Environmental Degradation Stopper by Chandler

Environmental Degradation Stopper by Chandler - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

Environmental degradation, the “Smooth Criminal” is slowly causing the earth to deteriorate. Environmental degradation is the degeneration of the environment caused by the depletion of natural resources. Humans do not understand the true extent or the power of their carbon footprint. Factories, car pollution, littering of trash, smoking, and eating farmed meat all contribute to the declining health of the earth. The world doesn’t realize that the home we live in will not be here forever if the environment is continuously used carelessly. No one pays attention to the animal’s homes being slowly exhausted. Once resources are gone it can not be replenished. The growing population can not control the rapid production of technology. Technology and factories produce toxic waste, which can seep into the water supply and kill many living things. The more construction done to the Earth exhausts the amount of trees, which then leads to a decrease in oxygen. The only way to stop environmental degradation is by raising awareness, acting upon the issue, and getting society and the government more involved.
Firstly, people have to know the definition of environmental degradation. After asking friends and family members if they knew about environmental degradation, and their response was “no”. I knew informing the population on the growing problem should start in the schools with the children, because children control the future. Next citizens need to start recycling and using biodegradable products. We generate 21.5 million tons of food waste each year. If we composted that food, it would reduce the same amount of greenhouse gas as taking 2 million cars off the road (dosomething.org). Creating a plan for families is a small step in the right direction. The government is of the people, by the people, and for the people. The government and our citizens must influence each other about making a difference in our environment, or no true change will occur. The influence the government has on citizens changes lifestyles and sets examples. Laws put in place will also prohibit people from spreading toxic wastes and adding to the depletion of the ozone layer. “But now," says the Once-ler, "now that you're here, the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear. UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not (Dr. Seuss, The Lorax).” The significance of taking care of the environment is crucial to all human beings, because one day we may not be able to enjoy the same luxuries that we once did. It is of the utmost importance to keep the earth clean for the sake of all humanity.
As a member and officer of the MCHS Environmental Club, I have become more aware of the plight of our environment. I am an agent for change because I am conscious of the impact I have on the environment, and I encourage those around me to do good by the environment. An agent for change is simply a person who makes a difference in an ongoing issue, large or small. It only takes one person to encourage another to do right. It worries me deeply as to the poorly recognized problems concerning the environment. If I can be even more beneficial in informing others how to preserve our home, I want to be useful. This ethical dilemma is significant to me because I’d like everyone to enjoy life with clean air and clean streets.