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Show THE FORUM - MARCH 12,2014 Letters to the Editor Hayden Jamieson The Facebook environmentalist Since my decision to make environmental studies the focal point of my college career, I am regularly overcome with despair for what our world will soon become as a result of anthropocentrism. With that being said, as a college student I am bombarded with intern- still ride my bike and carpool as much as possible. By discouraging these things I wouldnt be doing the community or myself any favors, rather I would be working against my own intentions. My solution is simple: be in- ship opportunities, employment positions, etc. to make tangible change within our community. Whether through internship opportunities, or acts of civil disobedience, the creative, flourishing minds of undergraduate students are in a position to build upon the educational foundation established by our academic faculty in a sustainable and progressive manner. The idea of Facebook environmentalism is a of being involved comes from all of those who attended the Utah Clean Air Rally at the state capitol building a few weeks ago. Those who rode, walked or carpooled to protest environmental legislature in Utah made community and the environ- a significant statement regard- These arguments all boil down to the simple ideas that environmental activism is of crucial importance among collestudents and that ge-aged the college setting provides the ideal progressive outlet for said activism. Simple efforts towards sustainability take the back seat to large-sca- le pushes that con- con-stan- dy half-heart- ed way by which many college students participate in the environmental movement, which solely entails small acts such as liking environmental activism pages on Facebook, not using plastic bags and carpooling when possible. These acts of convenience serve only as a scapegoat for people to personally identify as environmentalists. Instead, these same college-age- d people may consider capitalizing upon opportunities that they come across and pushing their activism beyond their previous standards. Having said all of this, no Im not quitting Facebook, the use of reusable grocery bags and Ill Katt Buddy volved. A spectacular example ing their personal investment in what is recognized as a universal right: to have clean air to breathe. Students in particular should have some stake in environmental policy today, because the consequences that result from environmental degradation will inevitably" fall upon their shoulders. My lifestyle brings an entirely different perspective to this controversy. As an extremely avid climber and skier, I feel a inherent and strong connection with the environment. These activities demand a physical and personal connection with nature, which serves as a compelling drive for me to actively invest my time and energy into seeing that our shared resources are conserved. With Salt Lake being an epicenter for outdoor recreation, especially within the college-age- d demographic, it is not a stretch to say that this is a widely-accept- ed perception of the environment by a significant portion of those who call this place home. Activist groups, such as Athletes for Clean Air, play an instrumental role in organizing and carrying out events that benefit both the ment. With logistical guidance from groups like this, attendance becomes a large part of the success of their events, which in turn makes it almost too easy to support their cause. siderably change the system. This point does not go to degrade these acts of convenience, but those who only choose to embody them without further activism are choosing to be apathetic in terms of environmental issues. Apathy implies a sense of disinterest for what many people consider to be the defining event of our generation: global climate change, which we cannot afford. Herein lies the hope for the future In many peoples eyes the future of our land is grim: the smog has settled, the animals have scattered and the people have hidden away. Community gardens have the potential to save our environ- ment and our optimism through forging a connection between people and food. By creating a sustainable sanctuary that incorporates all varieties of people, no matter the race or socioeconomic status, a greater understanding of real food will be reached and communities will be brought together. Working as one community can create a small change, which can make a big impact and send a grand message. Here at Westminster College, our community garden provides an opportunity to connect and involve all students on and off campus all the while encouraging the students to carry on community gardens and their positive environmental ideals to upcoming generations. Little steps lead to a big impact. Join Wasatch Community Gardens, or start your own Start garden. neighborhood small, have no fear and make a difference. Stop the disconnect from people to food. Disagree? Submit a letter to the editor for publication in the next issue. |