Tonight I attended the Environmental Panel Becker/Rose Cafe Discussion. Professors David Wolfe, Greg Poe, and Shanjun Li led an interactive discussion concerning some current environmental issues and policies. They made it clear that the “common man” has an important role to play in the issue, as we can engage in more sustainable everyday practices, and agitate for environmental change on the political level. As Cornell students especially, it is our responsibility to be informed of environmentally responsible policies and technologies that can affect our options and the options of those around us. Leaving Cornell, we will have the opportunity to influence those in our respective spheres with regard to these things. Also, as an engineer, I have the opportunity to develop skills that can be put to the task in designing improved sustainability technologies.

The question that I want to ask everyone who may read this is: what are you willing to do – or even what are you willing to sacrifice – for the benefit of the environment? Everyday choices have an impact. Would you be slightly inconvenienced by taking the time to turn off the tap whenever you don’t need it, or turn lights off each time you leave a room? Would you be willing to modify your schedule more intensively to bike to the store and to work instead of drive? Would you be willing to pay more money for sustainably-sourced products and locally grown foods? Would you give up McDonalds burgers because of the obscene amounts of water it takes, and methane it creates to produce the ground beef? I find it easy to point fingers at big industry and politicians for causing pollution and hindering environmental responsibility, without recognizing that my consumption and lifestyle cause significant amounts of pollution. So, how serious are you about environmental health, really? What are you willing to DO about it? Your actions prove how much you want to see changes made.