Addressing Your Concerns

  Why should I get involved?
        We, as inhabitants of our Earth, have a duty in ensuring that our Earth is treated properly and fairly. The reason why we are able to live a life is because of the fact that Earth can sustain life. As far as we know, Earth is the only planet that is capable of such a thing. It is for this very reason that we must do all in our power to take care of our Earth and make sure it retains all of its beautiful characteristics. Furthermore, we are not the only ones who call Earth our home. We share Earth with countless of other species, 8.7 million to be approximate. It is only right to protect our Earth to ensure the survival of other species. Besides the ethical and obligatory reasons surrounding why an individual should get involved in environmentalism, there are also the reasons concerning the effects that arise when unsustainable actions are taken. These effects include health risks, economic problems, and even catastrophic events. You may not realize it, but every single action you take will impact the world in some manner. It's your decision of the nature of that impact, whether it's one of positivity or one of negativity.

    If you do not find my persuasion convincing enough, this link might be a useful alternative:

     http://freemanwong.com/2013/10/08/10-reasons-to-care-about-the-environment/

Where do I start?
         Let's face it- there are plentiful environmental problems in the world, and it can be a bit stressful when you are unsure as to where you should begin your activism journey. My best piece of advice would be to first familiarize yourself with the different environmental issues (some of which you can read about right on this blog). From there on, you can make the decision about what issue truly interests you and makes you feel a sense of determination to help. Then, you can read about tips and solutions for that particular environmental issue and see exactly how you can make a difference. You can adjust your involvement according to your liking. You can start off by doing subtle, but essential, tasks. For example, if you are interested in deforestation, you can start by recycling. If you want to, you can take your activism to the next level- on a school or community level. It's all up to you.

Do I have to completely change my lifestyle in order to become an advocate for the environment?
        This is a concern that several people have once they begin their journey in becoming an advocate for whatever cause they are interested in. In fact, I felt this way as well, and found myself overwhelmed and lost. But, there is no need to worry. You must first realize that you can't ask yourself for too much instantly. It would only be stressful and tiring to attempt to completely change your lifestyle immediately. If you truly wish to completely change your lifestyle, it might take you a while to get to that point, specifically because of how demanding it may be. It must be something that is gradually built up and eventually achieved. If this sounds like something you find yourself wishing to achieve, I would recommend starting small and setting goals for bigger things. It's definitely a process, but a worthy one may I mention.
  With that being said, you must first ask yourself whether or not you want to completely change your lifestyle. In my opinion, all that matters is that you are changing and helping the world in some way, whether it's something as simple as turning off your electricity when not in use, or something as demanding as completely giving up plastic. You can still be an advocate for the environment without taking into consideration the level in which you are contributing toward that issue.

"What's the point of me becoming involved? As one person, I won't make a difference."
         I'll say this once, and I will continue to say this if needed: one person can make a difference.
Think about it, you may believe you are the only individual who holds such a belief and consequently  feels as though your hesitation to become involved won't matter, especially because there are countless of other individuals who can compensate for your absence. But, what you maybe don't realize and what you need to acknowledge is that very same notion of "I'm one person. My involvement doesn't matter" is held by so many people. The end result? The end result is a huge loss of participation. And most importantly, a loss of the opportunity for change.
        Also, it's important to realize that on whatever level, your involvement is greatly appreciated and imperative. Your involvement can also serve as motivation for others to do the same.