Mindsets, how do we move and change them?

This is not just about the usual suspects - intransigent governments, big bad corporations or CEOs and company boards putting profits before the planet – this is about every single one of us as individuals.

One striking point made in today’s Clubhouse on what role we all play in saving the planet, was climbing Everest. Not as a metaphor for the challenge we face as humanity in dealing with the climate crisis; but sadly that one of the world’s most stunning areas of natural beauty is also the world’s highest garbage dump.

You would think that those attempting to climb the peak would be more respectful and aware of the natural environment. It got so bad that in 2019, the Nepalese government had to remove 10 tonnes of rubbish and in the spirit of sustainability, they also commissioned artists to turn the Everest rubbish into artwork to be featured in a gallery to raise awareness of the environmental destruction caused by mindless dumping in this unique area – there’s a supreme irony there on so many levels.

So it’s individuals, about 600 of them who make the climb each year and collectively dump 5 tonnes of rubbish in a 3 month climbing season. Makes you think what sort of people do that? What sort of minds do they have? Do they do it out of laziness or don’t they care?

Now multiply that by thousands, millions and billions who mindlessly dump rubbish - humans currently produces 2 billion tonnes of waste per year, at least 33% of that is mismanaged and has led to an environmental catastrophe.

But this is one area we can all do something about and try and think about the best ways to mitigate it. Perhaps we can look at schemes in Sweden which not only leads the world in recycling, but also aiming for zero waste. This means stepping up from recycling to re-using, re-purposing, and adopting a “cradle-to-cradle” approach. The Swedish government is also making the circular economy a key part of its policy.

One way of persuading their citizens to change their habits and everyday behaviour is through education and the expectations of the overall community, businesses etc plus media messages for people to do the right thing . Also by using the concept of ‘nudging’, for all stakeholders to get together in making small changes to people’s surrounding and lifestyle to help them live sustainably.

So, one small step in the right direction from all of us collectively to change and live more mindfully, is a giant leap for all humankind to hold on to our precious planet!

Cloud map courtesy of George Muir for EverythingOmni