Environment

Environment: Our Connection to Nature

Nature is life. We are inseparable from the natural world, and our actions impact every part of it. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, we are interconnected with nature’s delicate web. What we choose to buy and the way we live not only shape our immediate surroundings but have far-reaching effects on the planet and its people.

At Sustaining the Planet, we offer environmental workshops that explore our personal and collective roles in protecting this precious web of life. These workshops encourage creativity in response to nature, helping individuals and businesses reflect on their place in the world and the climate emergency we face. Tailored to both personal and business perspectives, the workshops aim to foster a deeper connection to the environment and inspire sustainable action.

The Legacy of Henry David Thoreau

One of the earliest environmental philosophers, Henry David Thoreau, recognised the vital connection between humanity and nature. His most famous work, Walden, Or Life in the Woods (1854), was inspired by his two years of living alone at Walden Pond, where he sought to “live deliberately” and immerse himself in the essential truths of life. Thoreau’s writing profoundly influenced environmental advocates like James Muir, founder of the Sierra Club in 1892.

Today, the environmental challenges that Thoreau pondered are more pressing than ever. The biodiversity crisis and the decline of the natural world have been carefully documented, with perhaps the most powerful representation found in the Living Planet Report by the WWF. This report shows just how critical it is for us to rethink our relationship with nature.

Explore the report here: Living Planet Report by WWF

Creative Responses to Nature

Steve’s connection to the environment is expressed not only through his work with Sustaining the Planet but also through his creative pursuits. His collection of poetry, GAIA. Being. Alive, explores themes of nature, existence, and mental health, while artwork like “Tree. Stone. Hill” by @jowalter_art reflects this ongoing dialogue between the human spirit and the natural world.

Media Links: The Buzzard and the Raven (YouTube)

Global Population and Environmental Impact

The global population continues to grow, placing increased pressure on the planet’s resources. Understanding this impact is crucial to creating sustainable solutions. To see the current world population in real time, visit: Global Population Clock

Elements of Sustainability

At Sustaining the Planet, our work addresses many of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on the interconnectedness of the environment, creativity, and mental health. Our initiatives reflect at least 9 of these goals, aiming to inspire lasting change across multiple fronts.

Mental Health:

3. Good Health and Well-being

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

Environment:

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

13. Climate Action

15. Life on Land

14. Life Below Water

Creativity:

4. Quality Education

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

3. Good Health and Well-being (linked through creative expression)

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