Making the world a better place

There were times during my elementary, middle school, and high school education that were dedicated to giving back and learning about the environment. Gearing up for Earth Day was a big part of this of course, but depending on the teacher, the importance of recycling, how to eat right, and how the world depends on itself was talked about as well. But, it didn't stick past high school. I mean truthfully, I don't really think I gave thought about the environment beyond what was convenient for myself. Sure, global warming was "happening", but really was I the cause? And even if I was, would I be able to stop it? The hardest thing about a big issue like the environment is helping people make everyday changes to their life. We all intrinsically want to live in a better place, but how?

I watched a documentary last night called, "Carbon Nation", which literally explained how the burning of carbon (a fossil fuel) is exacerbating global warming to the point where we are on the cusp of something serious. No, not Kim Kardashian breaks up with Kris Humphries serious (note the sarcasm), but wildlife dying, temperature changing, our world as we know it not existing serious. What I found intriguing about this documentary is that all over the country, people are using what the world gives us to solve our problems. Wind energy, water energy, solar panels, etc. Did you know that in one day the sun heats the earth with MORE than enough energy that we would need in our lifetime?

So what can we do? I understand that sometimes humans feel incredibly small in front of such a large issue. I know I do. And, it is much easier to continue on the path we're on then to make a change. But, we need to be aware. We need to understand that this is not something to turn our noses up at. Clean energy and making the switch to this is important. It is important to the Earth and the environment, it is important to a struggling economy by increasing a new sector and jobs, and it is important for us to give something better to the next generation. The planet actually gives us everything we need to survive. It is up to us to wake up and use it.