I love winter! It's a restorative time of the year for not only the earth, but most people too. The snow, like a magical blanket covering the ground, brings promise of a fresh start. Winters are so special, but they're also necessary for human existence on earth. There's no doubt that global warming is real and it's making quite a splash. Weather all over the world is crazy; flooding, typhoons, snow in tropical islands, and most significantly, warmer winters. As a snowboarder, I see this first hand every year. It seems that every year the avalanche conditions get worse and worse due to warmer weather and lately even rain! In the middle of winter! This is not normal and it's not okay. I know a lot of my Canadians friends are probably stoked about this, but if you can just look past your 'need for a tan in the middle of winter' for two seconds maybe you'll see this situation as it really is: a global crisis in the making. Some people say 'protect the earth,' but the truth is, in the end, the earth will be just fine. It's us who won't be. Crazy weather patterns, increased natural disasters, higher ocean levels, pine beetles destroying our forests, and toxic spills; sure it isn't good for the earth, but it's even worse for us. What we do to the Earth, we do to ourselves. It's so simple. So silly to believe we were ever disconnected. But, here we are. The best we can do is to keep moving forward and make sustainable changes that benefit our relationship with Mother Nature. Here's a couple I have in mind, please share your ideas in the comments section.

  • Eat less meat. The production of livestock produces 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions
  • Eat less animal products. It takes a disgusting amount of water to produce 1L of milk
  • Drive less. Carpool, take the bus, walk and bike as much as you can. That shit adds up
  • Remember the three R's. Reduce, reuse, THEN recycle. In that order, just recycling isn't enough
  • Bring reusable bags to the grocery store; it'll become a habit soon enough
  • Bring a reusable water bottle with you, especially when you travel
  • Travel less.... 'Nuff said
  • Bring a reusable coffee mug or drink your coffee in the cafe
  • Have shorter showers and turn water off when brushing your teeth
  • More candles, less lights
  • Have a garden. The average carrot travels 1774 miles to get to your dinner plate
  • Make your own compost to create less waste
  • Shop less! Or shop in thrift stores at least. There's too much 'stuff' in this world as is
  • Sell your old stuff... or give it to a homeless person. Please don't be lazy and throw shit out
  • Invest in solar power and water reservoirs, you'll save money in the long run, too

Basically, don't be a slob. Don't feel guilty about it or anything, but do the best you can. The truth is, there is nothing in this world you can do without making a difference. Every thing you do will change the world in some way or another; its just a matter of what kind of difference you want to make. Never believe that your actions are insignificant. So, what ways do you help #protectourwinters ? Please share. 

Love- as always