On my way to work every morning I’ve been listening to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. I find its been a great way to start the day and learn a little about the top stories.
A few weeks ago they talked about a new award that has been set up to honour someone each year who works to protect our planet. It’s being named after the late conservationist and world-leading experts on chimpanzees, Dame Jane Goodall, who died aged 91 in October last year.
They included a clip from her guest edit of the Today programme on December 31st 2021:
For me, hope is about taking action. Think locally. Yes the world’s in a mess but think where you are. Is anything bothering you in your town, your village, whereever you are? Well, think what you can do about it. Maybe persuade some friends for help. Roll up your sleeves and tackle that problem. We have to work our way around all the obstacles on the way to that spec of bright light. That’s hope for me.
What struck me is how she described hope as active, not just a wish. You need to actually do something in order to make things happen.
They also spoke to Merlin van Lawick, Jane Goodall’s grandson, who when asked what she taught him about the world, he replied:
Well, she was really telling me to be very observant. To introspect about how my actions are influencing the world around me. Am I being a positive force for change in a good way, or am I bringing people down around me? It’s the small things in life that matter. You don’t have to do grandiose things in the world and change the world at large, but it’s the $1, £1 that you’re spending. What are you buying? It’s sought of like a vote card, right? So the things that you’re purchasing are the things that you’re empowering people to produce more. So think about that. Is it harming the environment in any way? Is it cruel to animals? Is it cheap because of unfair wages in sweatshops? If you’re outside and see an animal in need, are you extending a hand to help?
I really liked the idea of thinking of buying like a conscious vote which has consequences. As always, ‘less, but better‘.
My Excerpts 