Environmental Elimination

By Emily Yeomans

Living in a fast-paced world that demands constant development is one of the easiest ways to conceal the destruction of the environment. In the age of political, economic, and cultural values, American society also places a large focus on consumerism. Daily life advertises the newest technology, from the latest iPhone to the most recent models of SUVs. With this constant use of ever-evolving advancement, it seems contradictory to claim that the environment is deteriorating. 

However, this disconnection between the two is exactly what allows further exploitation of the natural world. From fast-fashion’s contributions to climate change to the extensive use of nonrenewable fossil fuels to power cars, the catastrophic consequences of human abuse are rapidly catching up to us. 

Members of the United Nations, when presented with the opportunity at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) press release, spoke out on how mankind is “heading in the wrong direction” environmentally.  António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, states that “[f]loods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme storms and wildfires are going from bad to worse, breaking records with alarming frequency…[t]here is nothing natural about the new scale of these disasters.”

Laney Cleary, a BGHS junior and member of the Environmental Club, offers their evaluation of the situation. “We live in our environment. People think it’s separate, but we live in an ecosystem. Our water, quality of life, everything comes from [it]. People like to dissociate from the problems that we cause.” 

Laney adds, “It’s catching up with us. Florida waters were over 100 degrees, which feels like you’re boiling alive. Not to mention the sheer amount of animals on the brink of extinction because of us.” 

The small decisions we make on a daily basis often compound to increase the severity of our environmental crises. Driving to school, for example, contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas production. Plastic takes years to decompose, and aids global warming. Laney comments further, stating, “very little that we do is helping, even if we try to help, it hurts [the environment]. For example, paper straws are leading to masses of trees being cut down, like in the Amazon, which isn’t helpful.” 

Nature is not the only thing being harmed by mankind’s constant desire for more. The world’s obsession with instant gratification has led to the birth of extreme selfishness and a lack of care for anything that does not directly benefit oneself. In this way, not only are we harming our environment and our physical well-being, but our own mental and emotional health as well. 

In order to protect what is necessary to survive, mutual effort must be made. Small changes in daily life can go a long way when they are multiplied by a community. For Bowling Green High School, these small changes can involve recycling at lunchtime, which is now an option, thanks to the Environmental Club.