How To Be A *More* Sustainable​ Individual
Start writing a post
Beauty Fashion

How To Be A *More* Sustainable​ Individual

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." -Dr. Seuss

694
How To Be A *More* Sustainable​ Individual

If you've ever read or watched The Lorax (old or new movie), you know how the story goes. The Once-ler is an ambitious and creative genius who is eager to prove himself. He comes across Truffula Trees, which have the softest tufts. The Once-ler seizes the opportunity: he cuts down a Truffula Tree and knits a Thneed, which, according to the Once-ler, is "A-fine-something-that-all-people-need." The Lorax comes in and warns the Once-ler, but the Once-ler doesn't listen because Thneeds are a total hit. Soon, the Once-ler is chopping down Truffula Trees quicker than ever before to meet the market's demand for these Thneeds.

As a result, the adorable Bar-ba-loots, Humming Fish, and Swomee-Swans can no longer live in the Truffula Tree forest that they once thrived in because of the deforestation and toxic waste that mass Thneed production was causing. You get the picture:

Max Kingdom, tumblr

Many people (myself included) are quick to point fingers at large conglomerates and multinational companies for causing the majority of our environment's problems. And I don't believe that we're wrong in doing that. It seems as though every day, there is a new endangered species, temperature increase, and/or subsequent concerning rise in water levels. Clearly, someone is doing something wrong.

But honestly, we (yes, you and I) aren't blameless.

These corporations feel compelled to continue manufacturing and producing things because we demand it. This brings me to another quote from The Lorax:

"I meant no harm. I most truly did not. But I had to grow bigger. So bigger I got. I biggered my factory. I biggered my roads. I biggered my wagons. I biggered the loads of the Thneeds I shipped out. I was shipping them forth to the South! To the East! To the West! To the North! I went right on biggering...selling more Thneeds. And I biggered my money, which everyone needs." -Dr. Seuss

The Once-ler would not have had to "bigger" his business if nobody bothered with his Thneeds. The Lorax tried to get him to listen to reason, but The Once-ler could not be convinced because he saw with his own eyes the orders that came in for Thneeds, and his ignorance combined with the ineffective tactics used by the Lorax lead to the forest becoming inhabitable. Unlike the fictional world where the Lorax and the Once-ler resided, we, the consumers of planet Earth, still have a chance to make a difference by reducing demand for products that are main culprits of climate change.

My face when someone comes up with a lame excuse for not doing Meatless MondaysCharlie Jane Anders, Gizmodo

So what does any of this have to do with how we, as broke financially challenged college students, can help save the Earth? I have two words for you: Meatless Mondays.

The basis of Meatless Mondays is exactly what it sounds like: you don't eat meat on Mondays. Or if Mondays don't work for you, then don't eat meat on Tuesdays. Basically, you just go meat-free for one day of the week. It's a small commitment that makes a huge difference.

According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change around the world--this is more than the entire transportation sector. This is the time to experiment with new vegetables that you've never tried before because you never know what you'll end up liking. You can still get your proteins from tofu, lentils, almonds, potatoes--the list goes on!

In addition to saving the environment, you could also potentially reduce the risk of serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases that are caused by long-term ingestion of processed meat consumption. And if that isn't convincing enough, going meatless once a week will help your wallet out because vegetables tend to be cheaper than meat! According to the US Department of Labor, the average price of meat per pound in March 2019 was $4.25, while the same amount of veggies was $1.80. All I'm saying is that there is literally no case against Meatless Mondays. Not only is it an investment in the future of our planet, but it is also an investment in yourself.

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

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

47652
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30203
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954266
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

171340
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments