A common misconception about going green is that one person can’t change anything. I felt this same way when I started to become environmentally conscious. I felt that if it is only me doing this, what difference can I make in my community?
Recently, a friend of mine who is in Student Government proposed that the school change all of the signs on the recycling bins from “MIXED PAPER ONLY” to “MIXED RECYCLABLES”. At my school, we have single stream recycling but before these signs were changed only few people knew that. This one person, my friend, saw something that needed to be done to help the environment, and it rippled throughout my entire school.
A few days ago, I bought some bamboo toothbrushes. I thought I was going to be the only one using them, but in the pack there were seven more. What was I going to do with all of these toothbrushes? My sisters and mom threw away their old toothbrushes and started to use these ones. I gave two to my boyfriend, and now him and his mom use them. I have two left over for when it is time to switch my current one out.
These are examples of the ripple effect. One person’s good deed for the environment can ripple to their friends, family, and peers. This good deed can only ripple if the individual acts as an activist. To get the signs changed on the recycling bins, my friend first had to ask important people and talk in front of crowds to gain support for her cause. To get my family to use the toothbrushes, I had to convince them of its’ importance like an advertisement.
Environmentalism ripples from those who are passionate. Activists are not afraid to ask questions to authority figures and challenge their communities.
The ripple effect is real and it is effective in spreading important environmental practices.
Recyclopath 