An Environmentally Sustainable Mindset

Jillian Neuner ‘19, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

The amount of trash and waste produced each day by the average human is truly mind-boggling. Compared to the rest of the globe – which produces approximately 2.6 pounds of trash per person daily – America surges to the top of the “Highest Waste Produced” list at a whopping 4.4 pounds per person every single day. This number seems unrealistically high but put it into perspective. Imagine the sheer amount of trash students at Marymount alone generate every afternoon. Think about the number of times you’ve gone to throw away your plate, folding and shoving it in the trash can. In one 50-minute lunch period, a little less than 400 plates and plastic cups are thrown away, easily accounting for those pounds and contributing to America’s ranking on the “Highest Waste Produced” list. Thankfully, these trash cans will be emptied for the next day, only to be filled with the same amount of garbage again, and again.

 

Courtesy of The Corvallis Advocate

 

Of course, this argument presents a difficult position: how do we the limit the amount of trash produced? I am certainly not implying that everyone should bring their own plates for lunch, ride their bikes to school, and cultivate their own FDA-approved organically-grown crops, as these alternatives are almost impossible with our busy lives. The convenience of paper plates, plastic cups, and cars allows the modern world to function efficiently. However, I am merely suggesting that we be more conscientious of our contribution to the environmental sustainability effort and understand how our actions affect the world.

Since I can remember, the world has been a true best friend to me: it constantly gives without expecting anything in return, provides me a home, and is always there for me when I need it. But, quite frankly, I don’t think I’ve quite been able to reciprocate the same level of generosity, as I often ignore how my wasteful actions negatively impact it. In order to strengthen my personal relationship with the earth, I pledge to contribute to the environmental sustainability effort in every way possible, from bringing a reusable water bottle to school to recycling properly to having my family bring our own bags to the grocery store. Although these efforts seem trivial, if the population realizes its responsibility to the earth and helps foster a strong friendship with it, our collective efforts will surely make our dear friend happy.

 

Courtesy of Bestlyy