I entered this class at the beginning of the semester not unlike many of my fellow countrymen (and women); unaware and uncaring of many environmental issues. I was a climate skeptic at best and at times a down right climate change denier at worst. Despite this line of thinking I was determined to take on this class and this semester with a completely open-mind. I've tried new things this semester, such as taking up a plot in the RCC Community Garden and have participated in the RCC Sustainability Club (with whom I plan on going on a conservation trip to Catalina in a couple of weeks). I have had somewhat of an awakening and feel enriched by the new people and ideas I have encountered. I am not saying all skepticism on every environmental issue has been completely erased. I am a skeptic by nature and I think it is an important quality of a free thinker. I have strong Free Market Libertarian beliefs and I loath the idea of government infringement of personal freedoms. That being said, I don't think there is anything wrong with free men and women wanting to educate themselves about real life events that are happening right now. There is nothing wrong with free peoples wanting clean air and water. There is especially nothing wrong with voting with your pocket book and putting pressure on corporations to work to do it better and cleaner than they have. You see; that is what capitalism is all about. If we the people reward companies with our money for doing environmentally friendly things; then, that will motivate other companies to do the same.
In my opinion the biggest issue that the environmental/conservation movements are having is one of messaging. It seems to me that the movement spends to much time trying to pass laws so that the government will force people and companies into doing what they "feel" is right. There is many life examples of how this thinking is ineffective. I believe the better way to bring about real change is a huge grassroots movement to educate our fellow citizens on the benefits of conservation. Nobody, no matter what party affiliation, likes smog, or plastic bags in the ocean, cigarette butts ect. polluting everything. Likewise nobody minds if individuals chose to forgo that plastic bag at the store or if a private shopkeeper (or corporation for that matter), decides to stop using them. Where people get upset is when government comes and tell them what they can and can't use. I believe most people when properly educated will chose to forgo the bags on their own. I did and have. Ever since I watched Bag It! I have become acutely aware of every plastic bag that I see and only use the ones I already have (most of the time).
I believe it is our duty as swards of our planet to pass on the information we have learned in this course. I'm not necessarily suggesting we all turn into fervent evangelical environmentalist. I'm suggesting we start by having sensible discussions with friends and family. I'm saying we should impart our children with the valves of conservationism. If you are a highly motivated individual perhaps start or get evolved with community outreach groups dealing with environmental issues.
People act like it is some secret on what motivates corporations. It's not. Money is what motivates them. Likewise people underestimate the power of the consumer ..... especially consumers that are united, educated and casting the only vote that counts ..... the ol' mighty DOLLAR!
I know this was not exactly what Dr. Huff was looking for, BUT I feel that what I lined out here is the best way to bring about change in all environmental issues. I believe the increased carbon in the atmosphere and our oceans (causing the acidification) is the biggest sign that something serious is happening to our planet. I'm driven more than ever to stop spending money at the big corporate conglomerates. Big companies (especially in the restaurant industry), are more likely to ship food from far off places all over the world. This causes more CO2's to be released into the atmosphere.
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