A major trend, especially among young people and celebrities, is global and environmental awareness. College campuses abound with lectures and clubs devoted to saving the rainforest, preserving species and "going green." While these programs thrive among young environmental activists, the average college student - this columnist included - may hear about such issues and think, "Wow, that sucks about the rainforest … rainforests are pretty; but since I live in North America and don't think that I've ever actually seen a rainforest, what could I possibly do to help?"
Consider your question answered. People can take small actions in their day-to-day life that will have a significant global impact. If enough people take notice of environmental issues and take small steps, big changes will occur. For those people who are particularly interested in environmental and conservation issues, there are also plenty of forums on campus where they can learn more about how to aid in the fight to save the planet.
Groups on campus are taking notice of environmental issues and doing what they can to help. The biology fraternity, Alpha Beta Epsilon, has been working diligently on a semester-long project to teach others about conservation biology and what can be done to save endangered species from extinction. Their focus has been on a particular marsh bird, the salt-march sparrow, which is native to this area and in danger of becoming extinct because of habitat destruction. Members of the fraternity have conducted interviews with university professors who work in the field of conservation biology. Their hope is the teach others about the effects of habitat destruction on indigenous animals. They have posted their interviews with Chris Elfig, an ecology professor, on YouTube.com to enlighten others about the effect of habitat destruction on coastal birds. The video for the interview is called "Conservation of the Salt-Marsh Sparrows." While their group does not regularly focus on environmental issues, the members of Alpha Beta Epsilon have recognized their importance and have taken steps to help.
Even beyond local habitat conservation, steps can be taken to save other areas of the world like the tropical rainforests. While it may seem impossible that people in the Northeast part of the U.S. could have an impact on conserving parts of South America, Africa or Asia, it is possible.
Deforestation is prevalent because large sections of rainforest are cut down to make room for agricultural fields. But it is primarily Western countries who buy the products grown in these fields. Therefore, it is extremely important for people in the United States to learn where their produce comes from. Web sites such as greenpages.com provide a list of "eco-friendly" companies that avoid deforestation. The site also lists companies that use less energy and produce less pollution. By buying products from such companies, consumers show that they have a problem with habitat destruction and wish to make responsible choices regarding the environment.
There are many small changes people can make in their daily lives that will reduce human impact on the environment and therefore promote conservation. Using energy efficient light bulbs, recycling, turning the water off when brushing one's teeth, taking showers instead of baths, driving a fuel efficient car and buying recycled paper are all examples of ways to lessen environmental impact. People who want to learn more about environmental issues should explore groups on campus such as CFACT-UConn, EcoHusky and EcoGardens. There is no longer any excuse to turn a blind eye to the flyers beseeching you to "save the pandas" or "stop global warming." The campus is teeming with people eager to spread the word about being eco-friendly and saving the environment. Wouldn't Captain Planet be proud?
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