JEN WENDLAND STAFF COLUMNIST
An article in Time magazine about a month ago made a compelling argument for a “new” approach to environmentalism and sustainability.
This approach, the author said, would be free and ready to be implemented immediately. It is something that every man, woman and child across the country could participate in right now, is totally renewable and will never run out...ever.
When reading the article, this new approach sounded miraculous and incredible. Finally, the author said the new approach is conservation.
Conserving energy by using only what is necessary and through the use of energy efficient appliances is the first important step on the road to sustainability in individual communities across the country.
The amount of wasted energy could be cut drastically if every person did even as little as shutting off lights when they leave the room, turning off computer’s when they’re no longer in use or unplugging appliances when not needed.
Even small steps such as these, when applied to a full community, would create a huge difference.
As most of you know, Wartburg is competing against Luther this month in an energy competition to see who can cut back on energy use the most in one month.
While this is a noble cause and many are taking action to beat Luther in this challenge, I want to stress the urgency of continuing the behaviors that we are adopting.
The climate crisis we are in is real. Al Gore said the damage may soon be irreversible for more than 1,000 years if real and drastic change isn’t made now.
My challenge to you is this: use what is left of this month as a practice for how you live your life after February has ended.
Turn your thermostat down a couple degrees, use natural light as often as possible and as few lights as possible at night, eat and shop locally, unplug appliances, take shorter and cooler showers, walk or bike instead of driving and do anything else that you can to contribute.
For those of you so bold to do so, write your elected officials and ask them to commit to energy sustainability through the passage of legislation that will address these issues.
Let’s beat Luther this month and take on the challenge of working now to beat climate change.
It’s up to each of us to hold ourselves and others accountable.