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We have come to the age of modernity where almost everything is run by computers. We have come to the age where development of a nation depends on the number of skyscrapers, light-speed bullet trains and fast lives. It’s inevitable to strive for modernity because we are a specie dominated with intellect, always out there in the open for innovation and improvement. However with our growing desire to advance in society, we gravely forget that we are just transient visitors here on Earth. Anytime, we will pass and perish never to return again. But our marks will never be deleted anymore. The history we’ll make will become the pages of many books in the far future – “Man: an intellectual predator.” Why did I say so? Well, ever since the end of the Industrial Revolution in England, the fast-emerging developments throughout the globe happened. We built trains, aircrafts, computers and such to aid our desires not noticing the torment we were giving to the environment. Up until now, we’re constantly living the fast life, not noticing the monstrous effects we have on the planet.
But don’t worry! Even with the dominance of these things, some people or groups of people are very much active in promoting the natural way – the way of nature. One concrete example is seen here in the Philippines, the non-government organization, Center for Ecozoic Living and Learning (CELL) located in Silang, Cavite. CELL is a NGO established by three Columbian missionaries in 1998 and is an independent organization that is not connected with the government. Meaning, they get their funds from donations, selling products that they have and the like. They propagate their own land through Permaculture wherein it is based on the principle that every creature has a place on this Earth and that all of them should be respected evenly. In CELL, they also have different zones in which different activities are done. They have a zone where human activities occur, where raising vegetables are possible, and where farm animals are located.
They also have a special area where trees and fruit trees grow.
CELL being a place where everything is organic also engages itself in Vermicomposting. They also have a wild life area where they keep wild animals for preservation.
Vermicomposting is the process of producing organic fertilizers using a special type of earthworm that can effectively produce a fertilizer that can aid the healthy growth and perpetuation of plants and trees. Another outstanding feature in CELL is their Biodigester.
The biodigester is a methane gas producing equipment. It is propagated through the collection of feces. After that, it will pass through filtration pipes and in the end will produce methane gas used for cooking food and many more. They also have solar panels in CELL. These solar panels are used to produce sustainable electricity for the place. Another sustainable development that they do in CELL is the Zero Waste Management. We may find zero waste management as just any common way to promote clean living. But in reality, we neglect this action to clean up our cities. With that, we should at least make CELL our inspiration to make our own efforts in cleaning the environment.
Of course, I left CELL with something new in my mind and my heart. Something new, in a way that new realizations are made towards the caring of Mother Nature. As a new generation, I must say that we are still ignorant and selfish. Ignorant because we neglect and deny the fact that Climate Change is slowly altering our way of life for the worst. Selfish because even if we are already seeing the grave effect of this on many aspects, we still continue on extracting what’s left in the environment. We are in a current era where development is fast but preserving for the environment is really slow – slow as a turtle even. With this, I was inspired with the way of life that CELL is promoting. Something slow. Something ingrained within the most precious gift of God – Creation. This inspiration then must transcend as change, not only for me as an individual but as a whole humanity.
We should be able to become aware of the consequences that we would reap if we become too preoccupied in our daily lives, making money and such. We must be able to step back a little and look at the things that we’ve done so far. As a result, we will know the errors in our action and think of solutions to make them right for the future generations. It may seem hard at first but I hope we can look for concrete solutions for the betterment of all. If CELL could make their own biodigester, organic fertilizers and consume electricity through solar panels, we could do that too! Simple ways are much better than doing nothing at all. Together, let us step up the game and chase our dreams of become better stewards of God’s Creation!
