'Going green' is start of 'revolution' to save planet

Publication Date: 09/24/2008

My point is directed at the idea raised by Mr. Bakhtary that finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint is a waste of time. As I recall from my history lessons, most revolutions don't start out with the majority yelling out with a declaration of change. The American Revolution began with most of the colonists agreeing that something needed to be done about Britain's control. It wasn't until the people listened to the few small voices advocating action that we had our little revolution.

Right now, we're in the same boat. I think that we can all agree that something needs to be done about our energy crisis. And offshore drilling is not the answer. Going to get more oil when you're planning a "green revolution" is kind of saying that you don't even believe in your own cause, and that's pretty weak. It's incredibly short-sighted to burn oil to start drilling more oil, so we can have oil in 10 years when we'll be powered by wind and solar energy. However, when I recycle, walk instead of driving, use energy-efficient light bulbs, unplug electronics I'm not using and bring my own bags to the grocery store, I'm not saying, "Hey, look at me! I'm 'going green!'" I'm saying that it can be done; that if we all start realizing how to save ourselves and our planet, we can do it. I consider myself one of the little voices trying to get everyone else to listen. It has to start somewhere, and it has to start with everyone doing whatever they can. I hope and pray that eventually enough people will start to watch people leading by example, so that when we all work together, yes, we can make a difference that isn't a "negligible" impact.

Andy Drahos

Junior, College of Science