EXERCISE 2
December 30, 2024 By: Alicia Mujuru
Family Environmental History
Introduction
Understanding the relationship between my family and their environment over generations reveals profound shifts in how we value and interact with the natural world. From my grandparents’ rural subsistence lifestyle to my modern urban upbringing, each generation has adapted to the environmental contexts and challenges of their time. This essay explores these relationships, examining how cultural, economic, and environmental changes shaped my family’s lives and values.
Grandparents’ Generation
My grandparents grew up in a rural setting, where the environment was not just a backdrop but an integral part of daily life. On my paternal side, my grandparents lived in a farming village located in Chivhu (Sengwe area). Their survival depended on the land, which they cultivated for crops such as maize and millet. They also kept livestock, which provided milk, meat, and manure for enriching the soil. Rivers and streams in the area served as vital sources of water for drinking and irrigation. The environment, largely “natural,” was carefully managed through indigenous practices that emphasized sustainability.
My maternal grandparents, on the other hand, resided in a semi-arid region. The scarcity of water forced them to adopt innovative conservation techniques, such as building water storage tanks and practicing crop rotation. They relied on community support and shared labor to overcome environmental challenges. The natural landscape, with its resilient vegetation, such as acacia trees, was a constant reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and ecological health.
Parents’ Generation
The environmental narrative shifted dramatically during my parents’ generation, marked by migration and urbanization. Both sides of my family moved to urban centers, seeking better economic opportunities and access to education. For my paternal family, the transition to Gweru and further into the capital city Harare, introduced them to an environment dominated by concrete structures and industrial activities. Natural elements were replaced by human-made features, and access to resources like water and food came through centralized systems rather than direct engagement with the land.
My maternal family settled in a smaller urban area but maintained strong ties to their rural roots. They continued to grow vegetables in backyard gardens and traveled to the countryside during holidays to reconnect with their ancestral lands. However, the increasing pressures of urban living—such as pollution, overcrowding, and limited green spaces—altered their relationship with the environment. Convenience often took precedence over conservation, as disposable products and packaged foods became part of daily life.
My Generation
Growing up in a globalized and urbanized world, my generation has experienced a hybrid relationship with the environment. Unlike my grandparents, who lived in harmony with nature, or my parents, who adapted to urban settings, I was raised in an environment where nature was both curated and commodified. Parks, zoos, and botanical gardens provided controlled access to the natural world, often framing it as a luxury rather than a necessity.
Environmental awareness has become a significant part of my upbringing, influenced by education and media. I learned about recycling, climate change, and renewable energy in school, concepts that were foreign to earlier generations. At the same time, the convenience of modern living often distances me from the consequences of environmental degradation. Plastic packaging, fast fashion, and long commutes are daily realities that contribute to ecological harm, even as I strive to make sustainable choices.
Transformations Across Generations
The progression of my family’s environmental history reflects broader societal changes:
1. Rural Sustainability (Grandparents): A close connection to the land, with practices emphasizing balance and resourcefulness.
2. Urban Adaptation (Parents): A shift to urban living, characterized by convenience and detachment from nature.
3. Environmental Awareness (My Generation): A blend of modernity and sustainability, striving to reconcile technological advancements with ecological responsibility.
Each generation’s relationship with the environment has been shaped by its unique challenges and opportunities. While my grandparents’ practices were inherently sustainable, my parents’ reliance on urban infrastructure often obscured the environmental costs of progress. My generation, equipped with more knowledge and resources, faces the challenge of addressing the environmental damage caused by past actions.
Future Aspirations
Reflecting on my family’s environmental history inspires me to envision a future where sustainability is at the forefront of human activity. I aim to integrate traditional practices, such as organic gardening and water conservation, with modern innovations like solar energy and green architecture. Reconnecting with nature, whether through hiking, volunteering for conservation projects, or simply spending time outdoors, will remain a priority.
Advocacy is another crucial aspect of my vision. Raising awareness about environmental justice, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and supporting policies that protect ecosystems are ways I hope to contribute to a healthier planet. Ultimately, I aspire to leave a positive environmental legacy for future generations, honoring the wisdom of my ancestors while embracing the possibilities of the future.
Conclusion
My family’s environmental history illustrates the evolving relationship between humans and nature across generations. From rural subsistence farming to urban living and environmental advocacy, each stage has brought new challenges and insights. By understanding these changes, I am better equipped to navigate my own relationship with the environment and contribute to a more sustainable world. This reflection underscores the importance of balancing progress with preservation, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide the choices of the future.