Concern for the environment is the order of the day. While it is true that the  collective conscience has grown over the years, with the arrival of COVID the  situation has become more evident regarding the care of our natural environment. During this pandemic we have seen how animals came out to occupy the streets (or their old habitats) while we #stayathome. We have been able to be aware of how by decreasing human activity our attention has focused more on the number of species and life that surrounds us (and that has always surrounded us). Some examples of this have been the Venice canals, which have been transparent due to the lack of tourist activity; or the level of pollution in China, which has been significantly  reduced according to NASA. 

The current pandemic has brought us various lessons. However, as we gradually return to normality, it seems that we have forgotten all that we have experienced and seen in this difficult situation. We have once again fixed our eyes on ourselves instead of our surroundings and consequently have taken several steps back as far as collective conscience is concerned. 

In Vrhovčak, for example, some areas of its forests are littered with garbage. Garbage that the inhabitants decide to throw out there because of their laziness, since in the same central square of the town there is a huge recycling plant, free of charge. 

What is happening to us? Why are we not able to look beyond our navel? Is this actually the world we want to live in? A world full of garbage? A world transformed into a landfill? Is this how we take care of our home? 

If we have learned anything from COVID19, it is that we live in an interconnected world, and that what happens in China will have repercussions in Croatia or Spain. And vice versa. Of course, a garbage-filled Croatian forest may not have a short term impact on our planet… but it certainly will in the long-term. Malaysians are very aware of this as all their beaches are full of European trash. Garbage that tourists have thrown into forests, rivers and beaches and that due to ocean currents, have ended up in Asian countries, turning them into the dumps of Europe. 

So now I’m asking: why do we want to travel again? To see places full of garbage? Although perhaps this is what we need to finally wake up. To consciously take care of our planet together. 

Is there a way to make the collective consciousness be changed?  

A few ideas to name are: 

– Educating in schools about the importance of the environment 

– Offering cultural activities related to the environment (to play games so that caring  for the environment is perceived as fun) and to the healthy living (organize sports activities in Bunker such as yoga or healthy international meals) 

– Rewarding those who carry out these positive activities in some way (offering discounts to those who recycle, for example) 

– That local restaurants offer a greater variety of healthy options on their menus 

These are some examples that come to mind. For me, caring for the environment is closely related to having a healthy lifestyle and, of course, something related to the country’s own culture. If we all take small steps towards individual and collective care for our society, then we will move towards a more respectful and sustainable world. Of course, as long as there is still a piece of plastic lying on the ground and not in a container, we will still have a lot of work to do. 

What do you think? How do you think we can turn this situation around?