Earth Day is just one day out of the year, but that doesn’t mean it should be the only day where we focus on the importance of protecting our planet. Without our help in environmental preservation, we lose the food sources that provide us key nutrition, water sources that fend off dehydration and power our electricity; we even risk forfeiting the air we breathe. One day simply isn’t enough to protect all of these necessary fundamentals of humanity’s survival. While the consequences sound pretty dire, there’s still a lot that can be done to reverse the damage we and past generations have caused.
While environmental degradation is a global issue, there are plenty of local opportunities available that work to prevent further damage. One example of this is the Raritan Township Green Team. This organization seeks to continue improving natural spaces and our township, whether this is through preserving open space or by utilizing more sustainable practices in our environment. This group has various volunteer opportunities for anyone interested, ranging from gardening, plant and trail maintenance, annual road cleanups, or social media marketing that raises awareness. Past events have consisted of volunteer tree planting, pollinator testing, and well water testing, among other tasks. These activities have made efforts to not only slow environmental change but also to keep citizens educated about environmental protection. The Raritan Township Green Team is a flexible volunteer organization that promotes sustainability and encourages environmental conservation.
The New Jersey Conservation Foundation follows a similar mission and is dedicated to preserving land and natural resources throughout the state. Given that New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation believes it is especially important to protect our soil, drinking water, and air because so many people are reliant on it. Since 1960, the organization has protected over 140,000 acres of vacant land, farmland, and parks for the greater good of all citizens. The organization’s endless environmental advocacy has resulted in important state legislation being passed, such as the Constitutional Amendment for Stable Preservation Funding in 2014 and the Clean Energy Act of 2018. These laws helped create more open space and energy storage actions, as well as increasing the use of renewable electric energy – both of which are more sustainable practices that decrease the severity of environmental damage. Additionally, this nonprofit organization has various ways for students to get involved, whether it’s through volunteering, internships, or donations.
Juggling academics, athletics, and social obligations can be a lot, and can make you lose interest in helping the planet. However, taking even a few minutes out of your day can save vital resources and slow down the damage being done to our planet. Just turning off the tap water in the morning and night when you brush your teeth can save 8 gallons of water a day, which reduces the amount of energy produced and diverts less water from bays and rivers – keeping our water sources clean. You and your family can also choose to be more environmentally conscious by making sure you turn off all light switches when not in use and by switching to long-lasting light bulbs, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, by making the decision to use reusable water bottles and by avoiding plastic bags and straws, you can help reduce plastic pollution. Each day, we can use this crucial information about our environment to positively modify our routines and educate others to do the same. Environmental protection isn’t solely one person’s problem, and it won’t be solved by one person either. By being more conscious about how our habits affect the environment, together we can prevent further environmental damage.
