Why Caring For The Earth Should Be Your Top Priority | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

5 Reasons It's Always Beneficial To Care About The Environment

Your actions are not insignificant. If you're doubting the validity of your environmental actions, read this.

221
5 Reasons It's Always Beneficial To Care About The Environment

In This Article:

We are hearing more about climate change with each passing day. The daunting messages of the imminent destruction of the planet are being broadcasted on social media, in the news, and by political leaders. Unfortunately, these overwhelming messages are often received negatively. Many people are unsure of what to do, or else they're uncertain about how to go about doing it. Ultimately, my goal is to assure you that there are easy, attainable steps to take to make a difference and that you should be taking those steps.

Here's why:

The climate crisis is not something that should be taken lightly. No action is too small when it comes to the fate of the planet.

In the words of climate justice activist Jill MacIntyre Witt, "We need everyone everywhere doing everything all the time as quickly as possible." Watch her TED talk here.

Reducing your waste is rewarding.

It's human nature to enjoy the accomplishment that comes from setting goals for ourselves. Start simple: buy your flour in bulk or order your coffee in your own reusable mug, and you will realize how easy it is to get into the habit of it. It feels great. You don't have to instantly revert to being an extreme zero waste activist, but starting off simple and making the best choice possible when presented with options will leave you feeling like you're giving back to the planet you inhabit.

The greater the number of consumers making conscious decisions to buy more sustainable products, the greater the influence of big businesses to change their production practices.

As in a previous article, I urge each and every reader to practice "voting with your wallet." This means that if each of us decides not to buy one plastic-wrapped product in favor of a sustainable or local product, the brand manufacturing the plastic-wrapped goods will lose profit and look to see what can be done to increase sales. If they're smart, they'll redesign their mode of production in order to appeal to their customers and cut out the unsustainable elements. All it takes is consumer commitment to opt for sustainable products over cheap or wasteful products. To turn our attention to a current example, check out this article.

A Greenpeace petition signed by over 90,000 people brought to light just how prevalent the discourse about plastic is in society today. This massive support for the movement to reduce plastic packaging in grocery stores urged Trader Joe's to announce their mission to eliminate one million pounds of waste from their stores. So, zero waste shopping at Trader Joe's in the future will be much easier to do, and shopping at their stores will show your support for the work they're doing to protect the environment.

Natural products and foods are so much better for your body than chemical filled products and processed foods. In the same vein, biking or walking instead of driving gets you exercise and reduces pollution.

I'm not here to preach about going vegan or cutting out your favorite meal. But, it's indisputable that cutting out meat from your diet is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint. See this article. Start easy: practice meatless Monday's or find a good vegan alternative to your dairy-based yogurt. And on your next trip to a CVS, bike or walk if you can. Get some exercise and remember to bring your own bag!

Investing in well made, sustainable products saves you money in the long run and supports sustainable brands that don’t exploit garment workers or take advantage of cheap labor laws.

We should all try to support local businesses and brands practicing sustainable methods, for more reasons than one. Of course, you should know where your goods are coming from, so check websites or apps like Good On You and Better World Shopper to learn about the impacts of the items you're buying. We truly can transform our society and consumerist practices, but it will take action and conscientiousness.

Of course, there are a million reasons to reduce your waste. Find cause personal to you to inspire and encourage you to do your part in the environmental movement. Your efforts are valid, no matter how small, so start somewhere. Lead by example and before we know it, we can be living in a healthy world with a long future ahead of us.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

269
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Times Aubrey Plaza Described Sophomore Year

"I don't want to do things. I want to do not things."

173
Aubrey Plaza
Flickr Creative Commons

Aubrey Plaza is one of my favorite humans in Hollywood. She's honest, blunt, unapologetic, and hilarious. I just started my sophomore year of college, and found that some of her best moments can accurately describe the start of the school year.

1. When your advisor tells you that you should declare a major soon.

2. Seeing the lost and confused freshmen and remembering that was you a short year ago, and now being grateful you know the ins and outs of the campus.

3. Going to the involvement fair to sign up for more clubs knowing that you are already too involved.

4. When you actually do the reading required for the first class.

5. Seeing your friends for the first time since last semester.

6. When you're already drowning in homework during syllabus week.

7. Realizing you don't have the same excitement for classes as you did as a freshman.

8. Going home and seeing people from high school gets weirder the older you get.

Keep Reading...Show less
graduation

Things you may not realize are different between high school and college:

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

20 Things You Forgot To Thank Your Mom For

Moms are super heroes dressed in yesterday's clothing and they deserve an award for that.

1502
family
Facebook

Dear Mom,

You took care of me and my brothers our entire lives and you still continue to! I will not be able to truly grasp all of the hard work that you put into this family until I create my own one day. But, I know that there are plenty of times I forgot to give you a simple thank you or an appreciative smile. I thank you for everything that you have done for me and will continue to do for me. Here are some examples of those times where you had my back and I forgot to pat your back for saving me:

Keep Reading...Show less
pumpkin
Holytaco.com

College is hard. As people ages 18-22, we’re just trying to figure out what we’re doing with our lives, our careers, our eating habits, exercise routines, sleep patterns, and other necessities for adult life. We definitely don’t take proper care of ourselves; it’s basically impossible when we have essays, tests and readings due and somehow we’re supposed to eat right, exercise and sleep. We’re doomed to get sick. I have zero experience in science but when I get sick there are certain things I do to make myself better.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments