"Great Outdoors, or Gadgets? The Common Ground"

When it comes to the topic of encouraging people to get outdoors, it seems as though we are bombarded with conflicting messages. Various industries that promote healthy lifestyles have made it their goal to communicate the benefits of revitalizing our bodies and minds through physical exercise and constant exposure to fresh air. At the same time, as consumers, we are constantly bombarded with new gadgets that prevent us from having to make any unnecessary advances into the great outdoors. Between apps, e-readers, and interactive fitness games, how can we determine the thin line between convenience and complacency? As time passes, it will become harder to respond to the call of nature, if we are too busy responding to the commands of our devices.

The resolution for this conflict does not require us to shun the enticing calls of modern day technology; it simply requires us to find the common ground between the gadgets and the great outdoors. Naturally, the first step toward this direction is being aware. There are plenty of organizations that are putting great efforts towards the goal of convincing us all to get out and reap all the benefits of nature. On February 16th, President Obama gave a short speech in which he discussed his hopes for the “America's Great Outdoors Initiative”. This year old initiative is exactly what the title implies: an attempt to get America out into the great outdoors. The proposed actions will include collaborative efforts with state and local organizations in order to allow easier access to parks, reservations, and other outdoor facilities. Another great proposal is for the government to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program was developed to provide financial assistance in the development and preservation of wildlife areas. Whether they are in the form of thoughts or funds, these efforts communicate a great desire to have more people increase their appreciation for the great outdoors. This is one of the many calls to help you find your common ground between gadgets and the great outdoors; how will you respond?