January leaves us with thoughts of Christmas past
– the opening of presents, the smell of pine needles, and the
infamous holiday banquet complete with dessert and a dollop of
whipped cream. It also brings us a new year, full of
possibilities.
January leaves us with thoughts of Christmas past – the opening of presents, the smell of pine needles, and the infamous holiday banquet complete with dessert and a dollop of whipped cream. It also brings us a new year, full of possibilities.
Although the return to school and work may mask this fresh start in a layer of gloom, we should remain optimistic. Characteristic of the month of January are each individual’s New Year’s resolutions. This brings to mind a specific issue that has swept across the globe, and gained many supporters: going green.
Throughout the first semester of this school year, I have become increasingly aware of the passion that some people harbor for protecting the environment.
My sister gave me a little speech the other day, saying, “Imagine this: you’re home alone in your house, and your parents are gone for the night. You decide to mess around, and trash the house. Then, your parents return and you are in trouble. You have to clean up the whole house, but there are also punishments to go with it. You’re probably grounded from all the fun things you had planned. Now think of this – Earth is the house and we’ve trashed it. And now the parents are home and we have to clean it up.”
So, what are we doing to clean it up?
At Ann Sobrato High School, sophomore Camila Rico has formed an environmental club called ‘Think Green.’ She encourages her members to stay updated about environmental issues, and teaches them ways that they can ‘go green’ at home. Rico has already organized a trash pick-up on campus, and is increasingly finding ways to spur the awareness of the school community toward the environment.
The city of Morgan Hill is taking action too. The city of Morgan Hill Environmental Programs Division is dedicated to the protection of the environment of both our city and the rest of the world. They have created a Facebook account, which allows both its fans and visitors to view environmental news, photos, and events occurring in the city. It also provides a way for the community of Morgan Hill to interact through online discussion, and increase awareness toward their cause.
Even the Disney Channel has taken the opportunity to support going green. As an avidly viewed TV channel by the youth of not only the country but the globe, Disney has a tremendous audience to take part in what is called “Friends for Change.” Friends for Change emphasizes that a large group of people can make a difference. Disney has challenged their viewers to go online and pledge to a certain cause.
There are multiple different pledges, such as the ‘Skip It’ pledge, which states that you must skip one unnecessary car trip per week and the ‘Note This’ pledge, which states you must buy 100 percent recycled notebooks.
Speaking of environmentally friendly products, such as the 100 percent recycled notebooks, ‘going green’ has caused a new fad in fashion and accessories.
Recycled shoulder bags, purses, T-shirts, notebooks and other stationary have become very popular in the last few years. Going green can be as simple as purchasing recycled products versus non-recycled products.
This brings us back around to our New Year’s resolution’s for 2010. Among getting more exercise and eating healthier, the Earth would greatly benefit from the addition of ‘going green’ to your list.
The same things have been said again and again for the past few years. Turn off your lights when you’re not using them. Carpool with your friends and family whenever possible.
Recycle all your paper and plastic bottles. Turn the faucet off while you are brushing your teeth, and reduce your time in the shower. But these things must be said repeatedly to become engrained in our minds – until they become habit.
So, this year, make it your New Year’s resolution to take small steps to help the Earth. Go green in 2010.
Sabrina Werts is a sophomore at Ann Sobrato High School. In addition to writing, she enjoys piano and dance.
