T.S. Eliot once wrote that the world would not end with a bang, but a whimper. This applies to the destruction of our environment just as much as it does to perpetual warfare. If the Earth continues to be polluted at the rate that it is now, it will be unrecognizable and likely unliveable in just a few generations.

This is something that I believe that mankind can repair with a bit of effort. It is something that a great many people can agree on. The hippy movement has traditionally supported caring for the environment. Many hunters help to fund animal and forest conservation efforts. It really begs the question of how two groups that are so seemingly dissimilar can find common ground on such a major issue. The answer lies in their mutual appreciation of nature.

I believe that experiencing the Earth makes you much more likely to appreciate it. Conservation begins with appreciation. As a child, I went barefoot through many fields and built many forts in the woods. I walked and saw deer, turkeys, squirrels, and all manner of birds. I breathed in the free air and felt at peace and full of happiness. Many people will never experience that. People stay in buildings all day and only go outside long enough to get into a car and go to another building.

It's on us not just to appreciate nature, but to involve others in doing so. So, the next time when you think about doing something with your friends, consider going on a hike rather than a shopping trip. Consider taking a simple walk rather than going out to eat. Walk in the woods rather than at the park. Hunt or go rafting rather than going on a Netflix binge. The Earth and your soul will thank you. Preserving our environment is one of the most important issues that is facing society today. Without getting other people to appreciate nature, we will be hard pressed to get society at large to care about it enough to save it. Every great journey begins with a single step and the first step to preserving this world for future generations is appreciation.