You’ve heard it before, but I’m going to say it again; reduce, reuse, recycle.
With the political season over, I can’t help but comment about a political issue near and dear to my heart. Sure we can debate back and forth about don’t ask don’t tell, tax cuts, the national debt, and whether or not Christine O’Donnell is a witch, but one thing that’s becoming impossible to dispute is global warming.
Now if you’re one of those people who believes global warming is a myth and these global weather changes are simply cyclical then you’ve probably, a) stopped reading, and b) are unwilling to accept scientific fact. Our global climate is in crisis and many organizations, politicians, and individuals are doing their part to help out, but we still need more.
In the world of sports we have golf courses, football stadiums, soccer stadiums, and baseball fields that are starting to use different, tougher types of grass that require less watering and maintenance, as are parks all over the country.
It’s almost a sin not to recycle a plastic bottle or soda can and I’ve started to notice more people sweeping their patios and decks rather than wasting gallons upon gallons of water hosing them down. Environmentally conscious cars aren’t viewed as ridiculous or gimmicky anymore, but rather progressive and a financially sound investment. Forest farming isn’t as rampant as it used to be, and the trees that are being cut down are eventually being replaced.
All of these steps forward are wonderful and a real tribute to advancing science and the cooperation of people who know we’re serious trouble if we don’t change our ways. Nobody is expected to change overnight, but unwillingness to adapt is not what our evolution has been about.
This shouldn’t be a political, left-or-right issue. It’s a human issue that affects us all. It’s not speculation, or some kind of educated guess, it’s actual science you can see with your own eyes. I think most people who previously opposed this notion are coming around, but there’s still a large group of the population who just aren’t buying into it.
My hope is that this serious issue will be taken out of the political sphere and be a part of ours and future generations’ discussions on survival and the welfare of our planet. I want my great-grandchildren to enjoy beautiful weather and not have to pay for my generation’s negligence.
It might sound cliché, but the little things do go a long way, and some will actually save you money in the long run. Use an aluminum water bottle or coffee thermos instead of buying a plastic bottle or cup every day. Don’t needlessly waste water. If possible, walk or bike rather than drive, or at least carpool.
Not only will you be helping out, you’ll feel great that you’re part of the solution, not the problem.
