Small Acts, Big Impact

When we plant a seed, we take the first step to helping a life form grow, but also metaphorically ignite the start of something new. The small object will grow and be shaped, all while facing the hardships of the world. Eventually, it will grow into a beautiful tree, providing oxygen to humans and sustaining many other forms of life. Although just like the seed, humans will face challenges, by spreading awareness of conservation this Earth Day, we can ignite a movement towards a sustainable future.

Now more than ever, it is important to recognize and support Earth Day. As we know it, the Earth sustains many life forms and provides essential things needed for life to grow and operate. Take humans, for example, without the oxygen that the Earth’s trees produce, we would not be able to breathe and live. But the growing population poses some side effects that are negatively contributing to our planet. Each year, the world produces over two billion tons of trash, and that total is expected to have increased by fifty percent by 2050 (information from openknowledge.worldbank.org). On top of that, “There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while some four billion plastic microfibers per square kilometer litter the deep sea,” writes Laura Parker on National Geographic. If we all recycled, we could reduce the amount of trash in the ocean, as well as provide materials for reusable products and cut down on landfill space. This Earth Day, we can recognize some of the problems the Earth has, and learn from them to cultivate a sustainable future.

My artwork focuses on the small actions we can all take to help our planet. We can reduce fossil fuels emissions by collecting energy from solar panels and wind turbines. This energy can be transferred to power our cars, homes, and cities, helping make the world a cleaner place. With some funding and solar panels placed in every city, we can drastically reduce the amount of fossil fuels emitted each year. This can help impede global warming, as well as slow greenhouse gas emissions. If we recycle, we can provide materials for reusable products as well as reduce the trash that ends up in landfills and the seas. Finally, by planting trees around our local areas, we can increase the amount of oxygen in our society as well as preserve the area for all kinds of nature.

The simple acts we take can greatly benefit our planet. By planting a simple seed, whether it be in our garden or an idea in our minds, we can come up with imaginative ways to preserve our Earth. In the same way, when we recycle, use solar and wind energy, and find new ways to implement nature in our community, we get a greater sense of self and purpose. This Earth Day, the small acts we do to conserve the Earth will plant the seeds for a sustainable future.