Sapphier Negussie
RST 242
When discussing the Modern Environmental Movement, it is crucial that each person is
conscious of how they specifically impact the environment. We all play a role in the condition of
the environment around us and we are capable of making a larger impact than we may think. It
is no secret that many of us are wasteful when we don’t have to be or contribute to the waste
indirectly. With technology continually advancing, many of the new inventions throughout the
last several decades have been extremely harmful. From coal to steel production and the way
we breed and distribute meat and other foods, it seems as if we are more interested in the
“now” and not thinking about how this can affect the future. On a day to day level, my specific
impact can be significantly improved as well. Though I do the easy everyday thing like recycling
plastic bottles and taking public transportation or a bike rather than drive a car, there are other
things that I unconsciously may do to contribute to the wastefulness of our society. This
includes even the little things like being wasteful with water or using products that are not
biodegradable. The Modern Environmental Movement has definitely begun to make an impact
though. This is reflected right here at the University of Illinois were steps like recyclable straws
and containers were implemented. Making steps on both a large and personal scale is what is
important if we are to make progress in this movement.