Sometimes it may seem that the issue of our environment is so daunting that one doesn’t know where to begin. Did you realize that the Great Lakes represent nearly 80 percent of the surface freshwater in North America and 20 percent of the surface freshwater in the world?
We do have choices concerning our environment. We can choose what we put into our lakes and rivers. We can choose what we release into the air we breathe. We can choose where we let our children run and play. We can also choose to help protect all these vital aspects of our lives by supporting environmental and conservation organizations that work hard every day to make a difference for all of us.
Earth Share of Michigan member organizations work with people, communities, businesses and government to seek solutions to environmental issues. Programs of these organizations range from pollution prevention, energy conservation and environmental educational programs, to wildlife protection, improving outdoor recreational opportunities and protecting the land you love most. Member agencies engage in active programs that protect our health, land, water, air and wildlife on local, national and global levels.
Earth Share of Michigan member agencies work to preserve our state’s remaining 3 million acres of wetlands, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams and 3,100 miles of freshwater shoreline. Member groups focus on pollution prevention, habitat restoration, public access, and halting the spread of exotic species to ensure the health of the globally and economically important Great Lakes Watershed.
Member groups also work together to support passage of policies reducing the use of specific chemicals in schools, parks and other public areas. Our member groups |
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participate in nationwide coalitions, working to keep mercury, toxic flame-retardants, stain and oil repellants and other dangerous chemicals from hurting consumers.
When Michigan residents travel throughout the state for fun and relaxation, or simply come home to their local communities, they are greeted by a land that is ecologically richer and safer because of the work of Earth Share of Michigan agencies. It is urban youth introduced to the great outdoors….it is simple practical solutions to energy conservation at home that improve air quality. It is teaching our children Michigan’s natural heritage.
There is the story of the child walking along the ocean shore after a particularly severe storm and the beach is covered with thousands of starfish. The child gently picks up one of the starfish and places it back in the ocean. An adult seeing this activity says to the child, “What difference do you think it will make, there are thousands of starfish on the shore.” The child replied, “It made a difference to that one.”
There is something that every one of us can do right now to make our world healthier and safer. We can make good choices every day. We can choose to become a part of the solution. We have the power to change the world around us. We are challenged more than ever before to demonstrate our mastery, not over nature but of ourselves. It’s time to take the first step and if you already have, it’s time to bring along a friend!
Jerry Stevens is the Executive Director of Earth Share of Michigan, a non-profit organization. Visit their website at www.earthsharemichigan.org or call them at 800.386.3326 for environmental news and resources or to learn how you and/or your workplace can help make a difference in the health of our environment. |
