by Julia Ward
After going home this weekend for Fall Break, I realized just how many of my habits are due to what was taught to me by parents. I really believe that this plays a huge role on the environment because some parents are definitely more environmentally conscious then others. This only helps to develop a child’s habits which will last throughout their lifetime.
For example, my mother always taught me to turn off the lights in a room once I leave the room. I was also told that it is necessary to turn off the TV, along with any other device that emits energy. So, in this case I have become very environmentally conscious about turning off the lights/TV where ever I am, even if it’s not at home. I currently live in a house with 21 other girls and I always turn off the TV and lights whenever I see them left on, even if no one is in the room. Some of my friends look at me like I am crazy, while others appreciate my habits and have started to adapt them as their own.
I was also taught to never let the water run for too long while brushing your teeth or washing your face, and try to not take long showers that will waste water. Even though this may seem like a simple task, most people forget about the amount of water they are actually wasting and let it run for long periods of time.
I was also very fortunate to be exposed to organic and natural food throughout my years growing up. This has really showed me the importance of buying food from local farmers. I remember at a young age going to the weekly farmers’ markets in my town which was always a great experience. While some do not have access to organic and natural food, I feel as though I can share my experience with this sector of food and hopefully influence others. My mother also has a vegetable garden and grows tomatoes, basil, cucumbers, and parsley which is also not only sustainable but special at the same time.
These habits have traveled with me to college and I am positive that I will continue this way of life due to the fact that these simple tasks have become part of my daily routine. Many today do not really think about these things, but the impacts that they can have on the earth’s sustainability are endless.