are the third highest users of water per capita in the world (after the US and Canada).  Much of this water use is for agricultural irrigation, but the water we use in our homes is also significant.  Our use of water in the home has a direct effect on the local river system, lake or aquifer that our water comes from.  This in turn affects the flora and fauna that rely on the water in those systems, and may affect us further if we run out of water.

For ways to help Nature by reducing water wastage, click here: Water Saving Tips

In the Amma book “Man and Nature” Amma says that our thoughts and actions have an effect on Nature (p. 10).  From this, we can learn that even when our practical efforts seem to make only a little difference, our mindful attitude of taking steps to care for Nature can have a positive effect.  Pray for Amma’s Grace that our efforts may be successful.

The book “Man and Nature” was translated from Malayalam by Swami Amritaswarupinanda and published by the Mata Amritanandamayi Mission Trust.  Contact your nearest satsang group to purchase a copy ($4), or contact sydney@ammaaustralia.org.au.

Read more excerpts from the book >

Recycling

One simple step which most Councils support is recycling.  Recycling is an important seva that we can all practice without too much trouble, and it is encouraging that recycling is also carefully carried out at Amma’s Amritapuri Ashram.  If you are not exactly sure which items can be recycled, contact your local Council or visit www.recyclingnearyou.com.au.