Great Way To Help The Environment: Vote!

One of the most powerful tools we have to help make positive change is our vote. The people we chose to represent us in government make decisions and pass laws that impact all of us, now and into the future. So, if you're 18 or older, make sure you exercise your 15th amendment right to vote, and do it by November 5, which is the last day to turn in a ballot. If you have not registered to vote yet, visit usa.gov to learn how.

Of course, there are lots of issues to consider before you vote, and what a candidate says they will do to help the environment is just one of them. However, given our rapidly changing climate, it is one of the most important issues there is, especially for young people who will live with the consequences of the choices we make today.

With the internet, it is easy to research candidates. A simple google search can show you who will be on your ballot based on where you live. Candidates running for office usually have websites and social media accounts that explain their positions on all the important issues. If the candidate talks about things like reducing pollution, cleaning up our water supply, promoting renewable energy, and protecting natural spaces, that's someone to consider voting for. Too much is at stake to vote for politicians who flat out deny climate science or downplay the risk we face, but I do have hope people with this opinion will continue to become a smaller and smaller minority, and that the majority of our leaders will work together to find solutions. Again, I know the environment is only one issue, so try to learn as much about the candidates as possible to make sure their values are in line with your own.

If you are not 18 years old yet, you can still learn about the candidates, and encourage your friends and family who are old enough, to strongly consider voting for leaders who promise to help protect the environment. Make your voice heard so they know without a doubt that it is important to you that we all work together to create a cleaner, greener planet.