The Impact of Earth Day on Teen Culture
Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, to bring environmental concerns to light and push for action to address pollution and environmental damage. Since then, Earth Day has unified millions to advocate for the environment and increase awareness of ecological issues, such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation. Although Earth Day is symbolic for many, it has begun to represent a far larger call for societal change and long-term sustainable living. While most people are aware of the risks of climate change, few do anything about it because they believe one person can’t make an impactful and meaningful difference. However, teenagers in this day and age are not only aware of the climate crisis but are also taking impactful and meaningful action in their communities and neighborhoods through various forms of activism and advocacy.
At Riverdale, environmental topics have sparked various student-led initiatives and advocative efforts. In particular, Riverdale’s Sustainability Club has been promoting many environmental fundraisers throughout the year, but one stands out. In honor of Earth Day, members of the sustainability club will be hosting a student-run thrift store to combat fashion’s negative contribution to the environment, with more information and details, including date and time, to be announced soon. The clothing industry is a primary environmental concern due to how much energy and resources it uses, its dependence on synthetic materials made from fossil fuels, and the large amounts of waste it creates, especially microplastics. To combat the environmental harm caused by the fashion industry, sophomore Jion Tsuzuki, a member of the Sustainability Club and organizer of the event, explains that “members of the Riverdale community will have the opportunity to bring in the old clothes they no longer wear to the thrift store and additionally have the chance to purchase clothing there”, which will be held during one lunch period”. Additionally, clothes not purchased by members of the Riverdale community will then be donated. This initiative inspires and encourages sustainable shopping habits and raises awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion.
Social media has also played a vital role in this call for environmental change, gaining traction and awareness, especially among younger generations. Online platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are packed with content regarding how the young voices of today’s generation can take charge in fighting climate change through attending protests and volunteering at a local trash clean-up. Using these social media platforms, activists such as Greta Thunberg and Dina Amon educate viewers on sustainable practices and current climate justice news worldwide. For example, Greta Thunberg, through her social media platforms, provides information on the current fossil finance problem in Sweden. But along with the influential change climate activists make, many are faced with feelings surrounding climate anxiety—a state of emotional distress and worry caused by perceived threats and impacts of climate change. Seeing troublesome news and jarring data through news and digital platforms can be overwhelming, especially when you feel that there isn’t anything you can do about it. Sophomore Jack Rodriguez attests to this fact by stating, “Climate change is an overwhelming topic to think about and hard not to have some anxiety over.” Sophomore Liv Mamaysky agreed, saying, “Seeing climate change portrayed in the news and media as something inevitable and unsolvable makes me feel uneasy about my future.”
Nevertheless, students and young leaders show that fighting for change is one of the best ways to overcome anxiety and stress concerning climate change, whether it’s joining a club, attending a protest, or following environmental activists or influencers on Instagram. Earth Day may be one day, but its relevance calls for more people to fight for change in their communities and globally. Even taking small courses of action and activism in small communities will ultimately lead to a long-term impact. For students at Riverdale and around the world, Earth Day is an essential reminder that the fight for climate justice is far from over, but with the help and advocacy of student-led initiatives, environmental activism, and sustainability-focused organizations, we can make powerful and much-needed change.
