Top 10 most Important changes our generation needs to make:
1. Extinction
Stop the mass extinction of biodiversity and save animals on the brink of extinction. According to the U.N. Environment program, scientists estimate that 150-200 species of plant, insect, bird and mammal become extinct every 24 hours! "This is Nearly 1,000 times the natural or background rate," say many biologists, "and is
greater than anything the world has experienced since the vanishing of dinasours nearly 65 million years ago." We work with governments and other organizations to protect what is left of the rainforests and wild natural environments.
2. Save our Oceans
Trash, pollution and overfishing are depleting life in our oceans. In a TIME magazine article titled "The Sorrow beneath the Sea" Callum Roberts says "Imagine an underwater world without whales, sharks and dolphins, where jellyfish and algae rule. It's already happening." !
3. Alternative Energy
Switch from our dependence on non-renewable resources with negative environmental impacts to clean, renewable energy sources.
4. No More Plastic
Get corporations, businesses and consumers to switch to compostable, recycled and other green products to replace plastic. H**p is the solution for paper cups, packaging and many other products! We need to demand that companies make the switch.
5. Animal Rights
We hope to be the generation that extends our compassion and justice toward all sentient beings. We believe animal rights to be an important aspect of becoming an “awake” society. Animal testing (especially for cosmetic and non-medical purposes) should be eliminated. The amount of atrocities that occur in these facilities far out-weigh the amount of vital data received from them. has already phased out dated animal experiments for new and more technologically advanced methods. We believe the U.S. needs to follow suit. Every day, millions upon millions of animals are abused, confined, exploited and violently killed for the purpose of food and fashion. For the sake of the animals, our health, human rights and our environment, we need to evolve towards a vegan diet and abstain from wearing animal-derived clothing. We raise awareness and collaborate with other organizations to end the use of exotic animals in circuses or at theme parks. Intelligent animals such as elephants, Orca whales, and tigers do not deserve a life confined to performing tricks for human “entertainment”. The ownership of exotic pets (big cats, etc.) should be banned on a Federal level. There is no benefit to either party (owner or “owned”) by this disturbing “relationship.”By allowing exotic animals as pets, we are contributing and supporting the exotic wildlife trade and the illegal smuggling of cubs from Africa and other parts of the world. Many of the captive tigers and lions are subject to lives of abuse, neglect, poor conditions, and loneliness due to the unnatural way of life. “There are more tigers in captivity in the U.S. then there are left in the wild!” Let’s be their voice and make the changes they so desperately need. Please go to our website to learn more about what you can do to help.
6. Food System
Methane gas released into the atmosphere by cows has been named the number one contributor to CO2 in our atmosphere (over all types of transportation combined!). In addition to the direct contribution of Co2 and wastes to our environment, factory farming in the US today uses an obscene amount of our vital resources (grains, water) to feed the millions of animals needed to support a high meat diet. We strongly urge a plant-based vegan diet. We recommend a list of documentaries and books (see links below) on both the health effects and environmental degradation that results from animal agriculture. We understand that everyone evolves at their own pace, and challenge even the most dedicated meat eaters to making small, positive changes in their life: whether it’s switching to almond milk, dining out vegan, or swapping out hamburgers with veggie burgers; you are making a difference!
“Animal agriculture in the United States generates up to a billion tons of waste every year. The EPA estimates livestock operations that confine animals are responsible for impairing more than 25,000 miles of U.S. rivers and streams and more than 269,000 acres of lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.”
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) have infiltrated the food supply, putting both our health, the environment’s health, and local, sustainable family farms in jeopardy. Biologists are linking GMO’s to the decline of the bees – our natural pollinators. We still do not know the full effects of genetically modified foods on the human bodies (due to the FDA claiming GMO’s are “safe for consumption” and “no testing necessary”). However, independent, foreign (animal) studies have linked the consumption of GMO’s to tumors and other serious health effects. They are currently banned in 26 countries and highly restricted or labeled in others (including the European Union). We believe it is time for the U.S. to start recognizing what these crops really signify: a giant chemical corporation taking a hold of our food supply. To combat these dangerous industries and corporations, we urge you to stick to organic, non-GMO, locally grown (or grow your own) fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and nuts whenever possible. As human beings we have the power to vote with our money; support local farms by buying your fruits and veggies from farmers markets and health food stores. We are the consumers, and with this, we have all the power. We don’t buy, they can’t sell. Visit www.generationawakening.org/top-10-changes/ to learn what YOU can do.
7. Social Systems and City farms
We aim to put Generation Awakening ambassadors in every city around the world to work locally to create changes in their own communities. By implementing a grassroots movement we can empower individuals to come together in their communities to work towards better city ordinances, social programs and implement community farms.
8. Overpopulation
The world’s population is over 7 billion, and is expected to DOUBLE by the end of this century. If everyone were living the way Americans do (in terms of resources used, the big houses and cars, etc.) it would take EIGHT PLANET EARTHS to sustain us! Does that give you an idea of how unsustainable our way of life is? Human overpopulation is threatening all other species on the planet. If we industrialize and suburbanize every square inch of land there will be no land left for the other animals to live on. They will disappear, to be gone forever. In addition to driving all other species to extinction, overpopulation is on track to becoming our generation’s biggest issue – as the fight for resources: oil, food and water, intensifies. The documentary below is incredibly profound, inspiring and calls us to ask questions and work for solutions to one of our generations most pressing global issues! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPc9BdWVl5s
9. Get money out of politics
Our ancestors and founding fathers fought for this country to have a government for the people, by the people. We need to take back the power and start a new party if necessary. Stop using Democrats and Republicans against each other and come together for REAL change. Work with other organizations that are trying to overturn Citizens United.
10. Unity
“When one is harmed, all are harmed. When one is helped, all are helped.”
For the first time in history, technology allows us to instantly connect with each other from all around the world. We shouldn’t let country borders separate us, we are all part of the human race. In order to save our earth we must all come together and awaken ourselves not only for our own generation but the generations to come.
“When the POWER of LOVE overcomes the LOVE of POWER, the WORLD will KNOW PEACE.” – Jimi Hendrix
We’re ready…
