A spiritual ‘solution’ to plastic pollution

The Philippines is ranked as the world’s third largest source of plastic trash in the oceans. The rising consumer demand, the sachet or tingi lifestyle and economic growth have fed the plastic pollution. To check the alarming situation, hotels have switched to biodegradable straws and glass bottles for water; some vendors have reverted to paper bags, and groceries encourage shoppers to bring their own bags or buy eco-bags. Recently, the new Extended Producer Responsibility law requires plastic packaging producers to pay the costs of plastic waste management.

But can these measures reduce plastic pollution in the country?

Since the crisis is a manifestation of materialism and gratification, the answer begins with the right mindset. “How can I live my life in a way that allows me to be respectful to the environment?” asked United Kingdom-based lecturer Manda Patel. “Spiritual solution is the solution. This energy—this vibration—will serve us.”

Patel visited the Philippines recently to speak at the World Environment Day program at the Brahma Kumaris Center for Spiritual Learning in Tagaytay. Brahma Kumaris is an international nondenominational, nongovernmental organization dedicated to personal growth and world change through meditation.

Inevitable

She said the usage of plastic is inevitable especially in a consumer-driven society where many affordable and user-friendly products are packaged in plastic. She admitted that her uniform white sari is made of polyester. This synthetic fabric is cheap, takes less time to iron and is ideal for travel, unlike cotton which is pricier and requires starching. Polyester is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used in bottles and containers.

“In the past 50 years, our lives have become intense. Why do we have this perception that time is moving fast? We are trying to do so much in a short space of time. Technology and (scientific) advancements have sped up, such that we try to chase the pace. We then create stress and tension for ourselves. Then we seek to be comforted in a physical way instead of addressing the speed of time and technology,” she said.

Although the individual runs after technology, success, money, power and position, one feels empty of peace, love, joy and the beauty of life, Patel noted. “Instead of going inside of ourselves, we look for things to make the body feel comfortable instead of seeking to comfort the heart, our emotional, physical and spiritual well-being,” she said. “My inner world becomes a small place when I become self-centered.”

Patel said one needs to be more aware of what Nature has been doing for us. Likewise one must be aware how thoughts, desires, expectations and actions affect the world.

“We have become too clever for our own good. Our cleverness manifests in the ego of who we are, what we are, and how much we have achieved. Ego can deceive and deplete us,” she said.

Nature, including the body, is comprised of earth, water, fire, air and ether. These five elements have been big-heartedly serving humanity by making us happy and safe. The lecturer pointed out that the generosity of nature and the seed of human existence stem from the Divine, the Supreme Being or God.

Benevolence

“Everything in Nature is infused with benevolence. Do I see that aspect and use Nature with respect?” she asked.

Patel quoted Mahatma Gandhi, leader of India’s nonviolent independence movement, as saying, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” “Our anger and ego make us abuse Nature. Wasting food creates an account with the environment,” she said.

Patel recommended simplifying one’s lifestyle. People should buy only what they use, never in excess. There is a natural law that works in any relationship, whether it is between people or the planet, that whatever energy we give out comes back to us.

“When you have something and you waste it, it won’t be there when you need it. Physical resources will always run out if you use it carelessly,” she said. On the other hand, when you use something for the benefit of people and the planet and when you give out positive vibrations, you will always be served by Nature.

Patel shared that she transitioned into a vegan diet to reduce environmental impact. Studies have shown that a plant-based diet has half the water consumption of a conventional meat diet.

Yet despite efforts to clean up any pollution, humanity can only do so much in saving the planet. Patel pointed out that an important practice is expressing gratitude to Nature and the Supreme by preparing food in peace.

“Since we eat to nourish the body and the soul, we source the food as naturally as possible. We prepare the food with love and remembrance of God. It is then offered in meditation to fill it with pure vibrations. There is this mindful consciousness that I’m feeding myself with those loving vibrations,” she said.

—Contributed INQ