Greetings,

Recently I watched a six part series documentary about China and the innovative ways this country is developing to help take care of the planet. The documentary was full of spectacular footage and fascinating facts about China. Among all that I learned, I was surprised and pleased to hear that in 2003, conservation became a part of the curriculum to children taught in schools.

Throughout the world there is a lot of good being done in different countries with the environment. China is one example. Sure, there is work to do; but it is always refreshing to see the positive things that really are happening. Wouldn’t it be great if other countries were to follow this model similarly, in the ways that are most needed by that particular global region? For example, in America, increasing education about two benefits of eating less meat and a plant-based diet: 1. Quality, life sustaining nutrition and 2. Compassion for the earth and its animals. These would go far. It would also serve well to not only teach about nutrition, but also make nutritious foods convenient, accessible and readily available for all people, and especially the young people.

The benefits of eating a plant-based diet in terms of one’s health, their wallet and the economy and how all this ties together is another priceless tidbit of knowledge that would serve as a valuable investment, a valuable addition to any education.

How about mental health education. Mental health education is less available, with less emphasis placed on it. It’s not really understood by the mainstream; but mental health is an important part of health and wellness, just as are nutrition, exercise and sound sleep. Consider the positive change in the world that would take place if employers were offered incentives for regular classes on the basics of mental health.

Mental health education and practice goes a long way in learning how to let go of destructive thought patterns and in learning to think positively, making people’s minds work for them in a positive, productive way. One does not have to have a diagnosed mental illness to benefit from learning about mental health and how to take care of oneself in this way. Anyone can benefit from training and practicing choosing the bright side. It comes with practice. Mental health is essential to overall health.

Simplify, less is more. These are also priceless slogans about which there is a wealth of information available that would be extremely effective in helping to heal social, economical, and ecological problems that come from overconsumption.

There is work to do throughout the world and while global, it can be broken up into bite size pieces locally. Collectively begins individually. Locally expands to globally.

The people of China seem interested in taking initiative toward taking care of the environment, not only their own region, but influencing other areas also. Every region has environmental issues unique to that region; and every region also has issues that are common to every region. It’s time to get busy.

What is the work that can be done in your geographical area? Where would it start? Where can you influence positive change? It takes all types to make the world interesting. Everyone has gifts, talents, knowledge, desire to help and abilities. Together, we have one earth. Individually, we have one state of health and one life.

“It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act.”
-Dalai Lama

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