by Kira Lu ’20, Staff Writer

On August 2nd, 2017, the Global Footprint Network calculated that we as a planet had used up all of the resources that are replenishable by the Earth in 2017; all resources we used from that date onwards could not be renewed. This date, known as “Earth Overshoot Day” or “Ecological Debt Day” has moved earlier and earlier every year; in 1971, we “celebrated” this day on December 24th. Our demand for resources has risen far beyond what our Earth can support, and if we do not do something about it, there will be no Earth left to live on. According to the Global Footprint Network, our rapid use of resources will need to be sustained by two Earths by 2030, an amount of resources that is practically impossible.

These facts are scary and make me want to hide in my room and never use a resource ever again! Obviously, that is unrealistic, and as much as these problems loom over our lives, it is still easy to get caught up in daily life and forget how each of us are dependent on the environment and its ability to provide for us. Small ways to help from day to day go a long way; using reusable water bottles rather than the disposable plastic alternative, Green and Blue Committee’s new reusable froyo cups, printing assignments double-sided or foregoing paper assignments altogether for more eco-friendly electronic texts, and carpooling to and from school, just to name a few, are all ways that we can integrate taking care of our environment into our daily lives.

In addition to adjustments in our daily lives, we can go beyond and use our voices to advocate for change. Sophia Ludtke ‘20 said, “While the value of these small-scale, individual actions cannot be underestimated, ultimately large-scale legislation is urgently needed. Advocating for policies addressing climate change and other environmental concerns can have a significant impact.”

Changes as extensive as these obviously seem impossible and daunting. Many may assume that one person cannot make a difference, but through the eco-friendly decisions of individuals everywhere, change is possible. Within the Newark Academy community, the Green and Blue Committee works to create a more sustainable way for the school to function through advocacy for our planet. Ryan Gajarawala ‘18 says, “I think it’s really important that people are educated about their environmental footprint and cognizant of reducing their use of wasteful resources. Although it is easy to believe that one use of plastic or printing one page one sided has no impact, imagine if everyone had a similar mindset. People should be more aware of how they use their resources to help make every effort, no matter what size, to contribute to a better world and healthier environment.” Keeping the environment in mind when doing daily tasks, no matter how trivial, can have a rippling impact on both the Earth itself, the attitudes of others around you, and the future of generations that will not have nearly as much access to resources as we do right now.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2017/08/03/humanity-officially-consumed-more-earth-produce-year/#79bee5f459a4

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/earth-overshoot-day-2016_us_57a4258fe4b056bad2151b49