Our planet was rapidly deteriorating and no one seemed to care. Somehow the collapse of our environment turned into a political debate. If there is one matter everyone should be in agreement about, it's saving our earth. There will be no elections or debates if natural resources run dry and we face a global food shortage.
Globally, this virus began to take over entire countries almost six months ago. Nationwide shutdowns proved as a benefit to our ecosystems. These people should not die in vain. Use this pandemic as a lesson to us all: we still have a chance before it's too late.
China is one of the most heavily polluted areas worldwide. Smog covered entire cities and citizens were forced to wear masks DAILY. Pollution levels have fallen about 30% since the beginning of coronavirus.
Families have been forced to completely move their lives inside and online. There will be lasting effects once quarantine is lifted, and it is up to mankind whether these are positive or negative.
No commuters means less fossil fuels being emitted into the air. No traffic along major interstates. Hopefully, clear skies will lead to normalization of electric cars. 1 point for Earth.
Families are all home together, so naturally more trash is being generated. Now, I'm not naive, some trash is inevitable, but the amount can be reduced significantly. However, the United States specifically, has a substantial lack of knowledge in how to recycle. It is sad that recycling has not become a societal norm. It's easier to just throw it all in one bin. Nothing should ever inconvenience us, right? 1 point for destruction.
Nurses and teachers should be valued and frankly, paid substantially more. Nurses do the grunt work. They are hands-on at all times, but the doctors are always credited in success alone. I'm not saying doctors are not important because they certainly are, but it takes a team to be successful. Those teachers you whined and complained about over the years? I bet you are wishing they were around now. Teaching isn't some easy, breezy job with long summers off. It's constant work with no office hours and subpar pay, so say thank you next time. They are helping raise 20+ kids every year. I promise you will survive quarantine with your children.
I hope the overall take-away is people learning to love again. Love themselves, their families, friends, complete strangers, the environment, and silly little things that we have become blind to.
People need to be people again. Life is hard, I get it, but what's the point in all this stress if you don't enjoy the journey. Do things for fun, not for personal vendettas or financial benefits.
Let this time of self-isolation become a time of self-reflection. Find who YOU are again. Do things because they make you HAPPY, not because you have to. You only live once, so take a risk. Dye your hair. Paint your nails an obnoxiously bright color. Get a tattoo. Spend money on experiences, not things.
Learn to love unconditionally.
