Environment

By Sarah Douglass ('23)

“There is no Planet B.” Earth is the only known planet capable of supporting human life, so it’s important that we learn how to do our part to take care of it. Below are six major contributors to the environmental crisis. 

1. Driving

   • Driving is a generally well known contributor to the crisis, but most people don’t know exactly what their impact is. To put it simply, the fuel you put in your gas tank uses fossil fuels, and the energy used driving releases greenhouse gasses responsible for the climate crisis. In fact, driving is responsible for ⅕ of the US’s total global warming pollution. Theoretically, the best way to help would be riding a bike or going by foot as often as possible. However, this isn’t very realistic as it takes more than 8 times the amount of time to walk than to drive. Carpooling or taking a bus is a more realistic option. If you have to drive, go easy on the brakes and gas, make sure your tires are full, and cut down on your air conditioning use. 

2. Fast Fashion

   • Sadly, teens are major supporters of the fast fashion industry and generally ignore their impact because of the convenience. However, the fast fashion industry is guilty of using toxic chemicals, dyes and fabrics. The industry is also responsible for 4% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. If that doesn’t convince you, let’s not forget that several fast fashion brands have admitidly used child labor, and most of the brands don’t pay workers a living wage. Doing your part is very easy: simply stop purchasing from fast fashion companies. Some of the worst include Victoria’s Secret, Urban Outfitters, Shein, Zara, Forever 21, Hollister, American Eagle, Brandy Melville, Garage, Romwe, and many others. 

3. Lightbulbs

   • If you haven’t already switched to LEDs, this is your sign. Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs use a significant amount more energy than LEDs do, and yes, they are responsible for the release of greenhouse gasses. LEDs use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. One of the top trends of 2020- still running into 2022- is using LED strip lights. You can also buy LED light bulbs that you can control through your phone. So, if you haven’t yet switched to LEDs, now is the time. Your electricity bill will thank you. 

4. Electronic Waste

   • Electronic waste includes batteries, toasters, computers, phones, computer mice, lamps, calculators, etc. When throwing things away, be mindful of the fact that many products contain toxic chemicals, so when they aren’t disposed of properly, they can affect the soil, water, and air in the environment. Please remember to dispose of your electronic waste properly: google “where to drop off electronic waste in >your city<“ and google will take you to the closest one, usually within 10 miles of your home. 

5. Menstrual Waste

   • Over 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown out every year. These slowly break down into microplastics that contaminate soil, water, and air. In fact, tampons take over 500 years to decompose. To help, switch to an eco-friendly option. The best options are menstrual cups and reusable pads: not only does this help the environment, but it saves you a lot of money. You can also switch to organic tampons and pads. These are usually made of cotton or bamboo and are biodegradable, not to mention organic tampons lower your risk of toxic shock syndrome. 

6. Meat

   • Meat processing is one of the main drivers of environmental damage. For every gram of beef produced, 221 grams of carbon dioxide is emitted. A McDonald’s Big Mac contains 45 grams of beef. So for every Big Mac produced, 9945 grams of CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere. The most effective way to limit your carbon footprint in this category is to switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Other options are pescetarianism, limiting your meat intake to seafoods like fish and shrimp, or pollotarians, eating poultry for your meat intake. In the long run though, the best you can do is limit the amount of beef you purchase/eat.