Syracuse’s Earthfest is being held in Thornden Park on Sunday, just one week after Earth Day. Events like this demonstrate that environmental awareness is increasing, but there is more we can do to turn our awareness into actions.

A lot of environmental awareness tactics stay inside the box — reusing water bottles, flipping off the light switch and turning off the tap. Of course, a collection of many small actions can produce a significant positive effect, but true environmental activists commit to making more substantial changes.

“I have seen some growth in environmental awareness, specifically in Syracuse, where more attention is being paid to Onondaga Lake, and the need to take preventative action against climate change,” said Lindsay Speer, a representative from HeatSmart CNY.

HeatSmart is a community initiates to support residents and businesses in exploring ways to improve how they heat their buildings.

Speer credits much of New York’s environmental success and growing awareness to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) environmental incentives. She said environmental reform efforts like Cuomo’s have brought the issue to the forefront of many Americans’ minds.

Eva Suppa | Contributing Digital Designer

While many Americans consider themselves to be “living green,” few are doing their part to promote true conservation. Whether this is because of a lack of knowledge, a sense of apathy or just a preoccupation with other issues, the takeaway is the same — we need to step it up. We also need to engage more effectively with Americans who might be skeptical about making environmentally-minded changes.

Embracing the importance of money and convenience in our lives is one way activists can reach Americans who might not be focused on the environment.

“Maybe they’re not thinking about environmental issues, but they sure are thinking about how their furnace may be going,” said Speer. “A lot of environmental things that we can do help our bottom line, help our wallets and help make our homes more comfortable.”

Events that increase the public’s knowledge and exposure to environmental issues are admirable, but we can more effectively utilize them as an opportunity to mobilize activists in ways that produce noteworthy change. It’s time that we adopt an approach to rejuvenate our planet with ideals we know appeal to the American people.

Taking this year’s Earth Day and celebrations like Earthfest as an opportunity not only identifies the changes you need to make in your own life but also explores how you can convince those around you to care as well.

Emily Cerrito is a sophomore television, radio and film major. Her column appears bi-weekly. You can reach her at ercerrit@syr.edu.

Published on April 24, 2019 at 11:08 pm