Save the World - As a Middle Schooler 

Being a middle schooler, there are lots of important things—school, sports, friends—but something we never stop to think about is our world and how much plastic pollution is affecting it.

If you take a moment to look around you at the school, at lunch tables and at the cafeteria. What do you see? Plastic water bottles, snack wrappers, and utensils are everywhere. It’s easy to overlook, but did you know that millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean each year? This plastic poses a serious threat to marine life, and when fish and sea creatures ingest it, the plastic can eventually make its way into our food chain. That’s right—the plastic we toss away could one day come back to us through the food we eat.

Plastic isn’t the only issue, though. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our generation. It’s causing extreme weather patterns, like intense storms, floods, and droughts, which are changing our world in ways we can already see. Think about it—maybe you’ve noticed warmer winters with less snow or summers that are becoming almost unbearably hot, more frequent hurricanes and even more frequent wildfires around us in this part of California. These changes are part of a larger global shift, and they affect everyone, including us, in ways that will only increase if we don’t act.

So, why should we care? Healthy ecosystems provide us with services we can’t live without. They clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and support the food chain that sustains life on Earth. Take coral reefs, for example. These underwater ecosystems are home to countless species and protect coastlines from storms. Forests, on the other hand, help regulate the climate and produce the oxygen we need to survive. Losing biodiversity—meaning the variety of life in our world—could lead to the collapse of these vital systems. If that happens, the consequences would be serious, not just for the environment but for our health and well-being, too.

Here’s the good news: while these problems seem huge, we have the power to make a difference. As middle schoolers, we may not be able to change the world overnight, but small actions can add up, especially if we work together. It can start with simple steps like reducing our plastic use. Instead of using plastic wrap for your lunch, why not try a reusable container? Refillable water bottles are a great way to cut down on the plastic waste that comes from single-use bottles.

Another way we can help is by encouraging our school to become more eco-friendly. Starting a recycling program or petitioning for greener practices, like compostable lunch trays or the elimination of plastic straws, can make a real difference. We can also educate others. By raising awareness about the environmental challenges we face, we can inspire our classmates and families to take action, too. Creating presentations or fun infographics to share in class can help spread the word.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that every small action adds up. By making thoughtful choices and inspiring those around us, we can work together to create a healthier planet. We are the future leaders, and it’s up to us to protect our world today. So let’s take that first step—together, we can save the Earth, one small change at a time.