Treat every day like Earth Day Natalie Doud As climate change and the state of the environment worsen, it’s imperative to focus on living sustainably. Every year, we use Earth Day as an annual reminder to be more conscious of the environmental effects of our actions and to advocate for more sustainability. However, after Earth Day ends, many see that as the end to their sustainable habits as well, continuing with their lives as they had before, whether that included proper recycling or not. Earth Day just passed on April 22, and now it’s May. I no longer see anymore Instagram posts about how we can protect our Earth, and climate change seems to be a backburner issue. While it’s necessary to emphasize the importance of being mindful of the Earth’s well-being, this should be acknowledged every day, not just once a year on Earth Day. The implications of climate change increase every day, especially with our increased use of personal protective equipment. Thus, it’s even more crucial to remember to properly dispose of your waste and be mindful of what kinds of products you use. The environment is not in a good enough state for us to simply ignore the worsening effects. Every day, I see trash littering the streets, people acting out of convinience instead of consideration, and acting as though their actions make only a modicum of a difference. Many also do not realize that, by throwing that plastic bag out on the freeway, they’re contributing to the pollution that pervades the earth and the mindset that pollution will not affect them personally but solely the environment. This, however, is not true. To date, around 2.4 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water because of how bad pollution has become. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, humans are the leading cause of climate change. Several human activities, for instance, burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation, have increased the abundance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. To diminish your individual influence on climate change, try walking more, using your car less, or investing in an electric vehicle. Especially during the pandemic, now is the best time to stay home and reduce your carbon footprint while keeping yourself and
others safe. Despite the immense impact humans have had on the environment and ecosystem, there’s still time for improvement. While we cannot go back to a time before mass-production and plastic islands in our oceans, we can help the earth return to a healthier condition. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, if we can cut our carbon emissions to reach “zero emissions” by 2050, meaning the amount of carbon dumped into the atmosphere equals the amount that is taken out, then we can avoid climate change’s worst repercussions. But this kind of positive change can only occur if we all agree to take action collectively and put our differing beliefs aside. According to The New York Times, President Biden has made several promises regarding climate change, pledging that the U.S. would cut 2005 greenhouse gas emission levels at least in half by 2030, which presents a dichotomous approach from former President Trump. Climate change is an ever-evolving, contentious issue, yet there are many out there who don’t fully believe nor understand the frightening reality of it all. Thus, it is becoming increasingly essential for those who have a distinguished voice to use it to their advantage when addressing climate issues, especially in regards to policy. As conditions worsen, those with influence and power need to use their resources to enforce change. And, while it’s encouraging to see institutions advocate for environmental change on Earth Day, it’s disappointing to see that advocacy fade away in the days that follow. Therefore, well-known institutions and companies should address climate issues and encourage their members, employees, and others to take action. As a student who is passionate about environmentalism and sustainability, it’s comforting and motivational to see reputable institutions utilize their power in this way, pushing for positive change and shedding light on world issues. We need to stop treating Earth Day like New Year’s Day. Our resolutions, on both days, hold immense hope and reflect potential prosperity. Still, the reality is that every year, we write the exact resolution down and work towards that goal for a few weeks or maybe even a month if we’re
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