In a world where plastic has become a man’s new best friend, toxicity has begun to creep its way into the environment and ecosystems found within it. However, some might consider ignoring the vast improvements made over the past century toward helping the environment negligent. In the early 1970s, the United States enacted numerous policies dedicated to the betterment of society including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. While these programs involve a broad variety of solutions for the issues faced in the US, one thing they have in common is their shared goal: shifting the mindset of generations to come to one more environmentally conscious. As a matter of fact, kicking off the seventies was the establishment of one of the nationally recognized holidays known today: Earth Day.

On April 22nd, 1970 Gaylord Nelson (Senator of Wisconsin) took charge leading a new wave of environmental activism that was soon followed by many others. Reclaiming poorly-maintained streams and influencing a great deal of change around the States, policies took hold. It is estimated that roughly twenty million people used the day to alter their previous perceptions of the planet to ones more environmentally friendly. Yet, some might still wonder why Earth Day remains to be as significant as it is. To answer this question, as well as many others, students from the Human Rights Watch Club on the CdM campus have provided their input. Commenting on the first inquiry, student advocate Katherine Popper responds, “The answer is pretty simple,” further elaborating, “We all live on this planet, we all depend on its natural resources to live, and we all (at some point or another) find beauty in the planet”. Popper goes on to mention the risk of neglecting the environment of proper treatment. Despite the difference in values, everyone might place in life, she comments, “Everyone has something from the earth that they value greatly and should seek to protect”.

Attributing to this conversation, student representative from the Human Rights Student Branch Ocean Nguyen introduces the impact of recycling. While many might not be well aware of the specific impacts of recycling, or necessarily how to do it properly, Nguyen spoke on its efficiency and effectiveness once the individual is knowledgeable about the process. Many debates are surfacing on the internet on whether or not recycling makes a difference, however choosing to step forward into this way of thinking is always the first step. Agreeing with this standpoint is Human Rights representative Madison Yan. Shifting this conversation to a more progressive focus, Yan suggests that “we [must educate] ourselves on how ‘minuscule’ things like not turning off the lights, accidentally leaving trash somewhere, and overconsumption can really have a big, negative impact on the environment”.  In her claims, Yan additionally amplifies the significance in preventing “ignorance to these issues, [allowing] us to implement habits and practices in daily lives”. As many continue to find the best way to help the environment and lessen the curve, moving forward with small steps can always make a great change– and encouraging others to do the same might be even greater.