A Win: Never Be Afraid to Speak Up

I am writing this article to share with you an example of how using your voice and knowledge, and being a little gutsy, can effect change! It did for me. It is not always easy to stand up to people, businesses, or large corporations. You might think to yourself, “What’s the use? I am just one person; they won’t listen to what I have to say.” When you think that your voice won’t matter, think again. It might! It might plant a seed, or it might have a ripple effect. You do not know until you do. Never be afraid to speak up!

Several months ago, on my daily walk up our road, I noticed some workers spraying the avocado grove at the top of our hill. It is a large grove of about 750 avocado trees. Avocados are grown in this area of Southern California, as our Mediterranean-type climate is ideal. The workers had backpacks full of liquid that they were spraying in this grove. I asked them what it was, and they said it was to kill weeds. I knew it had to be a glyphosate-based product. I shared a bit with the worker some of my concerns for him, as he was not wearing any protective gloves or clothing to protect his skin.