Hey guys! So today I want to talk about going green and cutting out waste. Our future depends on it.
This is a topic that has been weighing heavily on me this week.
The "Youth Climate Strike"has gotten my attention. Go check it out and see what they are demanding! https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/youth-climate-strike
If you haven't been paying attention here are some news articles about the movement as well:
https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2019/03/18/youth-climate-strike-climate-change-protest
http://harvardpolitics.com/united-states/youth-demand-climate-action-in-global-school-strike/
Further, every day it seems like there is a new weather catastrophe; extreme flooding, extreme cold, extreme storms, extremes of every kind. These extremes have impacts that go way beyond the obvious natural destruction. These events are influencing people and their health, their livelihood, and their futures. Moreover, these catastrophes devastate people already living at the margins of society. People who live in areas more prone to flooding, do not have access to adequate medical care or transportation, and who are not living in quality housing take the brunt of the damage caused by global Climate Change and environmental catastrophes.
Here is some information about how climate change is impacting the public health at large and how vulnerable populations are impacted:
https://mphdegree.usc.edu/blog/how-climate-change-affects-public-health/
https://sites.uw.edu/bevanseries/2018/03/06/on-the-margins-vulnerable-populations-in-a-changing-climate/
Then there is the issue of plastic infesting our oceans and heartbreaking stories of animals dying because of plastic found in their bodies...
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/03/whale-dies-88-pounds-plastic-philippines/
https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/plastics-in-the-ocean/
So... what do we do?
This is the ultimate and daunting question.
Sadly, I do not have a clear cut and easy answer. What I do know, however, is that I am going to begin to take baby steps towards change. We must stand up and take action before it is too late. While it may seem overwhelming, feel daunting, and seemingly inconvenient, it is essential work.
This week I pledge to...
1. begin composting
https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/making/what-to-use/
2. learning more about recycling and recycling in my area
https://www.marthastewart.com/270501/recycling-101
For my fellow friends who live in Dallas, here are some helpful links to learn more about what is happening locally in our city:
https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sanitation/Pages/About-Us.aspx
http://gis.dallascityhall.com/cityinfo/ https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sanitation/DCH%20Documents/pdf/RecycleRightFlyer.pdf
3. begin cutting plastic out of my life https://myplasticfreelife.com/plasticfreeguide/
I will post updates as I delve into my own practices of going green and work to learn more about living a sustainable and eco-friendly life. If anyone has any advice, thoughts, or helpful information, I would love any and all of it!
What can you do this week to reduce your footprint and begin to change your habits to help build a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren?
What do you pledge to do?
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