Letters to the editor: sometimes we get them and don't put them online

Editor:

      The following represents the view of one Sociology class at the University of Prince Edward Island, who brainstormed on potential solutions to a continuing environmental crisis. Of particular concern to this generation is the lack of leadership around the many issues requiring immediate attention. We acknowledge that there are green initiatives being taken by larger governing bodies and organisations, but these initiatives will not work without the support of citizens in the global community. It is evident that the current economic crisis has put environmental issues on the back burner. 

      Despite the enormity of the challenge that lay ahead, we propose the following as a start to help preserve and restore our environment: 

 Finding new sources of sustainable energy, which require commitment to develop and maintain. We need to find alternative ways to utilize resources and materials. If we are not going to invest our money in green technology now there is no way we can go back once the damage has been done.

      Consumerism has taken over our lives and it has caused much damage to the environment. Today everything is commercialized and many of our material goods travel the globe before they reach our doorstep. These products leave a "global foot-print" the size of those countries that were enticed by the political economy of capitalism. Being proactive and taking a stand in how we use our resources and which products we choose to buy can help make a difference

       Education is the primary factor in solving environmental issues; it has the ability to change the way people think. We must take the initiative to learn about how we can make a difference. Making a difference could be as simple as recycling, buying locally, and using public transit. 

      There must be an individual commitment propelling community effort to change.  Everyday people have the ability to impact our global community on the local level.  Hence, we accept the slogan "think globally, act locally" and its call to action.  We know time is an important factor so we add the word "daily" to the slogan to reflect action now. We have the capacity to make our world a better place for present and future generations.