Greener me

        After countless class discussions, videos, and articles I've begun to feel a bit discouraged about the state of our planet and my efforts, or lack thereof to preserve it. There is so much that can be done - that needs to be done, but the idea of an individuals significance in a battle like this one is a mindset I can't seem to break away from. We've watched videos like No Impact Man and the Yert trailers, and seen what extremists are doing to contribute to the preservation and betterment of our environment, but to what extent is the average individual supposed to contribute? Is it enough to simply recycle, should I plant a garden, only eat foods from a farmers market? For me, and most college students, leading a "green" existence on campus proves to be quite difficult. With cafeteria food, prepackaged meals, disposable everything, and the pure lack of consciousness all lead college students to dump on the environment constantly.
       Although my frustrations are mounting, because I want to do more, and would love to lead a greener life, I have learned a great deal, and personally become much more conscious of my habits, and those of the people surrounding me. I've begun making small changes, like recycling my plastic cereal containers and cutlery at meals, turning off the water while brushing my teeth, shortening my shower length...but honestly,  making these small changes has made me realize how far I am from a green individual. There are so many other small, and large things in my life that'd I would have to change, and as a college student they simply aren't realistic. However, as this school year wraps up, and I head home for the summer, where I have more control over my food intake, and other aspects of day to day life, I plan to continue making small changes, to lessen my carbon footprint. I'm doing my best to not get discouraged by the valiant effort of the most committed green citizens of the world, and take baby steps towards becoming a greener me.
--Steffi