We frequently live in our own individual worlds, giving little thought to the people or the world around us. Whether it's the result of a stressful day or a busy schedule, humans today seem to me to be overly self-absorbed and infrequently compassionate.

I believe it's critical for each of us to practice active listening to the world around us.

In our relationships, it's far too easy to become caught up in day to day life, which places a strain on the relationships that may mean more to us than we realize. Without listening to each other, how are we supposed to trust and understand one another? We must offer support to those closest to us, and the most beneficial form of support we can provide is simply listening to the needs and feelings of our friends.

Similarly, we must realize the importance of listening to our planet. We tend to take the Earth for granted, but it is more essential now than ever before that we listen to what the planet needs from us and strive to do our part in responding. The current state of the planet attests to the human race's tendency during the past 60-plus years to ignore the cries of the Earth — cries such as pollution, ocean acidification, the melting of glaciers, and any number of terrible things happening to the planet.

Clearly, we are aware of the problems brought about by global climate change, but it has taken years for the theory to be accepted on a wide scale, let alone for the masses to begin to take action to fight it.

If our friends and loved ones were afflicted with life-threatening diseases we would do whatever was possible to try to take away their pain and save their life. Unfortunately, our planet is now facing the life-threatening malady that is climate change, and it is time for each and every one of us to take responsibility and listen to what the Earth needs. It is time for consumer demand to end the linear cycle of production that is present in today's society.

It is time to eliminate all single-use plastics from our lives. It is time for us to listen to what our planet needs and take care of our home. It's too late to reverse all the consequences of climate change, but it is the perfect time to help heal what we can.

So, do your part in listening to what the world around your needs. Water the plant that's begging for water and pick up the plastic whispering in the wind. Not everyone has the means to boycott all the big companies and only support sustainable, local businesses, but everyone is capable of caring about the environment and practicing compassion.

Start small! Use up your plastic-wrapped products and then swap them for reusable and sustainable goods. Pay attention to the world around you, and be the best human you can be. Mother Earth will thank you!

"Our environment is part of every aspect of our lives. The land will sing to you, if you listen." —Scälla, Pauline Hillaire, "Sharing the Circle," Lummi Nation