Post-apocalyptic sceneries can be considered their own unique kind of beautiful. However, no matter how cool Mad Max visuals may be, it’s definitely better to enjoy it through the lens of cinematography than to experience it first hand. Whether or not conditions on Earth can even reach such a low point in the foreseeable future is questionable. But there’s no doubt humanity has a direct influence on the deteriorating conditions on the planet.
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That’s exactly why ecological problems concern not only the scientific crowd but are also the talk of college students all across the world. Climate problems are frequently used as topics of various student assignments. And a lot of students are googling ‘help with my homework’’ if they don’t feel like they are knowledgeable enough on the topic. Don’t be shy to do the same.
Yet, learning about the topic and doing something about it are two different things. Let’s say a particularly responsible student wants to make a difference. What options are there to push back against the tide of technology? Well, there are a couple. And although they might not seem like much, every little thing counts in a task as significant as saving the planet. So, let’s go over them one by one.
Write a Research Paper on Environmental Cause
Even though the evidence of rampant pollution is all around us, certain overly skeptical people still argue about it. Whether it’s humanity’s part in the global problem or the effectiveness of suggested solutions – it doesn’t help the issue in the slightest.
The age of information we live in has made all the data in the world accessible to us. However, the sources of this data can be rather questionable. People tend to blindly trust anything fed to them by their newsfeed. And it’s hard to blame them, as it’s virtually impossible to fact-check every single data point people come across nowadays.
Spending time to do your own fact-based research can help you combat ignorance way more effectively. Pick an ecology-related topic, look into and verify (or disprove) popular claims, conduct your personal investigation and get to the bottom of the issue. It may take some time, but you will end up with a 100% reliable study and a deep understanding of the subject you are interested in.
Plus, writing and publishing research papers will earn you extra credits. So, not only will it help with the awareness on the topic of environmental issues but also with your studies.
Volunteering for an Environmental Cause
Once you are done with theory, it’s time to get some practice. Unless you live in some remote rural paradise, there are definitely some eco-related issues in your town. River pollution, lack of garbage sorting facilities, rampant deforestation – you name it. And most of these problems have dedicated activist organizations that do their best to deal with them.
You’d be surprised how little effort is needed to make a noticeable difference. A single trip to clean the river banks will leave you fulfilled and proud of your effort. A cursory search will definitely yield plenty of groups you can join for these sorts of activities. And if there aren’t any close enough, consider starting your own. A smidge of dedication and a bit of organizational talent is all you need to change your area for the better.
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Among the obvious benefits, you also get to meet a lot of like-minded people during volunteering. Such activities are very popular among student activists. So, you can use this opportunity to make new friends and forge lasting relationships. A lot of them will help you out in the future if you choose to continue fighting for the environmental cause after college.
Student Government on Environmental Cause
The welfare of the campus is largely the concern of the management. However, a student government that has enough influence can have plenty of leverage to affect such things. You may not like campus politics or have a sizable budget. Still, if you gather enough support among your peers and focus their attention on a particular ecological issue on the campus, college management will have to deal with it one way or another.
Annoying people until they give you what you want is a time-tested and very reliable tactic. Try not to overdo it though, as reputation is everything in these sorts of games. Remember that you should always be willing to meet those who are willing to aid you halfway. Don’t expect them to do all the work. Help them out in any way you can.
Make plans, draft budgets, do the numbers, start a fundraiser. Do everything you can and leave the rest to the college administration. It may take a lot of time and effort to make them come around for the first time. Especially if there is no precedent of student-administration interaction. But once you prove yourself as a reliable and competent member of the student body, such changes will get through easier as you go.
Final Words on Environmental Cause
Will making some changes on your campus change the world? Doubtful. However, it’s as good of a place to start as any. You can’t stop global pollution overnight. It’s a long journey that will take years to take effect on a planetary scale. One step at a time – that’s how you tackle the problems of ecology.
Treat your student years as a stepping stone towards a more serious and influential part in helping the Earth recover from pollution. You may feel like your efforts are just a grain of sand in the desert. But don’t let it dissuade you. The new generation is the gateway to our future. Let your example inspire you and your actions will cause a positive cascade effect that may last for lifetimes.