Earth Savers Club

EcoClub: Educating Earth Savers of Today

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 22:50:00 +0000

Written by Jessica Martinez

__________________________________________________________________________________

Looking for new ways to save energy and being Eco friendly should be a part of everyone's daily life. I always wondered how I could help and why the world was dependent on fossil fuels and things of that nature if they were not renewable? It dumbfounded me and just sparked my thinking. That is when I began committing myself to the Eco Friendly cause. I began researching and learning about the things I could do for my school. It was then that my teacher Mr. Pagan informed me about an upcoming opportunity to launch our schools first Eco club. This was great and I could not stop thinking about the endless possibilities. Our school is a brand new state of the art facility and I wanted to take advantage of the blank canvas and newly founded traditions I could set for my school.

I quickly found out that because it was a new school there was not much I could do that would allow me to either recycle materials such as plastic bottles and paper because I would be violating certain policies of the school. I thought it was completely out of line and outrageous but I did have to respect it. So instead I launched a sort of informative club for the time being. I informed people of the emerging careers in today’s time that no one would have ever considered. For instance, an Environmental Engineer and things like an Alternative Energy Technician. My fellow classmates were intrigued and every Wednesday we would come together to organize the agenda for our upcoming club.

It was then that we finally accomplished that goal which seemed too far away. We managed to gather ourselves together for our first fieldtrip. We collaborated and had so much fun learning even more at the Tree People Campus. Educating and absorbing all that information about how we can all collaborate and help with our daily part to preserving the earth, together.

The Power of Youth

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 01:45:00 +0000

Written by Kelci S.:

A lot of people underestimate what kids can really do. We understand a lot and we usually have good ideas. Sometimes though, our solutions to problems can be a little too unrealistic. However, we can change the world, one step at a time.

Sometimes, kids find a way to help out just their little town or school. This can be done by helping create small projects such as planting trees within your community. Also, you could create a recycling program. Most neighborhoods already have them, but only a few schools have them. Next, you could help by doing community service. Lastly, you could help raise money for things that are important to you. So, even though these may seem like small useless deeds, they really do help out a lot in the end.

Kids usually don’t have much control over what they can do. This is because we encounter all sorts of problems and difficulties. For example, almost all projects cost money. Most kids do not have a way of earning money besides chores. Also, it’s hard for us to get permission to do major projects.

Lastly, it is important to help out and to be “green” for a few reasons. First, Earth is the only planet we can live on. We are going to have to live here no matter what condition the Earth is in. It is up to us to decide how we want our planet to look. We can either take the time to help make the Earth healthier and greener, or we can just ignore all the problems and let the planet become dirtier and dirtier. It is our decision.

So in conclusion, kids want to help out. Although it can be difficult to make a huge difference, little things do help. Also, since we have to live on Earth, why not teach kids to be green and to take care of Earth? We can make a difference, no matter how young we are.

Initiating Environmental Awareness In My School

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:35:00 +0000

Written by Ashley Henderson

___________________________________________________________________________________

In 2011, I began attending the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, where I realized the lack of something very important to me; there was no Envirothon team. I had become very passionate about it over the years and soon set out to change it. After wading through weeks of back and forth phone calls with various Envirothon coordinators, I obtained all the information I needed to get a team going. The next step was getting members. This may seem easy, but in a school like MSMS, people are not very willing to give away what little free time they have to a new club run by a new student. Once I found some members, we began working day and night. There were ups, such as playing ninja in the forest or winning second place in state, and there were downs, such as typing the current issue essay for 5 hours straight or staying up till 3 a.m. doing runoff calculations, but throughout the entire struggle we became something MSMS hadn’t seen before. We were the Envirothon team.

This struggle and accomplishment pushed my love for the environment further. The more effort I put into Envirothon, the more I saw how important the environment was to me. I became the president of the Student Environmental Awareness League because of my love for the environment. I felt the need to make a difference, and I believe that with the help of Greening Forward, we can; no matter how young, or how small we are, I believe that we can make an impact on the way people view the environment and the environment itself. That is why I am an Earth Saver.

In the future, I plan to major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I want to predict how changes we are making in the world now will affect the ecosystem in the future by studying the past and evolution of ecosystems and organisms. This all stemmed from my interest and love for the environment. Working with the SEAL team, I see how the condition of the environment is changed from its natural state, and this gives me more motivation to pursue my goal.

Active Youth for the Future

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:30:00 +0000

Written by Rita Prude

_____________________________________________________________________________

I very much consider myself to be an “Earth Saver” simply because I take part in it

everyday from recycling or finding out ways to save the earth. Being an Earth Saver is

a part of my life. Although I think I could do more to participate in earth saving, I

do all I can. Being in this environmental club gives me better insight and gets me more

involved in the well being of the earth and what can be done to rid it of all chemicals

that’s harming it.

As I continue to grow and find myself, I feel that I will continue to be an

environmentalist through all of my schooling and my adulthood. My career aspiration

in life is to become a lawyer. The environmental project has played a role in that.

Although I am still undecided on what specific law career I want to pursue, it helps to

see that the earth is very much in need and that in the future I can perhaps become an

environmental lawyer. This way I can be a lawyer and still be very much involved with the

environment.

I would have to say that I do not have a top environmental issue that is facing the earth.

Problems like global warming and air pollution are big issues. Although there are

much bigger issues such as war and poverty, all should be taken into consideration

and handled in a proper manner. That is a huge reason why I believe this rain garden

project is very important. It is incredible how much pollution goes into our Buffalo

River. People toss trash and other materials into the streets that get carried into our

rivers. Many break down and become toxic to the organisms living in and around

the rivers. By designing our rain garden in the most efficient manner, we hope to

capture as much water runoff as we possibly can to lessen the amount of water going

into our rivers. As it is, we have a major issue with water overflow along the river which

compromises the water and sediment quality in our area.

I strongly believe that young people can definitely change the world because everything

starts with us. If you educate a young person and give them enough resources they can

start off young being an ambassador for the earth and continue that into their adulthood.

The main objective is reaching out to the youth such as presenting your cause to them

in places such as schools and presenting yourself in a very persuasive way that will get

them interested and wanting to get involved. Once others see the younger kids getting

involved and enjoying it more people would then take part in it.

A major obstacle is getting people involved. I feel that young people bring in new ideas

and thoughts. This would in return lead into actions and perhaps cause a changing

of the world. If we get the younger generation involved in being ambassadors for our

earth, then I firmly believe that we can make a change for the environment and most

importantly the earth.

Can Young People Make a Difference?

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 23:45:00 +0000

Written by Tyler (16), Nathan (14) and Wesley (14) Newman:

Can young people change the world? The answer to this question is a definite YES! In fact, I think it is a young person’s duty to try to make our world a better place. Whether a young person knows it or not, he or she is effecting change in the world at each and every moment in time. These changes affect the future, as well. Youth, regardless of race, age, sex, religion, nationality, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic level, education, or physical ability, can and are changing the world. One notable example of a young person changing the world is Charles Orgbon of Georgia in the United States of America. He became the Founder and CEO of Greening Forward at age 14.

For inspiration, read about him and his accomplishments. To learn more and find out how others can get involved and help their cause, please take the time to go to their Facebook or website. It will be time well spent.

How can young people change the world? The answer to this question lies in the fact that in each and every choice a young person makes, big or small—in each and every word spoken, in each and every deed, in each and every thought—young people all over the world not only can change the world, but will do so. Even little actions like smiling at a stranger, picking up a piece of trash, or using refillable water containers change the world in one way or another. The consequences of actions trickle into areas of life that sometimes are not anticipated or even imagined.

What are the obstacles that young people face? Life is full of obstacles, regardless of age. Everyone will face challenges in all stages of life. Instead of discussing what the obstacles are, how about empowering young people with inspiration to deal with these obstacles? Obstacles are opportunities to learn, improve and grow. If life were easy, nothing would change for the better.

I will end with a quote from Winston Churchill… “We shall provide against and thus prevail over the dangers and problems of the future, withhold no sacrifice, grudge no toil, seek no sordid gain, fear no foe. All will be well.”—Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, 9 November 1954 www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/speeches/quotations

Earth Saver

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:50:00 +0000

Written by Su Hnin Way from Buffalo, New York

As our environment continues tochange, saving it is one issue that we are dealing with. It is up to an individual if he or she isgoing to choose to conserve the environment or let it be destroyed.

I’m an Earth saver because I amconcerned about my environment. For me, it is just right to take care of myenvironment because it is the environment who gives me all my needs. As I reachadulthood, I would still continue to be an environmentalist, and I would liketo pass it to my future children. Being a doctor is my dream career but beingan environmentalist is the key to better understanding how people would stayhealthy by living in a safe and clean environment.

The environmental issue that I am most concerned about is the noise pollution. Living in a large city, Buffalo,NY, we have a lot of noise pollution. Buffalo, NY is also home to many types of animals, which are affected by noise pollution from music, cars, airplanes and so on. This pollution affects how bats and owls in our area hunt for prey at night. Many birds even have a hard time communicating with each other because of the noise in our city. In my experience, my neighbors’ disturbing activities are the best example of this.They like putting on loud music every night. Some play hip hop music until late at night. It affects people who live nearby especially in my neighborhood because I live close to a nature preserve in the city. It’s also disturbing to the people that live in the area. There are times that I would arrive at school tardy and it is hard for me to prepare for school because I did not get enough sleep.

Young people are definitely able to make a change in our world. They also have fresh ideas that could be very helpful if put in action. For example, our school’s environmental club isbuilding a rain garden and many students had ideas on how to build it, get money to build it and who to talk to about getting information. We even got to talk to Kate Mini, an environmental activist in Buffalo. She got us very excited about helping stop pollution in our rivers by building a rain garden. The obstacles that I see against us are negative attitudes, distractions, and lack of funds for materials that could help us with our projects. When we go look at the plants and trees, they are expensive and I don’t know if the money we will get will be enough.

I have been involved with environmental programs in our school. We painted a “NO DUMPING” sign near canals and storm drains, discussed environment-friendly activities after school, and also had meetings with professional environmentalists that helped us to have a better understanding of our environment.

In conclusion, my environment is very important to me. Being active in environment-friendly programs is a good way of becoming aware of problems that we have in our environment. Young individuals like me have better capabilities of doing things like that and it is an honor to be part of them. I’m proud to be an Earth Saver.

The Natural Wonders of the Coral Reef

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Written by Jose Negron

In todays’ world we have plenty of technological advances tomake modern life more efficient than ever before, which many believe provide uswith a better quality of life. But does it really? With every step forward intothe future, we create new problems. A major problem is pollution andcontamination that is destroying environments. The environmental issue that Iam personally most concern about is the coral reefs. As deforestation andconstruction of cities take place near the coast, those sediments and chemicalswash down by runoff into our rivers. These rivers are also our source of freshand drinkable water. Rivers carry these contaminants onto our coral reefs,suffocating them and ultimately killing them. Coral reefs are very importantbecause they support a great variety of life and support commercial fishing.These reefs also work as barriers to protect the coast from storms and violent waves.I am greatly concern because this is one of my favorite environments and alsoand important one. Growing up along the coast of Puerto Rico, I’ve obtained apersonal connection to these ecosystems. Besides commercial fishing, thesecoral reefs can hold the cure to many diseases. Scientists have discovered thatsome of this corals can extend the life of aids patients. If we protect thesecoral reefs who knows what else can we discover and what other health issuescan we treat and even cure. Over fishing is also killing these reefs. This isbecause many of the species of animals found in these reefs depend on eachother to survive. Global warming is also a major problem to these reefs. Theincrease in temperatures of just two degrees Fahrenheit is enough to kill anentire coral reef. If we can help stop or slow down global warming, then wewould be able to rid of the major problem and then focus on the others.

A Passion for the Planet

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Although I have been environmentally focused for most of my life, I have only recentlyconsidered myself a true environmentalist. During my high school career, I madeit a point to join the ecology club, hiking club, and to be a part of the YouthEarth Service Corps. At first, I would try to lecture my friends about thisimportant topic of environmental protection; however, much of what I would saywas easily forgotten. More recently, I realized that the best way to be a trueenvironmentalist was to give directly to the ecosystems that need the mosthelp. The Youth Earth Service Corps is a group that specializes in cleaning up pollutedenvironmental habitats and getting rid of invasive plants that may bedestroying other native species. Through my school clubs, I have spread theenvironmental word and have helped to inspire friends and classmates to becomepassionate about preserving this valuable resource. In this way, these groupshelped start my drive to protect and preserve the Earth, causing me to wish topursue something similar in my adult life.

Throughout college it is my dream to keep up with my hands-on method to help the naturalworld by pursuing an environmental microbiology major, focusing on marine life.Using this I wish to do research on bioremediation of the Great Pacific GarbagePatch. It is my desire to use this method to decrease the amount of harmfulplastics in the ocean water at the Northern Gyre. I also wish to maintain mycommunity service with regards to the environment as I learned how fulfillingit can be due to my experience with the present environmental groups I amaffiliated with. I aspire to be one more change in the world that allows theanimals and plants on earth to live longer and healthier lives.

Written by Stephanie Gill

How Young People Can Change the World

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 06:25:00 +0000

Written by Lexi Fortin

Young people can change the world, and I am sure of it. Young people are the next adult generation, so they need to take things seriously and be taken seriously. If kids and teens put their mind to something and are interested in it, then it will get accomplished. Many people in the younger generation are very passionate about animals. With their passion and what they are hearing about what is happening to them in the world, they will be sure to make a change.

The youth can start out small by spreading awareness in their classroom among their friends. Then they may reach out to their community and some people on their street. Today’s youth may come up with creative ways to promote their cause such as posters or advertisements. Some may create movies, songs, or videoclips, which could be displayed on television or even Youtube to gain viewers from all over the world. Once more and more people see what is going on in the world through the young people’s eyes, they may feel that they need to help. Many adults will be impressed with how much work young people will do in order to help spread information concerning their cause.

One problem could be that some adults may not take them seriously and may feel that they are just kids and their information is not correct or accurate. When you have adults or big companies going against the small voice of a child it can be hard for the youth in the community to gettheir voice heard and change the world. But if they want it enough they can get it accomplished. Even if the kids only spread the world to the people in their town that is still more people that knew about it the day prior. So young people can change the world, even if it is just one small step at a time, it will eventually spread.

Being an Earth Saver

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 06:25:00 +0000

Written by Jessica Case

I am an earth saver no doubt about it. I am always thinking of ways to reduce trash, save water, disposal of chemicals and many other small things. I recycle my plastic and paper as much as I can. When brushing my teeth I turn off the water to save. I also dispose used oil from my cars and used batteries at my house to auto stores. I plan on continuing being an environmentalist throughout school and adulthood. Why would I stop now? I love the outdoors and animals. I try to help save the earth by keeping the heat down in the house and just putting a sweatshirt on. I also turn off the lights and the TV or any other powered device in the wall when I leave a room.

I feel like I am an earth saver even outside my house. I live on a farm and I am always taking care of my animals and planting food in my garden. Over the summer my dad and I planted over 50 trees on my property. Some of those tress included sugar maple, oak, birch, and white pine. I also planted blueberries, raspberries and a peach tree. I feel like planting trees is giving back to the earth.

My career aspirations include being a vet. I have a passion of loving all kinds of animals. I want to help as many as I can. I just love seeing farm animals and different species of dogs. My environmental projects have impacted what I choose to be when I get older. As Igrew up on my little farm I was always outside in the barn playing with my animals. I always make sure they are okay. I trim the hooves, and sometimes groom them when needed. I replenish their water and feed them oats and cornevery night for dinner. Sometimes I’ll even give my animals a little treat of alfalfa hay. I love being outdoors and around animals. My career will fill my interest.