I wrote this last night on twitter:
My school isn’t doing anything for Earth Day, so I’m just going to say an announcement myself in the morning. What’ll they do to me?
Continuing the story of my lackluster high school, I was correct in lasts night’s assumption. Dover had nothing planned for Earth Day. I assume we’re one of the only high schools in the state that didn’t raise any consciousness about this very important topic. Arguably, and in my own personal belief, this is the most important issue my generation faces.
I’m in a position in Dover where I’m able to say the morning announcements on the Public Announcement system. I took full advantage this morning to raise some awareness about the Earth.
Good morning Dover Middle/High School. As you likely know, today is Earth Day… but are you doing anything about it?
Here are three simple things you can do to decrease your carbon dioxide emissions and help out with the climate crisis.
Change a light. Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
Recycle. Recycle everything you can at home and never throw away a piece of paper at school. Remember, put your used paper in the recycling bins.
Turn stuff off. Simply turning off your TV or computer will save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Use a sleep timer at night on your TV or shut your computer down at night. It’s not hard and it makes a difference.
Remember, this is the only planet we have. It’s up to our generation to ensure it’ll be habitable for our kids and other life on Earth. Are you up to the challenge?
That’s what the paper I wrote said, but I paraphrased it as I went along. Of course, no one called me on it. I find it somewhat sad that it takes a concerned student who is willing to break the rules to raise awareness about my generation’s most significant problem.
The closest thing to a recognition of Earth Day that Dover had today was trimming some trees around the school. The groundsmen left giant branches all over the campus. Lovely.
Ricky your awesome I’m glad you care enough about our school and earth to “break the rules” =).
Keep being amazing and great announcement by the way!
Ha! I also was given the power of the morning announcements when I was in high school, sometimes to the deep chagrin of the administration. But it sounds like you are using your powers for good, which is an interesting idea, and one I might have considered had it occurred to me.
Good on ya for increasing awareness at your school on your own initiative.
@Alyssa: Thank you.
@Beth Dunn: Thank you as well. The announcements are a useful privilege to have. It’s like being Rupert Murdoch for a few minutes each day - controlling what information everyone consumes.