Geerthana Uthayakumar Inspiring, young activists such as Sweden’s Greta Thunberg, Canada’s Autumn Peltier , US’ Mari Copland, India’s Rhimida Pandey, Brazil’s Artemisa Xakriaba and many others are leading the fight against global climate change. Because of their activism hundreds of thousands of people around the world, including my kids went on strike today to demand emergency government action against climate change. Human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, animal farming, chemical trails, and more are responsible for global warming; an increase in temperatures, extreme weather, shrinking glaciers, extinction of wildlife, dying ecosystems, and an increase in infectious diseases.
We, as individuals and consumers can implement many changes for betterment of the environment. We can refuse to purchase single-use plastics such as straws, take-out containers, plastic water bottles, plastic grocery bags and more. We can walk, bike, and use more public transport. We can choose to buy local and support farmers that utilize methods that preserve the land for future generations. We can choose not to consume fast fashion and synthetic fabrics and we can choose not to buy the latest smartphones. We can choose to eat no/less meat and preserve our rainforests instead. We can choose not to support corrupt corporations that ignore not only the environment but human rights.
As a collective, we hold significant power. When we make environmentally conscious decisions as consumers, big corporations make the necessary changes to follow the demand. Everytime you decide to purchase something, ask yourself if it is for your instant gratification/convenience or the environment. Educate yourself about the products you buy and the companies you buy them from. It’s never too late to start making more environmentally friendly choices and demanding the same from your government. We all have a part in ensuring that our children and children’s children have a future to look forward to.
