Environmental issues and concerns aren’t the best conversation starter for most people, especially within the younger generation. People acknowledge that it can be dangerous, but they leave at that, not wanting to dive deeper into the causes or the long-term effects. What often gets overlooked is how small actions, like recycling or using the correct trash bin, can make a big difference. As we grow older, it’s important to talk about these things, and to teach people early on.
Social media has been incredibly helpful for this matter. Lots of sustainable practices have been trending, like thrifting, or upcycling clothing. It’s become a fashionable hobby to fix old clothing to make it look new, or to purchase used clothes at a marked down price instead of buying from mass manufacturing retail stores. There was also a relevant thread a few years ago, revolving around plastic straws and how they harm turtles, which caused the uprising in the media where many people switched their plastic straws and opted for metal instead. Similarly, now, many water bottles have been popular, so people have been purchasing reusable metal water bottles instead of using plastic water bottles and continuously wasting plastic. Social media is such a huge part of people's everyday lives, especially for the younger generation, so I feel that capitalizing on it and using it to spread awareness and to promote more ideas on implementing sustainable practices is a great idea.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be difficult or extravagant. It all starts with the basics, recycling, or using a fan instead of an air conditioning system. We don’t have to avoid using fossil fuels as a whole, that would be nearly impossible, however we can still try to make a difference. Instead of driving to school or driving to your friend's house, consider riding a bike instead. Even with furniture, you can still be sustainable. I’ve seen college students who buy used furniture because it's cheaper. Saving money is great, but saving the environment is even better. Don’t let prejudice from others stop you and try to practice sustainability whenever you can!
