The Importance of Environmental Stewardship

All Americans should have a sincere desire to help others and in turn their community. The idea of community should be promoted over society’s general impulse for selfish hyper-individualism. The community concept is where individuals put the interests of the community over their own individual interests; and is most strongly expressed through the act of volunteerism. Volunteer work is some of the most meaningful and vital work a person can perform in their life. Why volunteer your time? Why should the community come first?

Whats the problem?

North America comprises five percent of the world’s population, but drains thirty percent of the world’s non renewable natural resources on a yearly basis. Our footprint on the Earth is devastating and ever more destructive. Did you know that the typical American throws away four pounds of trash a day? That each year in Virginia alone, motorists drop over 16,000 pieces of litter per mile on Va. highways? Those figures are astounding and should alarm the common man. We must change the way we look at ourselves, the community, and the world.

Americans must decrease there consumption habits, become more aware of their actions, and give back to the community through volunteer service. Our day to day seemingly innocent actions such as throwing away a piece of trash, not recycling, driving fuel inefficient vehicles and using incandescent light bulbs in our homes have a definite negative impact on the earth and it’s future inhabitants. Just because you cannot see the immediate effects of litter and pollution does not mean that pollution doesn't negatively and adversively affect our generation and future generations to come. We must think of others first. Remove the way of thinking that places you above and before others. We must serve others and those who have yet to come. Our environmental footprint on the Earth will be seen many years after our grandchildren are dead and gone. How sad. How selfish. Think seven generations ahead.

It is imperative that we take care of our community and the Earth, we belong to it.

DID YOU KNOW?

• It takes 350 years for an aluminum can to decompose.
• Styrofoam never degrades.
• It takes 13 years for a cigarette butt to decompose.
• Every ton of recycled newspapers saves 17 trees.
• An incandescant light bulb uses 1/3 the energy as a fluorescent bulb and lasts 10 times longer.

How can you help your community? It's the little things that can make a difference!

MAKE THESE 8 PLEDGES AND YOU CAN MAKE A WORLD OF A DIFFERENCE.

The ways in which a person can volunteer to take care of their community can be as creative and vivid as ones imagination. Start by making a pledge. Pledge to pick up at least a one piece of trash a day. Pledge to recycle all items that can be recycled. Pledge to change all incandescent light bulbs in your home or apartment to fluorescent light bulbs with the energy star logo. Pledge to make sure your motor oil is properly disposed of and not thrown away with the regular trash. Pledge to adopt a spot in your community through Keep America Beautiful by removing trash from an area at least four times a year. Pledge to take five to seven minute showers. Pledge to refuse the plastic bag at the supermarket if purchasing only one or two items. Pledge to never purchase a styrofoam cup again.

Would you and your friends like to make a big difference?

Volunteer for the Great American Cleanup in your neighborhood. Multiple events held every year March 1 thru May 31, 2007. Visit: Keep America Beautiful at http://www.kab.org/

Adopt a mile long stretch of road in you community and remove trash at least 4 times a year. For more information on this contact your local Environmental Commission, Neighborhood Preservation department, or Public Works department.

Volunteer for the Chesapeake Bay's Clean the Bay Day. This is a coastal environmental clean up spanning the States of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.

Contact the Chesapeake bay Foundation at http://www.cbf.org/

THE NEXT CLEAN THE BAY DAY IS SATURDAY JUNE 2, 2007 FROM 9 AM TO 12 PM

It is the social responsibility for all citizens of the world to engage in significant volunteer activities throughout their respective lives. Humans cannot continue to live in a carefree, throw everything away society. We must live in accordance with the rules of nature and the environment. Volunteer your time for a worthy cause and be kind to the earth; it's the only one we have.

WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO TO HELP THE EARTH? SHARE YOUR CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS BY CLICKING ON THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.