The Right Channel "The Natural Thing" - Past Article

With all the sports dominating TV lately and the near hysteria (and revenue) it creates, I've often wondered what kind of world this could be if we found it within ourselves to channel some of this energy and money towards the environment.  This was not some fleeting thought which suddenly popped into my head while sipping morning coffee. I've given it much attention and on numerous occasions pondered the possibilities of what might happen if we endeared such problems as pollution, endangered species, depleted forests, world population and a host of other concerns with as much fervour, affection and concern as we do professional sports.

Imagine addressing those things which threaten Earth with the same intensity as is shown for the World Series, Grey Cup or Rose Bowl? Let's try to put things into perspective. Which is more important, the World Series or the ozone layer; the Grey Cup or the insidious destruction of the ecosystem?

I find it absolutely incredible and somewhat disheartening to see so many get so wrapped up in a game, a form of entertainment, while the Earth continues to crumble beneath our feet.

So that I do not come across as anti-sports I should mention that I played hockey in college and I watch the occasional game on TV. As well, my father played for the Toronto Argonauts during a season where they won the Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, so you can see I come from a sports-minded family.

I'm the first to agree that sports is enjoyable as a pastime; is excellent exercise, depending of course whether you're playing or watching; and is a highly social function promoting camaraderie with one's team mates and spectators alike.   It's also a popular topic in offices,  when avoiding office politics; how-ever let's keep in mind that it's still just a game!  I have a hard time fathoming how someone can become so passionately enthralled with sports - and more incredulously, how players can earn such ridiculously gigantic salaries to hit, bounce or carry a ball.

If we were to take one-fifth of the monies generated by sports events and sink it into conservation the world would be a much better place for man and all other animal species. Does it not appear that man is a species thoroughly wrapped up in the pleasure principle - determined to enjoy itself no matter what the cost, especially if it's at the expense of the environment?

The North American society must start to reassess its value system, to a degree which may - just may - eventually destroy us.  We spend in excess of $20 billion a year having fun in North America though of course it should be made clear that this number encompasses many forms of recreation. However, sports make up a good percentage of the $20 billion amount.

Envision what it might be like if a few cents from each admission ticket to a hockey, football, baseball or basketball game was put towards some conservation effort. I have no doubt that as a nation we could create some miraculous changes.

Many might say that's the Government's responsibility, but it's not, and we have to stop looking to the Government to bail us out every time our feet get soiled. Grabbing a little piece of control over your own destiny is what I'm suggesting.

In the past, Canadians have been too apathetic regarding politics and the environment, but this has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. Many question Government policies and environmental initiatives which, in a way, affect each and every one of us and our children's futures.

So the next time you're at a sports event or just watching it on TV and you see all those people, think what it would be like if each spectator donated two cents per ticket to help the environment.