Become an Environmental Hero

In other words, be a role model demonstrating how simple, small acts can make a big difference in keeping Mother Earth happy and healthy.

We moan, groan, and complain about pollution and rightfully so. Landfills are overflowing; plastic waste chokes our lakes, rivers, and oceans. Cigarette butts litter the roadways; old vehicles, appliances, and unwanted items clutter forested areas. Not only is all this garbage an eyesore, but it’s also detrimental to the environment.  

I am on a mission. A mission to make a difference in this small sphere I call home. I have no grand dreams of conquering the corporate dragons that pollute the land, water, and air with their industrial run-off. My quest is to:

·                     Avoid contributing to the increasing pollution problem.

·                     Make a dent in cleaning up some of the accumulated waste.

·                     Impress others on the importance of not littering and the benefits of recycling.

Suppose my idea catches on and more people join my campaign. In that case, we could begin an environmental revolution in which recycling becomes the norm and non-recyclables are replaced with environmentally friendly items.

Who knows, we may even be able to shame the corporate dragons into submission.

 Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time, life was simple. Humans lived in harmony with nature. Well, maybe not precisely simple or in perfect balance, but at least people showed some respect for nature by only taking what they needed and leaving any unusable items to decompose into their component parts.

Then, our forefathers began to create non-biodegradable machines and materials to make our lives easier without considering the possible consequences of all these incredible inventions. Since the Industrial Revolution and especially during the last century, humans have continuously manufactured more and more items that last long beyond their usefulness.

 After World War II, mobility and convenience became the preferred mode of life. We became a throwaway society. The idea of ‘toss it away and buy another’ applied to nearly all consumer products. It was cheaper to buy a new kitchen appliance or a children’s toy than to fix it. Plastic bottles replaced more durable and reusable items like glass milk and soda bottles. And now we’re left with figuring out how to get rid of all the garbage.

Much of that trash consists of materials with limited recycling programs available, like tires, electronics, batteries, appliances, and cigarette butts. These items, along with other consumer and industrial waste products, add to a massive amount of trash with nowhere to go except in landfills.

As conscientious citizens, you and I do our part by recycling some of our plastic, glass, and cardboard and taking steps to lessen our carbon footprint. But are we doing enough? What do we do about items that are not recyclable? Is it possible to make a dent in all the accumulated garbage while keeping up with the waste we create now?

What Can We Do?

We can play a role in recycling. See trash along the side of the road? Please pick it up and dispose of it properly. Separate your garbage into cardboard, plastics, glass, and paper and take them to a recycling center. There are hundreds of ways to show your respect for our environment.

We can also do our part by making wise decisions about the products we purchase. It doesn’t require a significant life change. Instead, it can be small steps—recycling something you haven’t before, purchasing less of something, or changing the brand of an item you buy because the manufacturer does something different with its packaging.

It all adds up. Small steps lead to bigger steps and change.

Thanks for reading, folks. Invite your friends and family to join us.
 

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