OpinionsTree HuggerThe environmentalist

The environmentalist

-

- Advertisment -spot_img

Rachel Carson, an American marine biologist, is considered to have advanced the global environmental movement. She published her book Silent Spring in 1962 to bring to fore the problems caused by synthetic pesticides being freely used and promoted to eradicate pests especially in agriculture.

Despite the fierce opposition of the chemical companies it “spurred a reversal in national pesticide policy which led to a nation wide ban on DDT and other pesticides. It also inspired a grassroots environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency”.

Does anyone remember the DDT sprays commonly used to eradicate household pests…even mosquitos? DDT was then considered a wonder chemical, the simple solution to pest problems large and small. DDT was only banned worldwide in 2001. In truth, DDT is a horror story.

The desire for development and profit coupled with the desire for material goods versus the integrity of life, which is the right to live in an environmentally- sustainable world, is a delicate balancing act.

Because of this, people of all ages have spoken, written about, and acted on issues concerning the environment. The environment is not something that is “out there”. The environment is RIGHT HERE…the ground we stand on, the very air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink.

You are an environmentalist when you support in any way the protection of the natural environment. One does not need a degree in any environmental science to be called an environmentalist. Even children can be environmentalists in the truest sense.

Greta Thunberg, from the age of 12, has been making waves with her school strike for the climate. Locally, Miguel Teves at 11 years old, started his beach cleanups due to plastic pollution.

Because of voices of dissent against the reclamation issue in Dumaguete, some people have been labelled “pseudo environmentalists”, “alarmists”, “self-proclaimed environmentalists” and “shouting to get international funding”.

What is the mockery for? I feel sorry for these persons driven to write this.

If there is any one person who lives genuinely environmentally, it is Mr. Leo Mamicpic. Leo lives what he preaches. He has installed solar panels in his house for energy conservation; he has installed a system for rainwater catchment to help conserve water; he drives an electric vehicle to minimize the emission of CO2 in the air; he shops with a basket and reusable bag to avoid using plastics; he has spoken in countless forums against plastic pollution.

Leo Mamicpic won an award for environmental living, and gave the proceeds to his community’s zero-waste program in barangay Bantayan. He donates his various speaker’s fees to the fund of our organisation, the FENOr (Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental). He gladly shares his time for consultation for free.

The true environmentalist acts from the heart.

For now, we will wear the labels meant to mock as medals.

______________________________________

Author’s email: [email protected]

br />

(Back to MetroPost HOME PAGE)


 

 

Latest news

City budget is dead  — Dgte Council

    Perdices resigns as Finance Committee chair “The Motion raised by Councilor Baldado for the approval of the 2025 annual...

Comelec to put LGUs  in ‘yellow’ alert

    Majority of the cities and municipalities in Negros Oriental are likely to be placed under ‘yellow’ category for the...

Who wins?

    The City Council’s Friday special session was meant to be about one matter: approving the 2025 annual budget of...

Canlaon completes P12M infra

    despite eruption The local government of Canlaon City turned over this week more than P12 million worth of infrastructure projects...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

Coop budgets P9M for CSR

    The Perpetual Help Community Cooperative, Inc. has lined up projects this year for its community development program in Negros...

PNP augments force for May polls

    The first batch of augmentation force from the Philippine National Police that will assist in disaster response, and perform...

Must read

City budget is dead  — Dgte Council

    Perdices resigns as Finance Committee chair “The Motion raised by...

Comelec to put LGUs  in ‘yellow’ alert

    Majority of the cities and municipalities in Negros Oriental...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you