What Does "Think Globally, Act Locally" Mean?

"Think Globally, Act Locally," also written as "Think Global, Act Local," is a very popular slogan used in environmentalist, progressive and activist circles. First used in 1969 by Friends of the Earth founder David Brower, the slogan has become a universal catchphrase for the environmentalist movement. Today, this environmentalist mantra appears on everything from bumper stickers and reusable mugs to city planning notes and government guidelines.

As an environmentalist, I do my best to live by the advice to "think globally" and "act locally." Comma splices aside, I believe that this progressive guideline is one of the most singularly important rules for successful activism and change. Although there are millions of people who want to change the world or save the rainforests, there are far too few who are acting on a local, grassroots level to facilitate a greener world. No guidelines have the exact same meaning to every person, but here is what "Think Globally, Act Locally" means to me.

1. "Think Globally, Act Locally" means personal change. I have always felt baffled when I've seen self-proclaimed environmentalists failing to make changes in their own lifestyles. They are thinking on a global level-- worrying about endangered animals and global warming-- but drive SUVs and eat meat in every meal. I believe that genuine environmentalists always make changes in their own lifestyles to reflect their global concerns. Personal change is the first and most important step in global improvement.

2. "Think Globally, Act Locally" means international tolerance. How many self-proclaimed activists want to end whaling, starvation, and the destruction of the rainforests-- but don't do anything at home to help local wildlife, end local hunger, or preserve local forests? I personally don't believe that we, as a culture, can criticize the practices of other groups until we have solved our own problems at home. This may mean tolerating some degree of hunting and deforestation in other cultures until we've successfully solved our own problems.

3. "Think Globally, Act Locally" means bioregional culture. The thought-provoking book "Dream of the Earth," by Thomas Berry, explores many of the notions associated with local thought and local activism. He suggests that each region maintain its own culture relative to the land and resources around it. The architecture, music, and cultural norms of the area should reflect the land and from which they come. For example, architects who "think locally" might emphasize the importance of creating buildings made with local resources to withstand local climate pressures.

4. "Think Globally, Act Locally" means supporting local businesses and agriculture. Acting locally largely means making an effort to support your local economy. By buying from local businesses, you help to keep the maximum amount of money in your own community and help to support local business-owners. Local shopping also helps to prevent the abuse of international resources, such as rainforest wood and overseas drilling. Keep your eyes on your community by purchasing local goods and services whenever possible.

No magic equation or powerful invention can ever save us from ourselves. We each have an individual responsibility to do whatever we can do to help bring our planet and species back from the brink of cataclysm. A locally acting, globally thinking attitude is pivotal in the fight to save our world.