April 22, 2024 marks the 54th annual Earth Day. College students are rooted in the history of this celebration and continue to be the spearheads of environmental change. But how do the flaws contribute to the planet’s deterioration and what can students do to save the future?
History of Earth Day
In the decades before the first Earth Day, the whole world watched as the environment fell apart in front of its eyes. Over 150 years of ruthless and unyielding industrial development began showing its cracks. Human health and the entire planet were on the line.
Then, in 1969, Americans watched as three million gallons of oil spilled into the Pacific Ocean through the Santa Barbara Channel. Thousands of birds, seals, sea lions and other aquatic life died. The nation was enraged.
In the aftermath, Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator from Wisconsin, took action. He saw the power of student anti-war protests and knew it could be used to combat environmental inaction.
Sen. Nelson recruited Denis Hayes, a young environmental advocate, to raise national awareness about ecological issues. Hayes led American college students in campus teach-ins, demonstrations and rallies. His work inspired students across the country and captured national media attention.
April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans (10% of the U.S. population) protested on the streets. Since then, celebrations have spread globally to include over 190 countries and billions of participants.
The fatal flaws of overconsumption
College students remain at the forefront of environmental activism today, but we have flaws. As students, many of us are guilty of overconsumption caused by fast-evolving fashion trends.
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Planet vs. Plastics,” which advocates for the end of single-use plastics and fast fashion.
As Ohio University students, we have seen efforts to combat plastic pollution through initiatives like plastic bag bans, reusable cutlery and thrift shops. However, overconsumption has quickly undermined the effectiveness of these movements.
Frequently buying new versions of items already owned, such as tote bags and water bottles, promotes a culture where even reusable items become temporary and disposable. The environmental impact of overconsumption extends beyond plastic pollution, contributing to pollution, waste generation and resource depletion.
Ending single-use plastics requires the end of overconsumption, a habit also fostered by fast fashion.
Companies like SHEIN, H&M, Zara and Forever 21 symbolize the negative impact of fast fashion, an industry where clothing is seen as disposable. This practice is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and the exploitation of millions of garment workers.
Generation Z embraces thrifting and vintage shopping, a testament to our ability to be sustainable. However, the soft spot for overconsumption and fast fashion threatens any made progress.
Our Earth
Student-led demonstrations inspired the first Earth Day and continue to inspire celebrations worldwide.
Many local groups in Southeast Ohio, such as the Sunday Creek Associates, the Athens Conservancy and the Raccoon Creek Partnership, have OU students contributing to help preserve the planet.
OU is a hub for sustainability and environmentalism. Appalachia’s history of resource-based economic structures, like coal mining, create a tight-knit community of driven environmentalists. For OU students, contributing to protecting the planet is as simple as becoming involved with their local initiatives.
People face a critical juncture worldwide where change has to be made before the Earth faces irreversible harm. The first steps of necessary changes for many are ending single-use plastics, overconsumption and fast fashion.
Globally, corporations and governments can start implementing environmental policies. College students can also lead a change by advocating for sustainable practices and lifestyles.
Earth Day serves as both a celebration and a call to action. The planet is our only home and for many, the responsibility lies with protecting it.
