Environmental concerns are becoming more urgent worldwide, prompting individuals and communities to take action in both small and significant ways. Last Wednesday, April 22, the United States, along with 175 other nations, honored Earth Day, an annual observance dedicated to environmental protection and acknowledgment of all our Earth does for us. This can be done through taking action, spreading awareness, and even simply being appreciative and recognizing the beauty of nature.
When deciding to take action to combat longstanding environmental issues such as climate change and global warming, it is important to keep in mind that every action makes a difference.
Grayson ‘27, a passionate co-leader of the Green Team club at Wooster, aspired to create a community of students who share a passion for environmental protection. Grayson shared a meaningful action he implements in his daily life to positively impact our natural environment, which is his limitation of artificial intelligence usage.
Artificial Intelligence has become a prevalent topic of conversation. People have constantly argued whether its benefits outweigh the disadvantages and vice versa. On one hand, artificial intelligence can be seen as an accessible and convenient way to access information from all across the web at your fingertips; however, most people fail to consider how, when using artificial intelligence, trying to get those quick answers, we are simultaneously compromising our natural environment. Artificial intelligence systems are highly reliant on vast quantities of minerals, water, and energy, placing a significant strain on natural resources, further contributing to environmental degradation.
Furthermore, Grayson's choice to limit himself shows how seemingly small actions that take seconds to execute can be the leading cause of a much bigger problem. Taking action can also extend beyond personal initiatives, but can be done collectively through raising awareness, speaking up, and integrating yourself in conversations involving environmental protection.
“I was surprised Wooster didn't have an environmental club, and I knew other kids would share this passion of mine,” he said.
Last week, the Green Team presented in Chapel, addressing concerns we face and ways we can safeguard the planet. Along with Grayson, many other individuals at Wooster School are also working to tackle environmental issues.
Dr. Fetridge, faculty sponsor of Green Team, implements many habits into her daily life that benefit the environment.
“I try to be very conscious about the natural resources I use,” she shared. “I try to avoid buying single-use plastics when there are alternatives, I try to really limit how much meat I eat at home, and we just got solar panels on our roof to power our home.”
Her actions demonstrate how everyday decisions, such as consumption habits and dietary choices, can contribute to something of greater complexity, such as energy use, reducing environmental impact, and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Additionally, Dr. Fetridge shared that one year, she took her DLI Climate Change class to Hartford on Earth Day to speak with our legislators about environmental issues they were concerned about. She reflects upon this experience as “a great way to spend Earth Day.”
Dr. Fetridge further emphasized her concerns for our natural world as she stated, “Earth is our only home, and where we owe all our existences to, we need to protect it.”
Her statement highlights the importance of taking action and connecting ourselves with the natural environment. If the Earth is in danger, then so are we!
It is also of great importance that we continue to appreciate the beauty and life of our planet and teach future generations to do the same, as our planet is truly a beautiful place home to a wide variety of animals, plants, trees, mountains, oceans, and grass.
“What we have on our planet in terms of life is extremely remarkable and definitely rare and worth appreciating,” Dr. Fetridge said.
Like Dr. Fetridge, Jayden ‘28 and Gabe ‘28 also prioritize enjoying the outdoors.
It is important that we are mindful of the constant changes and challenges our environment is undergoing. By finding ways to take action, spread awareness, and acknowledge how lucky we are, you are contributing to the creation of a safer, cleaner, and overall better planet.
Avery '28
Journalism Student
