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We are currently experiencing a time of rapid change.

We are faced with major environmental challenges, such as over-use of fossil fuels; loss of forest cover; energy, water and food crisis; land struggles; millions living in extreme poverty; and others absorbed in over-consumption.

It is often daunting to think about these situations, and it is even more difficult to know how to resolve them. It is true these problems are global, but that does not rule out the role that each individual, family and community plays in being part of the solution. However, to take positive action, it is increasingly important to take a step back from the global perspective and approach these problems from a more manageable, personal level.

Falls Brook Centre has partnered with Canadian and International institutions, organizations and communities to find viable community solutions to global problems. Initiatives on holistic ecological projects have focused on rainwater caption systems, organic kitchen gardens as a source of health and nutrition, promoting local agriculture to reduce consumption of imported foods, construction of solar cookers and efficient bio-mass stoves with over 300 families in peri-urban Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and rural Somoto, Madriz, in northern Nicaragua. Presently there is expertise being developed on bio-diversity restoration and rural productivity with 14 families and the Institute of Forestry Research in Guantanamo, Cuba. These are three examples of international development projects that address environmental problems and offer practical, contextual solutions by implementing ecological technology and community-centered methodologies to improve environmental, economic and social well-being.

What sets these projects aside from others is their focus on community decision-making and small-scale production. The needs and interests of the communities are at the heart of all activity. Families and school groups participate in hands-on workshops that emphasize natural resource management and economic return of environmental conservation. We look at the benefits of forests and watershed area protection, composting and small-scale diversified organic production, reducing waste, reusing and recycling and look at how to apply these skills and practices in everyday life at the household level. The aim is to make clear the correlation between the health of the environment and people. By working directly with families and schools to learn about the surrounding environment and how to live harmoniously with nature, we are putting in place the elements for vibrant, sustainable living.

Bringing awareness to the public about the natural surroundings they live in is the first step to heightening understanding of the importance of protecting and restoring degraded or fallow lands. Learning to read the layout of the landscape and appreciate its functions, such as the flow of bodies of water and tributaries, wind currents, cloud formations and rainfall, soil components, interconnectedness between flora and fauna, and human activity and dependency on natural resources, helps put global problems into a social and economic perspective. Critically analyzing the relationship between humans and nature brings us closer to being part of the solution as it encourages us to question our everyday actions.

Ask yourself honestly:

What benefits do I receive from earth's natural resources? Is there anything in my daily routine I could do to reduce the negative impact on the earth? How often do I use disposable cups or plates? How much garbage do I produce (packaging, plastic, paper)? How far does my food travel? Can some imports be produced locally? Could my car be more fuel-efficient? Where does my drinking water come from? Could I use electricity, water, wood, fuel more responsibly?

All of these questions lead us to consider the state of the world and our role within it. There are many actions we can take to lessen our impact on the planet and, consequently, improving things for ourselves. The responsibility is ours to do what is right and take care of Mother Earth – the foundation of life.