Why even bother?
As someone who used to be thoroughly unconcerned with environmental issues, I can attest to the fact that it’s exceedingly easy to disregard small choices that concern our environment. It’s become a common trope—the white girl who wants to save the world but smokes weed instead, and stands tall on her soapbox. No one wants to hear from a crazy hippy trying to tell you that you’re doing something wrong.
Living here in Houston, surrounded by the evidence of the oil and gas industry and engrossed in a distinctly urban lifestyle, my indifference turned into thorough disturbance. Eventually, I started to wonder where my trash is going, and who had to live next to it. What would happen if Houston suffered the same infuriating situation as Flint, Michigan? Millions can, and may be effected.
I understand that it is from a point of privilege. As a middle-class white female and college student, I am able to make these choices. However, I think that makes the actions I am able to take even more urgent. The urgency in which I act could impact those that cannot. Thus, I found a sense of responsibility toward environmental and climate issues.
The University of Houston has taken multiple measures toward a sustainable future. This leads me to believe that the student body here may be interested in small, but significant changes, that will help people financially and environmentally (however slight) in the long run.
This blog is going to be dedicated to sharing multiple things that have worked for me as a student. Some of which include cutting down on waste and buying mostly secondhand. Similarly, I will also be trying out popular hacks in the eco-conscious community (yes, that will include not washing my hair with shampoo). Small efforts over time, as I have seen, does make a difference—managing to benefit all involved.
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