# Environmental Nothingness By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-07-22 When one cares about something, one tends to look for actions that support that thing. Parents take action to care for their children, a car enthusiast regularly washes and wax their cars, and the health-conscious watch what they eat. So, when it comes to those who care about our natural environment, the default response is to find things that support caring for the environment. Many recycle, pick up trash, or advocate for environmental protection policies. But, the most impactful thing one could do is nothing. Don't drive around, build a house, grow crops, visit natural parks, and mow the lawn. All of these things hurt the environment. If one stops all these things, the environment will eventually recover and return to homeostasis. Furthermore, it would take a lot less time than many think. Of course, the problem is that ceasing to exist is challenging for many, but the argument can also be made that we are also part of the environment. Who says that how humans act isn't just part of our nature within the environment? For us to not exist might be a similar crime against the environment. Alas, one has agency and decisions about what is too much or not enough. But, it is undeniable that doing nothing or, at a minimum, less represents the quickest and most effective way to care for the environment. For many, doing nothing is more challenging than doing something. Let that sink in for a moment. Doing nothing is more challenging than doing something. Whether this is a cultural phenomenon or the nature of humanity, we find ourselves in a situation where our existence is insufficient. We must do something with that existence, and many look down upon those who do nothing. But this nothing can be everything. If one believes one cannot live without an environment, perhaps nothing (or less) is the highest commitment one could imagine to propagating life in solidarity with others and the environment. Nothingness is a choice often overlooked and inappropriately ridiculed. #### Related Items [[Environment]] [[Decision-making]] [[Nothingness]] [[Culture]] [[Nature]] [[Progress]] [[Solidarity]] [[Caring]]