“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
My grandfather was a huge nature lover. After the war, my grandparents immigrated from Holland to Canada. He loved the trees, flowers, birds and space. My grandmother missed her family and the conveniences of living in the big city of Amsterdam, but they somehow adapted and made new lives for themselves, instilling a great love of the outdoors in their children's lives. I think that's why my Mom loves nature so much, and why she always took my sister and me on walks, pointing out each and every flower and bird. I don't think I realized how important nature was to me until I moved to the city. I found myself drawn to parks, and moving back to the country every summer to work in landscaping/gardening. In university, I studied Human-Environment Relations and discovered I too had a great love and passion for nature, and a huge desire to save the earth. I love all the seasons, and I love doing outdoor activities. Nature brings me peace, it's my therapy.
I now find myself bringing my kids on walks, and pointing out different species. I relish the joy they get from jumping in puddles and running around in the forest. Having that connection to nature is so important, and I think it's the foundation of Environmentalism. If we want to save the Earth, we need to feel that connection, that bond, to all living things. That love of nature is what motivates us to care for the Earth and make the necessary lifestyle changes to protect it.
