The Eden Project is home to the world's largest greenhouse. Each dome houses a different biome for visitors to explore.

I have been fortunate enough to spend the last two weeks of my life relaxing in the United Kingdom. One major highlight of my time there was visiting the Eden Project in the Southwest region of England. The Eden Project is a charity organization that strives to remind its visitors of the gifts that nature provides us and encourages us to care for her through exhibits, educational programs, and events.

In October of 1998, the charity began to transform a large clay pit, “seeping mineral waste and full of water,” into a symbol of optimism. It is now an area that can inspire us to make conscious decisions about our lifestyles and show that ordinary people can make a difference. They themselves have made every attempt at making the location as sustainable as possible with various water and energy saving measures, as well as the use of recycled materials.

While the educational aspect of their mission is critical, I was particularly taken with the aesthetics of the place. The biomes were filled with thousands of plant species, rushing waterfalls and streams, and even singing birds. The buildings themselves were pieces of art, while the landscapes were decorated with sculpture and paintings derived from recycled materials. All of this reminded me of the potential for a healthier balance between the planet and its people.

As you wander through lush rainforests and Mediterranean gardens, you come to understand the importance of the preservation of these unique climates. The landscape is highlighted with informational plaques that describe the many plants present as well as their uses for everything from food to materials to medicine.

Ultimately, the project isn’t about the plants, but the planet and the people on it. I left the Eden Project inspired by all nature provides us with, respect for its fragility, and a renewed sense of personal responsibility for its care. As the project’s cofounder Tim Smit says, “We’re a part of nature, not apart from nature.”

[Photos courtesy of Flickr users Ennor and MindSpigot / CC BY 2.0]