As some of you know, I’ve just spent the past month hiking the Colorado Trail. The experience gave me an opportunity to rest, reflect, and remove myself from some of the world’s current complexities. Most gratefully, it provided a reminder of how beautiful life is at its simplest. No apple watch, airpods, computer, choice of outfit...somewhat free of the distractions of my “normal” life. I’ll likely have several posts to share the important moments spent on and off the trail throughout my journey, but today I want to use this platform to inform you about the tragic fires that continue to happen around our country. 

When I flew into Denver on August 15th, the sky was muddy with smoke. You could fill the tingling grit in your throat when you took a deep breath of the fire-destructed oxygen. Luckily, most of my days on the trail were not severely impacted by the fires, but the impact didn’t go unnoticed. Some days, I was shocked at how much the mountains in the near distance were obstructed by the thickness of the smoky skies.

Though we are not all immediately or consciously affected by the fires, we all should understand how important it is to make sure they do not continue. The statistics are alarming and they are harming our environments and communities.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there are currently 77 active fires in the United States. Only one of these fires has been reported as “contained.” The fires are happening in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. 

This year, there have been 43,995 fires and 7,104,837 acres have burned. 

Those numbers are hard to even conceive of. Let’s put it into perspective: there are 193,700 acres in New York City. That means in 2020, an equivalent of 36.7 New York Cities have burned. If that doesn’t mean very much to you, imagine the entire state of Maryland...burned. 

I am not trying to provide another source of negativity for your day, but I am hoping this post helps you find a deeper sense of compassion and responsibility for the state of our climate. I have hope that we can shape our future for the better. I want to help encourage you and others to feel the same. 

Why are the fires happening?

According to a New York Times article, “the changing climate” plays a significant role in the reason our country is experiencing an unprecedented amount of forest fires this year. Many of the flames are started by people who have not taken serious enough fire-precaution measures. Though most all of the fires are not intentional and some have been caused by natural forces, there are things we can do to support their prevention.

How can I make a difference as an individual?

We have power in shifting these terrible statistics towards a more positive direction, but we have no room to wait. We must make a conscious effort if we wish for a better future for our communities and world. 

Here is a list of 10 things you can do to help make a positive impact on wildfire mitigation (including links for further reading):

1. Practice fire safety when you have a campfire. 

2. Support well-researched policies for fire maintenance.

3. Power your home with renewable energy.

4. Unplug appliances and devices when you aren’t using them. 

5. Reduce your consumption of clothing and other material goods. 

6. Take shorter showers. 

7. Bring reusable bags when you go shopping.

8. Drive less! Bike, walk, or take public transport, if possible.

9. Purchase local food and opt for plant-based options. 

10.  Volunteer your time or provide financial support to those in need. 

I believe that everything is interconnected. When you make small changes in your daily life, you are contributing to a lifetime of better practices (and likely inspiring others along the way).

Thanks for reading and helping protect our world. Spread the love and protect our incredible planet, friends.