Why Should We Care? Because It’s Personal

It’s easy to ignore environmental issues and think of them as abstract problems that don’t immediately impact us. But the truth is, we feel these effects every day ––in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink.

“All civilisations are impermanent and must come to an end one day. But if we continue on our current course, there’s no doubt that our civilisation will be destroyed sooner than we think,” Thich Nhat Hanh, the father of mindfulness, says in his teachings on climate change.

When we harm Mother Earth, we harm ourselves. And when we take care of her, we nurture our well-being. This idea, rooted in mindfulness and compassion, reminds us of our intimate relationship with the natural world. From the breath we take to the food we eat, we are connected to Mother Earth. Every action we take to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably contributes to the health of this intricate system we call home.

When we understand this deep interdependence, the urgency to care for our planet becomes personal, not just global.

“Cherishing our precious Earth–falling in love with the Earth–is not an obligation. It is a matter of personal and collective happiness and survival.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Our Future if We Do Nothing

Wall-E paints a grim picture of what could happen if we disregard the environment, but it also offers hope. In the movie, a single plant sprouting amid destruction symbolises resilience. It’s a reminder that nature, though fragile, is also incredibly strong. It can regenerate and flourish.

Like Wall-E, we have a responsibility to nurture that hope, to take small but meaningful steps to restore balance to our world. And we don’t have to do this alone. Each of us, no matter how small our actions may seem, can make a difference and contribute to the care of Mother Earth. 

Actions Can Make a Big Impact

The idea of saving the planet might feel overwhelming, but caring for Mother Earth starts with simple, everyday choices. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Start with mindfulness: Before making decisions—buying groceries, choosing transportation, or disposing of waste—think about how your choices impact the Earth. Can you reduce your waste? Can you support more sustainable brands? Can you walk or bike instead of driving?
  
  

• Reduce, recycle, reuse: Take inspiration from Wall-E’s dedication to tidying up. Reducing waste is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to care for the environment. Reuse, recycle, and compost whenever possible. Choose products with minimal packaging and avoid single-use plastics.
  
  

• Reconnect with nature: The more time we spend in nature, the more we understand its value. Go for walks in parks, visit beaches, or hike in the mountains. These experiences not only remind us of what’s at stake but also offer mental and emotional healing.
  
  

• Spread awareness: Share your knowledge and passion for the environment with others. By educating friends, family, and your community about the importance of sustainability, you can inspire collective action.

Nature Society of Singapore (NSS) has a rewilding Project, a community-led project under the NParks One Million Trees Initiative, dedicated to enhancing Singapore's wildlife biodiversity by establishing flora and fauna along the rail corridor. NParks One Million Trees Initiative also has tree planting projects for you to plant trees for Earth. You can join in these projects to contribute towards a greater cause!

Compassion for the Planet Is Compassion for Ourselves

As we pool in our efforts to protect our planet, it’s essential to recognise that caring for the Earth is also an act of self-compassion. It’s about ensuring clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil for us and future generations. It’s about cultivating mindfulness and living in harmony with the natural world rather than going against it.

Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that our relationship with the Earth is one of love and care. Practice deep listening—not just to one another but to the planet itself. What is it telling us? How can we respond with compassion? When we listen deeply, we can begin to heal the harm we’ve caused and move forward with more mindfulness and respect.

A Collective Responsibility

“Besides, the environment does not need fixing. It is our behaviour in relation to it that needs to change,” the Dalai Lama says.

If we’ve learned anything from Wall-E, it’s that waiting for someone else to solve the problem is not the answer. Change starts with each of us right now. By changing how we see things, taking responsibility for our actions, and showing compassion for all living beings, we can foster a movement that transcends borders and generations.

The future of our planet is not set in stone. While we still have big problems to solve, we also have the incredible power to make things right. And it’s up to all of us to write a story of hope and resilience, not devastation, for our planet.

​​Dalai Lama reminds us: “Unless we all work together, no solution can be found. Our Mother Earth is teaching us a lesson in universal responsibility.” Together, by caring for Mother Earth, we can inspire others to do the same and protect our beautiful planet for a thriving future.

Conclusion

The future of our planet is in our hands. Will we keep destroying, or will we take care of our planet, of Mother Earth?

By living mindfully, embracing compassion, and making choices that nurture rather than harm, we can protect Mother Earth and ensure a healthy, sustainable future for generations to come.

Thekchen Choling Singapore occasionally collaborates with Nature Society or NParks for their OneMillionTrees project or re-wilding efforts for Mother Earth. Do follow our Facebook or Telegram page to keep up-to-date with our events!

Let us all heed the call to care for our planet before it’s too late.