The Rotary Auction began Feb 1 and will run until this Sunday March 14^th, so time is running out. You can view and bid on the items at https://www.trellis.org/rotaryauction.  Many local items are available.

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Today we live in a world where pollution rampages the environment and is just one more area of division for the country. Fracking, “green new deal” and other “catch phrases” are heard continuously as part of the political arena. The results of division are unsuccessful in unification to sustain and protect our environment. The Rotary’s mantra “...The Rotary’s goals are to strengthen the connections with friends and neighbors and to provide a commitment to improving lives”. One of these ways the Rotary improves lives is through the goal of betterment of our environment. Environment is the domiciliary creations around us that make up our world. How can one support the Rotary’s goals of protecting the environment? The question can boldly be answered by introspecting one’s responsibility towards the choices we make toward the protection of the environment.

 

We suffer from their own mistakes. Pollution endangers our existence emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually. People are considered to be the most intelligent creatures on Earth who are able to learn new things and make their lives better and develop new technological advancements, but these advancements can also ruin everything that surrounds us. It has become a major worldwide issue which cannot be solved by the effort of one, but we can try to limit waste and maintain its originality. Most people are aware of the effects of pollution but tend to ignore it at some level of consciousness. There are activists who voice their concern and try to change the world by making it more nature-friendly, but the number of such people is still little in making a significant difference. Environmental degradation can be alleviated with some steps that I will implement in my life.

 

To start with, one of the main problems, is people’s attitude towards the problem itself. Yes, people know that if you litter, smoke, and emit harmful gases; they will pollute the environment. But they continue to do it, and no informative speech can make everything clear and void. Thus, they think that if they stop doing it, and change their behavior to more environmentally-friendly, it will make absolutely no change. This is the wrong approach.

 

First, planting trees is one area I can facilitate change. Forests and vegetations are being cleared extensively for farming and construction purposes. It has led to the depletion of forest resources and the number of trees has diminished. Trees are our only source of oxygen in the earth; clearing trees and plants results in depletion of the amount of oxygen available in the air. This puts humanity and health in jeopardy. By facilitating the growth of trees, the greenery can be restored, and the loss can be compensated.

 

Second, the pollution rates should be decreased, by air, land, and water by disposing of waste products and reduced use of vehicle use. This can help reduce air pollution, and the careless dumping of solid wastes on the ground can decrease pollution. By riding my bicycle in many places, I am able to make a small difference to air preservation.

 

Finally, saving water is yet another effective measure for environmental protection. Water is a vital resource, and it is essential for survival. The amount of fresh drinkable water on the earth is very less when compared to the enormous population. The demand for water increases while its supply keeps decreasing. Hence wastage and excessive use of water will be curtailed by myself by limiting my shower usage.

 

In conclusion, protecting our environment is a necessary effort in changing people’s attitude towards the problem. If people are able to start changing their behavior, each of us are able to make considerable contributions to the health of our planet and themselves. If we understand that the change we undergo will do much for nature, there will be sustainable change for the good. This will not divide but unify our world view on preservation of our environment. We should try to remember that environmental pollution is an incurable disease that can only be prevented by the choices we make each day.

 

 

Facing the climate crisis- and all other forms of environmental activism- seems like an impossible challenge. And don’t get me wrong, it is a challenge. It will take nations and corporations to create massive improvements for the environment. However, don’t let that be discouraging- each person can change their relationship with the environment to create a small, but positive impact towards fighting the climate crisis and protecting our planet.

 

A good first step into environmental activism is appreciating the world we live in. Go on a hike through a state park, breathe in the fresh air and soak in the sunlight. Being surrounded by nature is a constant reminder that this is what you’re fighting for, to protect the natural world from human destruction. And while you’re out there, bring a bag and collect any trash you see along the way- another positive action for the environment.

 

Another idea is to make more vegan choices. Going fully vegan is not an option for some people, because of money or health, or any other reason, but making smaller vegan choices is a step in the direction. For example, I have switched from drinking cow’s milk to drinking almond and oat milk. It’s a small change, but even taking one step away from the meat and dairy industries (and the negative impact they have on the environment as a whole) is better than doing nothing at all. Ten people who eat one vegan meal a deal creates a better impact than a singular person going vegan after all.

 

Last, but certainly not less, is shopping sustainably, especially in regards to fashion. Instead of going to the mall for clothes, check out a thrift store for what you’re looking for. (Thrift stores will also save you money- a positive for both you and the environment). Online thrift stores exist too if going in person is not an option for you. And instead of throwing away clothes, you don’t wear anymore, donate them to a thrift store. By donating, you’re continuing the cycle of thrifting, which will lead people away from fast fashion.

 

Working towards protecting the environment takes a lot of effort. And, even though governments and companies will have to intervene to truly fix the climate crisis we are having, each individual person can make small changes in their lives that will create positive change and help save our beautiful planet Earth.

 

 

Nestled within the Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania are eighty acres of fields and forest that belong to my grandparents. My grandfather, who I call “JC,” has treasured this land since he was a young boy. As the eighth generation of my family to grow up in my hometown, I spent countless hours exploring the same land that my grandfather had walked.

 

While this property has been a peaceful retreat, it has also served as a classroom for me, where JC and I shared many afternoons walking and talking. Reflecting on our time during those hikes, I can vividly recall certain instances that prompted my grandfather to teach me about the importance of our environment and the need to actively protect it. When I was younger, JC often encouraged me to hug a tree as we walked through the woods, helping instill in me compassion toward the living world around me.

 

One day, we found a long line of garbage strewn along the side of the road, most likely thrown out of a passing car. JC, a long-time private practice attorney, told the story of how he had successfully prosecuted a major company to clean up a landfill in central Pennsylvania. On another sunny afternoon, JC and I sat at the top of a waterfall on the creek that cuts through the property. He told me about how he had successfully prosecuted a case that halted dredging in Pennsylvania rivers, helping to preserve the state’s rivers and the wildlife dependent on them for many years to come.

 

Through JC’s stories and life example, he taught me the interconnectedness of humans and our environment, and how that connection is vital to the community we live in, both small and large. Over the years, the walks with my grandfather helped spark a personal interest in climate change, clean energy, and environmental policy.

 

Each of us has the ability to make a small, but important, impact on our environment by the way we live our lives each day. But I am most significantly motivated by the changes I can help make on a larger scale. Just as my grandfather fought to protect our environment decades ago, I aim to also uphold the motto seen on our blue road signs: Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. With the goal of helping to protect our air, land, and waterways, I have chosen a college concentration of public policy and political science, in hopes that I will be able to develop environmentally-focused policies that preserve nature.

 

I am excited about the possibilities to which my college education may lead and hope to become part of the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Particularly exciting is the emerging normalization of clean energy to address the pressing issue of climate change. Through policymaking, I will be able to create and advocate for critical legislation regarding renewable energy practices, such as wind, hydro, solar, and biomass. Science and technology are headed in the right direction, and it is time to take action on the groundbreaking research completed by our world’s brightest experts.

 

My love for nature began as I explored every corner of my grandparents’ eighty acres. Through my grandfather’s stories and example, I developed a sense of responsibility for preserving the beauty of the outdoors. Now, my hikes remind me of the importance of connecting with nature and reinforce my chosen career path. I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to helping create positive and tangible change through environmental policy.

 

1^st Place Essayist – Jack Chilson


3rd Place Essayist - Emma Moran