The protection of our environment is a hot topic today. Everyone talks about it, but no one seems to know what to do about the problems of cleaning up our world. People say I"m really concerned about the environment, but I"m only one person. What can one person do to make a difference? Instead of shrugging our shoulders and silently lamenting our lost paradise, we must begin to look at the ways each person can make an impact on improving environmental conditions. Individuals can take steps to reduce the present environmental problems.
The first step is a political one. Citizens must get involved in the governing processes that lead to protection, not destruction, of our environment. Money speaks the loudest of all; we can support right thinking candidates with our contributions and our volunteer efforts. We can also actively support community efforts at recycling by encouraging our relatives and friends to participate in the programs.
Another way to defend our environment is to change our habits of buying and discarding products. Everyone can contribute to recycling efforts by using only products that can be re used. At the supermarket, we can pass by the paper plates, napkins, and diapers. It may take more effort on our part to wash more dishes and do more laundry, but our landfills will not become enormous trash filled burdens on our children and their children if we stop throwing away tons of paper products. Other ways to cut down on waste include recycling newspapers and other paper publications, glass bottles and jars, aluminum steel cans, and plastic containers. It takes a bit of planning and extra time to separate recyclabe items from other trash, but each individual can make a difference by making the effort.
Finally, individuals can make political and econonmic statements to the community by supporting environmentally responsible businesses. We can eat only at fast food restaurants that used recycled paper products and avoid those companies that pollute the environment.
