Did you know that Americans use about 365 plastic bags a year?
Shocking, right? When I first read that, I thought, “Whoa, we’ve got to do better!” This statistic was one of the many things that got me fired up about environmental activism. It has since been a huge part of my life and is the way I get involved with my community. So how do I practice environmental activism? Let me share some impactful ways I’m taking action.
Tackling the Plastic Bag Problem—One Tote at a Time!
Last year, I launched an initiative at my school to reduce plastic bag use in using tote bags. Each grade sold tote bags and handed out educational pamphlets on the harm plastic bags cause to the environment. The best part? The funds went directly to making our school greener! Now, we have a school garden (complete with a composter), more recycling bins, solar panels, and more!
By spearheading this initiative, I was able to engage my high school in being environmentally conscious and helped them all take that first step into climate activism. Seeing my classmates get excited about environmental issues was the cherry on top.
Leading the Climate Crew: Planting Seeds of Change
As President of the Climate Crew Club at my school, I lead some cool events. This year, we’re teaming up with our local elementary school for Earth Day. We’ll be deeming the week Earth Week, and club members will get to go to the elementary and do fun activities, experiments, and lessons with the students about our world. Various topics will be covered such as greenhouse gases, pollution, drought, and more. This weeklong event is all about getting kids curious about the environment in a fun way! We even have Earth Day bracelets for sale to raise funds for environmental organizations.
Another event we have is giving out DIY planting kits. Each kit has everything you need to start your own little garden at home, encouraging kids and families to grow their own plants. Additionally, Climate Crew has organized community cleanups and tree-planting events! Leading events like these is also a way I get involved in my community.
Girl Scouts: Growing Green Leaders
Being an ambassador-level Girl Scout, and the oldest girl in the troop, means I get to organize events for the younger Girl Scouts. One of my favorite projects was visiting a local community garden, where the girls got to harvest fruits and veggies and learn about how gardens are good for the environment. This event helped the girls get an insight into climate education and the importance of climate action. Even smaller actions like making your own garden can have a big impact!
The Wildlife Warriors: Saving Their Habitats Reading Sessions
One of the highlights of my activism journey has been my The Wildlife Warriors: Saving Their Habitats reading sessions. I visit various local elementary schools to read my book and talk with the kids about climate issues, like the challenges Bella the Butterfly faces in her habitat. After I do a mini-lesson with them on greenhouse gases, they do an activity where they can build their own greenhouse gas models.
During past reading sessions, it was so rewarding to see how engaged, curious, eager, and excited the kids were. At their young age, I can already tell that they want to make a change and I truly believe they’ll be our future leaders. These sessions allowed me to interact with the youth on one and get their thoughts on the state of our world.
Become a Climate Activist
Ready to get involved? Start with these simple, eco-friendly habits:
- Grow Your Own Garden: It’s easier than you think, and you can even add a compost bin for extra eco-points.
- Swap Out Plastics: Say goodbye to plastic bags, bottles, sandwich bags, and toothbrushes. Opt for reusable totes, refillable water bottles, lunch containers, and bamboo toothbrushes instead.
- Practice the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—three little words that can make a huge impact.
- Shop Secondhand: Thrift stores are not only trendy but also great for the planet.
- Volunteer for Green Causes: Get involved in local cleanups or environmental projects.
- Reduce Waste & Save Resources: Be mindful of your food waste, water use, and electricity.
- Bike More, Drive Less: It’s healthier for you and the environment!
Time to Take Action
These small changes may seem like drops in the ocean, but together they create a powerful wave of positive change. Now more than ever, I urge you to get informed and take action. It’s important that we all come together to speak out about the climate events going on across the globe.
Whenever you see an environmental problem, I challenge you to be the solution. Advocate, join initiatives, start your own–anything is possible. You don’t have to do everything, but doing something can make a world of difference. Whether it’s starting a compost bin or joining your next local cleanup, I challenge you to take that first step today!
