Since the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970, which funded a national effort to familiarize Americans with recycling, the movement to reduce, reuse and recycle has been overshadowed by political, economic and social roadblocks. Americans today hold dear their unwavering hope for war to end and peace to endure, which leaves the sidelining task of separating recyclable trash something of an afterthought. Our political and economic battles, however, have a larger role in the desecration of our planet than some might think.
President George W. Bush's banner stance on energy and oil raises the prevalent concern of the consumption of earth's precious elements. Conflicts of interest weigh heavily in the on-again, off-again financial and other support of countries which factor heavily into our international war on terrorism. At a time in history when healthy international relations are once again crucial to ensuring our public safety, a gamble on our primary source of energy is one that shouldn't depend on the success of diplomacy. Bush's idea to begin drilling in Alaska holds the attraction of a lessened dependence on that foreign oil, but ignores the root problem, dependence on oil itself.
The predominance of the automobile industry, the increase of the suburban sprawl, and poorly planned or under-utilized systems of public transportation all contribute to the mammoth industry that oil has become.
The oil supply will eventually run out. When that time comes, the United States, and the rest of the world, needs to be prepared. As a nation, we need to begin exploring alternative sources of energy and putting them into practical application. We have made a good beginning through recycling, but even that must be improved.
It's no wonder, though, that nestled between overwhelming political influence and increasingly diminished motivation to clean up for ourselves, our generation hasn't made up its mind on how to tackle this troubled giant. The burden of investing in renewable alternative energy sources for the future falls squarely on our generation's shoulders. It takes a leader, however, to realize the nation's best interest in securing energy safely and without retaliation and it takes the earnest efforts of common citizens to make their actions contagious. In the end, making a difference is easier than it may seem.
