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There is an interesting quote attributed to Polish poet Stanislaw J. Lec that reads, “Every snowflake in an avalanche pleads not guilty.”  In an environmental context and as individuals exhibiting normal behavior, we may be very much like the snowflake to which Lec referred - we bear great similarity to our neighbors, our individual impact is insignificant compared to our collective impact, and we may be inclined not to assume personal responsibility for events in which everyone plays a part.   

 

There is in Lec’s quote, however, a second, underlying message of perhaps greater importance - when many snowflakes (or individuals) are mobilized in unison, events of tremendous significance (e.g., an avalanche) can occur.  When this second message is used as the basis for creating positive events or outcomes, it can counteract the feelings of anonymity and passivity that sometimes affect individuals who subscribe primarily to the first message.  It is the proliferation of this second message (the value and importance of individuals working for a common purpose) that is going to play an increasingly important role in our environmental solutions.

 

Sometimes, common purpose spontaneously develops among individuals in response to a crisis and there are many examples of this happening in our history.  It can also, however, be initiated and nurtured in advance of a predictable crisis which is likely a wise approach with regard to our global environmental situation. 

 

The methods to promote common purpose are diverse and range from soft approaches involving public education, role models and even social pressure to rigid approaches involving legislation and enforcement. The remainder of this commentary will focus on role models.     

 

There is a need in our communities to identify role models, that is, individuals who are taking personal action to lessen their impact on the environment. Being a role model does not require that you go public with your environmental actions (although some people may choose to do this). You can be an effective role model and gently influence friends and family simply by sharing and discussing environmental actions that you have found to be meaningful in your own lifestyle.  In this way, your efforts are still being leveraged for the benefit of others and the environment.    

 

As you continue to change aspects of your lifestyle in your own way, your own time, and for reasons that are important to you (e.g., environmental concerns, saving money, concern for future generations), it may not be your intention to become part of a larger community effort.  However, by virtue of the changes you make, you are aligning yourself with other people in your community who are doing the same thing. 

 

Even though these changes often go unheralded and you may be unaware of the activities of other like-minded people, the collective impact is helping to inexorably improve the environmental consciousness within your community.  This is a significant indication of the development of common purpose.  As this development process continues, channels of communication invariably open, awareness builds, and a wonderful synergy begins to develop, further multiplying the efforts of individuals.  At this point, an “avalanche” is poised to be unleashed; however, it’s an avalanche of positive energy, consciousness, and action powered by a majority of concerned individuals each of whom are not content in being just another snowflake. 

Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Why Every Individual Can Make a Difference