Change Can Save Us From Global Warming

There has been a lot of talk regarding the issue of global warming.  Although we have addressed the matter, it seems no one has offered solutions. Because it is such a large topic, we, as individuals, seem to think our contributions make little difference. I am writing to say that this is not the case.

Putting this in perspective, according to a recent study by the EPA, the average American consumes 167 bottles of water each year. Considering there are approximately 9,000 students on the UW-L campus alone, we are looking at over 1.5 million bottles of water used annually by our students. Not only that, but more than 80% of these bottles will not be recycled(EPA, 2009). Imagine the amount of plastic bottles used each year by the city of La Crosse.

What can we do? By simply placing those water bottles in the recycling bin, we can save everyone years of environmental harm from production of new materials, over-crowded landfills, and the depletion of our natural resources. Another solution is simply using stainless steel water bottles. Strangely enough, many people do not realize that the plastic bottles our water comes in are made out of oil. This is the same oil used to make highly demanded, limited gasoline. An estimated 47 million gallons of oil are used to produce the bottles that Americans drink each year (EPA, 2009).

Global warming, no longer viewed as a theory by scientists, has sadly become a fact. The change needed must be in our actions today in order to ensure a bright (not too hot) tomorrow. Change begins with the individual. No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.