Martin Luther King Jr. has one and deserves it. National Boss Day, maybe doesn’t. But Earth Day is around the corner and it’s an important time to consider how the sum of our actions affect the planet we all share. And there are plenty of opportunities around campus to consider the topic.
It has only been relatively recently that technology has allowed us to see what the Industrial Revolution did to our planet’s ecological system. During a short period of human history we have pumped untold amounts of toxic poisons into our atmosphere and started the process of global warming.
Earth Day will celebrate its 30 year anniversary Saturday, and it has reason for joy. During the last three decades, the celebration has grown into a week-long event full of celebrities, information and events. This year, pop icon Leonardo DiCaprio is the event’s spokesman, with a side of the adult music stylings of James Taylor.
The state of Oregon has long been focused on the Earth’s problems, having been in the forefront of the national recycling effort. Anyone looking around campus today can see that spirit still alive with readily available receptacles for recyclable materials all over the University grounds.
That concern for the environment has also been demonstrated by student leaders of late who have taken an oath not to work for ecologically irresponsible companies after graduation. The sponsoring organization, Ecopledge.com, has only been around since October of 1999 but has support on 150 college campuses. ASUO Student Body President-elect Jay Breslow signed on in a show of support.
The type of pledge taken by Breslow and others, targeting companies that place environmentally unsafe products in stores for consumers to purchase, shows the continuing dedication to an important topic by informed and conscientious students at the University. The pledge is currently available to all students around campus, an idea that deserves real consideration as just a beginning to individuals making a difference.
The leadership and dedication to Earth Week is beneficial, even if sometimes the ordeal loses credibility in the media. Let’s not kid anyone, having DiCaprio as a spokesman never lends a cerebral cause much credence, but it takes all kinds to keep a movement rolling. Besides pop culture advocates bringing down the cause a bit, the media often portrays those concerned with the environment as “tree huggers” or “green freaks.” But having responsible members of our student body sign onto helping out the Earth ensures that the significance of the topic is not lost on students.
Those on campus need to know, also, that they can translate this responsible behavior into other areas of their lives, such as being a better consumer. Choosing products with less packaging and buying foods made without pesticides are just a few methods to help the planet’s ecosystem while not damaging one’s quality of life in any way.
Just as we should remember the message of Martin Luther King Jr. everyday — not just on his holiday — students should keep in mind the principles of responsible stewardship of our planet.