Fighting climate change at a micro level as every choice matters, every step counts
While the climate crisis often triggers overwhelming feelings of doom, there are many ways individuals can deter further environmental destruction. Sometimes, people feel inclined to wait for nationwide leaders or large scale corporations to do their part in encouraging environmentally friendly action; however, the crisis is far too urgent to wait around for other people to ignite the flames of change. Environmental Science and Biology teacher, as well as Green Alarm advisor, John Reiland firmly believes that one person can have a significant impact.
“We need to educate people on what they could be doing in their everyday lives that would be beneficial to the world around them,” he said. “That way we can make changes on the individual level.”
Reiland also feels taking action now is crucial, and the planet’s future truly depends on it.
“When I was born, there were four billion people on earth, now there’s eight billion people. The population is climbing so rapidly,” he said. “This doesn’t mean people should stop having children, but it does mean we have to do things better to keep the earth healthy.”
Thankfully, West offers opportunities and resources students need to make decisions with the environment’s best interest in mind. Provided below is a list of changes students can make at school as well as at home to show mother nature the affection she deserves.
1. Use reusable water bottles and cups instead of plastic ones
West is fortunate enough to have several water bottle filling stations in various locations around the school. Many students prefer the trendy bottle options, such as the Owala or Stanley; however, a reusable water bottle does not need to be a lofty investment. Any ol’ water bottle will suffice, as anything is better than dreadful plastic. If you do forget to bring a water bottle and purchase plastic instead, refill it instead of purchasing a new one every day. Also, at the Wildcat cafe Wildcats can bring a reusable cup and save a quarter. The earth and student’s bank accounts can both thrive if students make the effort of supplying their own cup for their beverage of choice. Using plastic cups is extremely detrimental, as plastic is created from fossil fuels and does not decompose. Instead, it breaks down into microplastics, damaging entire ecosystems. Quarters add up fast, as does the amount of plastic in landfills with the countless cafe trips students engage in. Thus, actions as simple as this make a great difference if everyone takes it upon themselves to bring their cup!
2. Plant! A tree, a garden, some produce, get your hands dirty and add some greenery to your home
There’s a reason why people say, “go green,” when referring to a lifestyle that consists of climate conscious decision making: the more green, the better! Plants recycle carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, a process that they depend on for adequate nurture. In turn, plants expel oxygen, making their mere existence a climate conserver.
Some argue it doesn’t make a difference, since there are plenty of farms planting row after row of leafy greens. However, commercial agriculture has its own share of greenhouse gas emissions, constituting 10.6% of total U.S. emissions in 2021 (according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture).
Many fail to consider the journey produce takes from field to fridge. Heavy duty agricultural equipment consumes large quantities of fuel. Then, once the produce is ready to be distributed, it travels an average of 1500 miles before arriving at your local grocery store. Sustaining a garden means having produce readily available, just outside the back door. At West, clubs have the opportunity to “adopt” and maintain a courtyard, giving them the opportunity to grow greens on school property. In addition, West reduces its carbon footprint by using hydroponic gardens to grow a variety of veggies and greens. Hydroponics offer an alternative to a traditional garden, as they can be managed indoors and use resources in a compact, efficient manner.
3. Compost food waste (and other compostable resources)
Composting is a great way to lessen the load of the landfill. Landfill gas is roughly a 50/50 methane-carbon dioxide mixture, and it deteriorates both the earth and human health. However, grass clippings, cardboard, paper bags and towels, uncooked fruit and vegetable peelings, egg shells, and tea/coffee grounds can all be composted, and doing so can reduce dependence on chemical fertilizer, recover soil fertility, and improve plant’s water retention, all while eliminating landfill.
Oshkosh had the opportunity to compost food waste with UWO’s biodigester, which could handle up to 8000 tons of food waste at a time, supplying up to 15% of the campus’ electrical needs. Unfortunately, this energy efficient machine is no longer operating.
“UWO’s biodigester took yard waste and food scraps, got the methane out of them, and used that methane to generate and create electricity,” Reiland said. “UWO hit some financial problems, so they sold that facility and that’s not running anymore, which is something I find very depressing.”
However, this doesn’t stop Oshkosh families from creating composts of their own. Senior and co-president of Green Alarm Emmy Reichenberger has a special place in her backyard for peels, skins, and shells.
“My dad built a huge compost; we’re really big on that in our family,” she said. “We have our own garden, so we use the compost for our garden and we cook and eat our own vegetables as well.”
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers several compost pick-up service options for those who don’t have a garden of their own to nourish with their scraps.
4. Reduce animal product consumption…try adding a “meatless Monday” to your routine
Animal products themselves are not the problem; it’s the amount being consumed. In general, the equipment and transportation required for agricultural products emits substantial greenhouse gases. Part of the reason why the beef industry has a greater negative impact is because a single cow produces between 150 and 250 pounds of methane gas through belching and feces.
Cattle are also unknowingly destructive creatures, and as they graze, they disrupt ecosystems, destroy plants, and erode the soil. Their manure pollutes rivers and streams, killing other species, and they require at least an acre of land per cow to graze. Thus, the destruction of vast grounds reduces the soil’s ability to provide for vegetation, and the meat industry’s pressing demands are too immense for the earth to handle, as the land damage proves difficult to repair.
That’s why reducing meat intake is an extremely beneficial way for an individual to improve their carbon footprint and overall impact. Junior Green Alarm member Jack Uecker has recently made the decision to cut back on his meat consumption.
“I’m not vegan, but I try to have a vegetarian diet to try to help with climate change,” he said.
5. Shop local! Pour money into the community and the people who produce goods ethically
Large corporations often choose the most cost effective path, even if it deteriorates the environment. Meanwhile, many small, local businesses strive to produce in a climate conscious way. Supporting local businesses is a great way to keep small businesses afloat. It also reduces the gas emissions that transportation of goods ensues. The Oshkosh Farmers Market is the perfect place to start.
6. Reduce, reuse, recycle (emphasis on the reduce)
The rise of the media has fueled overconsumption. The desire to fit in and have the trendiest clothes, water bottle, accessories, and room decor is addictive for most high schoolers, and resources are frequently disregarded and mindlessly thrown into the landfill. Thus, “reduce, reuse, recycle” is preached time and time again.
“Everyone instantly thinks recycling, but they don’t realize that they often don’t end up recycling all of the stuff thrown in the bin,” Reiland said. “Instead, let’s focus on reducing.”
One can reduce by appreciating all they have and using resources to their fullest potential. If you already have excess, donate to organizations who will distribute them to the hands in need. Reiland acknowledges several efforts at West.
“This year, Benson Lin collected and donated shoes, and Lucy Whitcomb did the same with clothes,” he said.
If students missed out on these opportunities, it isn’t too late. Donating to thrift stores, or Community Clothes Closet (which distributes clothes to people in need for free) are other options to responsibly dispose of unwanted goods.
7. Use LED lights and other efficient energy appliances
Another climate conscious decision West has made in recent years is replacing ancient incandescent bulbs with new LED strips. Reiland compares the environmental impact of the various bulbs.
“If you had both on for fifty thousand hours, the incandescent light bulb would cost about three hundred dollars, whereas an LED light bulb is about $50,” he said. “I use money to quantify this but it really shows that LED light bulbs are much more efficient and burn a lot less coal. You could go up there and touch the new LED bulbs, whereas the old ones are too hot.”
Most high schoolers have little to no say in their appliances and light source now; however, they will likely live on their own in the future, and have decisions to make concerning their electricity and appliances. Switching to LED bulbs or Energy Star appliances is something for students to keep in mind as they navigate their futures. In the meantime, West students can take comfort in knowing the school’s light pleases the planet.
8. Eliminate water waste
The Oshkosh community is very fortunate to have an abundance of safe water, but the resource is often taken for granted. To pump, heat, and treat water requires a significant amount of energy. Saving water goes beyond turning off faucets and taking shorter showers—other efforts include only washing full loads of laundry, using a dishwasher as opposed to washing by hand (if this isn’t feasible, plug the sink while doing dishes), and being on the lookout for water leaks to resolve the problem promptly.
9. Unplug!
Not leaving the sink running while brushing pearly whites is common knowledge for most, yet many people leave their chargers plugged into outlets at all times, even when not in use. While keeping chargers plugged in is most convenient, the simple act of unplugging can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to seven kilos per year. This is one of the little things that adds up immensely over time, especially when communities make combined efforts.
10. Donate what you can to organizations who are making climate efforts on a grander scale
If facing insecurity about the significance of individual impact, there are several ways to get involved on a communal level, and contribute to larger-scale projects. Donating to charities is a significant way to increase impact further, but always research the organization first to ensure the money is going towards an advantageous cause.
Ocean Conservancy, Protect Our Winters, Clean Air Task Force, and The Nature Conservancy are various organizations one could consider supporting.
11. Educate yourself, take an environmental science class or get involved with Green Alarm
Striving to make progress on an individual level for an issue as expansive as climate change can be disheartening. In times of doubt, lean on the community to ignite progress. Joining Green Alarm or enrolling in Environmental Science is a great way to do so at West, and for Green Alarm co-president and senior Sophia Olmsted, staying involved has heightened her motivation.
“The individual mindset is dangerous and sometimes prohibits progress,” she said. “It’s true, you are one individual, but it’s all about mindset. If you think about how your impact can influence others to want to make a difference as well, then you’ve made a more significant change. ”
The Los Angeles wildfires have proved that the worst thing one can do is nothing. The damages will continue to build if action is not taken, and trying to tackle items from this list would be a great place to start.
Resources to Aid Los Angeles:
California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund
City of Los Angeles EMD Disaster Relief Efforts
American Red Cross
by Jazmine Blustin
Published February 24th, 2025
Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue V