October 24th will surely go down in history for the many events, actions, rallies, and meetings. It’s United Nations Day and it’s International Day of Climate Action (www.350.org). At Open World Café we are contributing by having an “Organic (Low Carbon) Food Day”, one of more than 4500 actions in more than 180 countries!

I would like this to go down in history as Awareness Day. That’s what it’s about, isn’t it? But are we awakening? Are we becoming more aware? There are positive signs; 4500 events worldwide is very likely the biggest coordinated climate action ever, in more than 180 countries, there are 193 registered countries in the United Nations, so that is quite an achievement. Congratulations 350.org!

But will we consume less tomorrow? Will we ask ourselves, again, what we are doing to our environment? Will we tell producers and manufacturers that we don’t want their products unless they are climate neutral, based on sustainable principles? Will we tell our politicians and leaders worldwide that we want things to change? And will we take responsibility for our part in all this, and begin voting with our feet; reducing our consumption, choosing organic over chemical, natural over synthetic, slow before fast?

We put a lot of pressure on our leaders, forgetting that they too are only human, with their own challenges and backpacks to carry through life. COP 15 in Copenhagen is getting the headlines and expectations are rising, some calling it the most important climate summit ever, and decisive for the future of human life on the planet. But is it the job of these representatives of the people to change things? Or is it mine, and yours?

It’s time for each and every one of us to take responsibility for our own actions. Let’s stop blaming the government, the church (if you go to one), your schoolteacher, your parents (or your children), your wife or husband, or anybody else that left you with a scar somewhere deep inside, long forgotten and ever present.

This Awareness Day can be a day of new beginnings, a day full of small changes with big effects.

What changes are you making, please inspire us!