What If Nature Sent Us a Bill? Reflecting on the Value of Nature's Gifts

Last week was World Conservation Day, and I’ve been reflecting on the things I appreciate most about nature. 

While I feel the most connected to “nature” when spending time in the ocean or hiking remote trails, I often remind myself that nature is equally present in quieter and more subtle ways; for example, even in the middle of a busy city. 

For me, I feel this most in moments like watching birds dance across the sky at sunset, or cool off in a puddle on hot summer days. Sometimes, it's as simple as the sound of rain against my window all night. Or, even the plants in the corner of my favorite coffee shop that bring a breath of life to my day-to-day life. 

While city life is arguably designed to feel disconnected from the natural world, it is all around us. World Conservation Day made me think of an interesting thought experiment: 

What if nature sent us a bill? 

We often talk about conservation in transactional terms: for example, how much can we exploit before we cross a tipping point. Yet, what would happen if we flipped the conversation? What if, instead of viewing natural resources as gifts available for exploitation, what if nature approached its relationship with humanity in the same way we do it: as a transaction. 

Imagine this: 

Sunlight,  metered like electricity. Would we more greatly appreciate its warmth and calm if we were forced to recognize its value in monetary terms? 

Air, charged by the breath. How much would a clean inhale cost for the lungs? 

Shade, accessible only to paying subscribers. If nature operated like humans, how much would she charge for a bit of cool on a scorching summer day?

Soil, charged holistically. Healthy soil is a process that takes centuries, yet is so easy to degrade and exploit. We are already paying for the effects of degraded soil, but what if there was a surcharge for every inch degraded? 

Beauty: Charged for exposure. What is the value of viewing beautiful sunsets over a mountain range, or the ocean on a misty day?

This thought exercise reveals an important truth: we are beneficiaries of nature’s generosity day after day. We receive these gifts often with no acknowledgement. 

World Conservation Day is a call to action: to protect our natural resources for their inherent value, not just for their utility. In other words, we should not feel entitled to nature’s gifts. This thought exercise is fitting because it reminds us how rich we are in gifts.  If nature could speak up I believe she would advocate for us to change our perspective on the transactional approach to things.

At GreenGear® we approach conservation from a point of reciprocity. This line of thinking is the foundation to everything we do. From the materials we use to the moments our ponchos and bags get used, we design our products to help people enjoy their time outdoors - while giving back to the planet & the people who share it. This World Conservation Day, we encourage you to challenge the common paradigm of conservation, and embrace a mentality of reciprocity.