The environment is all around us –– where we played growing up, our favorite vacation spots, even the thing preventing us from going to school when the temperature drops below freezing. However, the climate has been steadily changing due to harmful practices and threatens to have irreversible effects.
Environmental conservation is the practice of preserving the environment and protecting it from potential negative impacts. Millions of people work on preserving wildlife, cleaning up spaces and educating others on important topics every day.
Sophomore Caleigh Richardson got into environmental conservation after learning about the harm being done.
“I’ve always loved being outside hiking, swimming — enjoying nature,” she said. “The more I learned about pollution and climate change in school or online, the more I realized how much damage is being done. I also believe God created this world for us to take care of, not destroy, so I try to do my part in protecting it.”
One topic important to her is the issue of rapid clothing trends that cause excess litter.
“I really care about fast fashion and reducing the clothing waste,” she said. “It’s sad to see how much clothes end up in dumps when they are perfectly good and just ‘out of style.’”
To continue to stay active in the community and aware of current events, Richardson looks to social media and school.
“I watch a few documentaries and follow eco-conscious influencers on social media,” she said. “School has also taught me a lot, especially in science classes. Learning about the world helps
us appreciate how amazing God’s creation is and why it’s worth protecting.”
Freshman Lizzie Stewart has also taken an interest in conservation after gaining an understanding from people she is surrounded by.
“My sister was really big about saving the environment and helping keep the world clean,” Stewart said. “Just learning about it made me want to help out.”
Staying educated a
bout environmental topics can be difficult, but Stewart has learned to navigate it.
“I try and see what
’s going on in the world and what I can do to help by doing certain things to limit what harms the earth,” Stewart said.
She believes spreading awareness is a helpful way teenagers can aid in conservation efforts.
“I think [teens] can do their own research on what keeps our world safe and clean and tell their friends and use social media,” she said.
Richardson agrees that becoming active in the community is a good way to begin getting involved.
“Even small choices, like using less plastic or reducing waste, can add up over time,” Richardson said. “Schools are a great place to start, whether it’s joining a club or organizing a clean-up. Talking about it and spreading awareness can inspire more people to care.”
The places and views we love are being harmed and many organizations and groups of people have joined together to aid and improve the situation.
“We all share this planet, and if we don’t take care of it, future generations will have to deal with even bigger problems,” Richardson said. “Nature is a gift, and I believe respecting and protecting it is part of our responsibility.”
