As an older student in Environmental Science at a community college, it’s empowering see young people who are interested in the natural world. Discussions about pollution, overpopulation, wetland loss, and several other dilemmas are addressed. One method to help the Earth counter these destructive realities is being a steward of the planet and it is easy to do.

A fellow student may say he (or she) understands the ecological problems throughout the world, but it’s so easy to forget. It’s easy to forget about topics that are upsetting, but if everyone on Earth would learn to care for the Earth properly everyday it would benefit the planet’s many ecosystems immensely. This can be done by taking shorter showers, recycling everything possible, proper disposal of waste, especially the toxic kind, using renewable energy if possible, making and using organic compost for farming and plantings, driving less by either waking, riding bikes or using public transportation -- these are some of the methods that are beneficial to the planet’s natural state and show good stewardship.

Being a steward is like trying to lose weight. You don’t see immediate changes but by keeping at it, beneficial changes towards a healthier planet will come.

Steven A. Birt

Groton