Environmentalism

Throughout high school and college, I've always had an interest in environmental activism. I've never really thought about why but that's what I'm going to do here. I'd say that there are a number of reasons. It all started when I took an environmental science course way back when I was a high school sophomore. I learned a lot about how the world works and why. It gave me perspective on how much we really affect the world around us. I guess from there on out I grew to have a sense of responsibility for the impact that I have on the world. Throughout college I took even more classes with a focus on the environment and originally planned on minoring in environmental science but didn't end up following that path. Even though I didn't choose to make it the focus of my studies, I still got involved with groups focused on environmental activism and that's what really cemented my love for and fascination with all things green. I think that a lot of people would like to believe that they aren't responsible for what happens to the world, or that the little things they do everyday don't have an impact, but that simply isn't true. People aren't separate from the environment, they are a part of it and are affected by what becomes of it. This planet is such a unique occurrence and it's the only chance that we're ever going to get. If we screw up this world, that's it. There are no second chances, which is why I firmly believe in doing anything and everything possible to preserve this amazing world that we have. People need to know that even the smallest things they do have such a strong impact, whether it be for the better or worse. Whether it be taking part in a huge clean up project, or simply taking the extra two steps to get that bottle into the recycling bin, every little bit matters. Now on to the bigger picture. A quote that has had a big impact on me is this one: "Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught, will we realize that we cannot eat money." That's an old Cree proverb that has resonated strong with me and how I see the world. When it comes to the big picture, legislation that is passed can either help or hurt the world in a huge way. It can either protect and preserve the planet, or it can allow people to poison it and wring it out for all it's worth. Some people are short sighted when it comes to the outlook they have on the world. They see it as something they have the right to exploit and profit from and don't care or don't want to hear about the negative impact that they are having. It's up to everyone to open their eyes and make them realize that the world isn't here for us to dominate, but that it's here for us to protect and preserve. Whether or not you think that you have an effect on the environment doesn't matter because each of us does. Whether it be stopping oil pipelines from being constructed, whether it be cleaning up your local park, whether it be protecting the habitat of an endangered species, or whether it be simply making the extra effort to be kinder to the planet in small everyday ways, every single act matters. That's what we need to remember and that's what needs our focus now more than ever. Wherever you are, there are always people in your local area that want to make a difference. It's up to you to reach out and be a part of the solution in any and every way you can. We only have one shot, let's make it count, let's make it last.