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unplug
unplug magazine asks you to unplug from your current modes of thought and look at life in a new way, whether this means unplugging from our toxic consumer culture, mainstream society, the tv, or a limiting mindset. author megan prusynski explores life's alternatives and discusses activism, progressive thinking, and moving towards a "green" & sustainable life.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Some Reflections From My Volksvegan Adventure...
As you can probably tell, I haven't been getting regular internet access lately. As I travel around in the "volksvegan" with my partner and our pooch, I have had some great experiences and gotten a much needed break from civilization. 
Our journey took us through Canada's Rocky Mountains and quite a few National Parks. The Rockies are beautiful and still rather pristine, although the footprints of humankind (huge golf courses, ski resorts, mining and lumber operations) are prevalent. We went to Kootenay, Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Glacier, and Mount Revelstroke National Parks. The best part was the chance to backpack through wilderness, see beautiful scenery and wildlife, and reconnect with the natural world.
The torrent of tourists we saw flooding the parks is evidence of humankind's need to connect with and experience nature. It's odd that people can have so much reverence for the glaciers, lakes, mountains, and wildlife protected in parks, but so little regard for the what's best for these places. We were disappointed by some of the scars left on the earth as we visited the parks. Parks Canada sets up backcountry campgrounds that minimize the impact caused to the natural landscape, but we were shocked at how some people tried to build extra fire rings, left trash, and eroded the trails with packs of horses. Well, we were also shocked by the price of the backcountry permits, but let's not talk about that...
One of the most enjoyable parts of my Canadian visit was seeing so many glaciers, icefields and pristine lakes. The glacier-carved mountains and lakes show the power and magnitude of ice and snow. I visited the Columbia Icefield's Athabasca Glacier and marveled at the sheer magnitude of the place, but I was saddened to see how quickly it was disappearing.
The Canadian Government is definitely not in denial about climate change, which I was happy to see. Signs around the Columbia Icefield explained how not all of the glacial melting is part of a natural cycle, global warming caused by humans is melting the glaciers faster than ever. The signs even mentioned ways people could help reduce their global warming impact and protect important glaciers and icefields that provide fresh water to so many people. The Columbia Icefield feeds many glaciers and is a triple continental divide, sending fresh glacier water to the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Arctic Oceans.
It was amazing to see such an important and precious place and walk upon a melting glacier. It reminded me how important it is to protect the delicate balance of nature and live in symbiotic harmony with the earth that sustains us. So, crowds of dumb tourists aside, I enjoyed my Canadian Rocky Mountains experience and continue my "volksvegan adventure" refreshed and enlightened by it.
Labels: environment/sustainability, lifestyle
