Heroes Not Zombies

I took this photo at a wine farm in South Africa several years ago. Isn’t this the most incredibly diverse collection of lemons? I bet you’ve never seen a display of lemons like this at the supermarket. I know I haven’t it.

Fortunately there’s been a bit of trend in recent years to offer us “ugly” fruit and veg – by which the marketers mean fruit and veg which isn’t all uniform in appearance and size. The thing is, some people like that, but others don’t. We’ve been trained by corporations and governments to not simply accept uniformity but to even seek it.

But it’s not natural.

Nature is not uniform.

In fact as biodiversity decreases, which is what is happening now in the world, thanks to climate change and our industrialised, money-focused societies, our collective, and personal, security is under ever greater threat. There’s good reason to think that loss of diversity, erosion of soils, destruction of rainforests, and urbanisation are contributing to the rise of new pathogens, of which COVID is our more spectacular example so far. How many more are on the way? There are already worrying reports about other “novel” coronaviruses and influenza viruses being detected in different parts of the world.

I know that for many people when traveling from place to place they find a reassurance in the presence of the same fast food outlets, the same hotel chains, the same shops, the same brands. But, seriously folks, I think we have to break free of that false security. Because that’s what it is. False.

To shift our values from standardisation to uniqueness might turn out to be one of the best things we can do….not just for ourselves, but for the planet.

The lockdowns forced a lot of people out of offices, commuting and city centres, into their homes, streets, neighbourhoods, and for many people it’s been a bit of an eye-opener. For many there is now a desire for more flexibility at work, a desire for more local shops and services, a desire to connect and build within local communities.

I hope that grows.

Because, hey, when life gives you diverse lemons, make unique lemonade!