With more plastic than fish expected to be in the ocean by 2050, our earth is in a crisis, and this Earth Month more than ever, we have a responsibility to act. Created in 1970, Earth Month was designed to force issues surrounding sustainability onto government agendas through increased awareness. However, despite the month’s original purpose, politicians have continued to pass legislation that disregards the current crisis and only worsens pollution. Due to politicians’ lack of climate accountability this Earth Month—the very purpose of the celebration—I’m calling on the Colby community to step in for our politicians’ lack of action. Together we can make a difference through small but impactful actions!
Firstly, a great way to get involved in helping improve Maine’s sustainability this Earth Month is with a trash cleanup. This is a good way to take a small action on a community level that can make a great impact. There are many opportunities to get involved in this, whether it be a government-sponsored event or coastal cleanup in beautiful locations like Casco Bay. Many of these events are pre-organized, meaning that they will have supplies for you—you just have to show up!
If this sounds like too much of a commitment, think more local—Colby and the greater Waterville area. You don’t necessarily need to commit to an organized event in some far-away place, but you can make an impact within our community. There are areas with trash across campus, as well as in Waterville. As such, if you find yourself with some free time and want to make a difference, you can engage in a trash cleanup and even get your friends involved as well!
If trash cleanups aren’t your shtick, try activism! This can look different based on the type of climate activism you want to engage in. An easy way to start is through an online letter campaign. With a quick Google search, you can find a plethora of websites that offer online letter-writing campaigns. If writing sounds like too much of a time commitment, certain websites even offer the option to send a generic message with a click of a button. Every message makes a difference!
Another great way to get involved in eco-activism is through protesting. Organizations such as Maine’s chapter of the Sierra Club are actively organizing protests that push for sustainable change. Furthermore, protests are a great way for our politicians to see that we are not content with their climate inaction and complacency on issues that are a threat to all of us.
Your advocacy doesn’t necessarily need to take place through a planned event. Change starts with the individual, so implementing small changes in your life that promote environmental sustainability is a step in the right direction. This can be something as small as making sure the water isn’t running while you’re brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, or even using a reusable water bottle. However, if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious this Earth month, you can try reducing your reliance on non-reusable materials, limiting your meat intake, or maybe even eating a vegan diet.
A once-vibrant month meant to call attention to the most pressing environmental issues our society faces has fallen victim to corporatism and greenwashing. Politicians have failed to live up to the promise of the month and have done little to ensure a greener Earth for future generations. If we have any hope of making this Earth a more environmentally sustainable place for the next generation, we need to take Earth Month as a sign to act. In doing so, I encourage every one of you to take action. You are the change!
~ Peter Ryan `27
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