By Eric Norland, Ohio State University Extension Natural Resources Specialist
Greetings!
After a year-long hiatus, the Ohio State University Extension Environment newsletter is back in a different format with a new emphasis. Written by Ohio State Extension professionals and faculty members, this newsletter is about what each of us can do to make a difference in the natural world around us. We are part of the environment, not apart from the environment! Therefore, it is fitting that this issue is published on Earth Day 1997.
No matter where we live, work or recreate, we affect the environment. We can choose to do things differently. How do we do that? Consider two approaches.
We can change our patterns of daily living and become less consumptive. How often do we put our 175-pound bodies in a 3000-pound automobile to drive three blocks to get an 8-pound bag of groceries? Most of us do that. Can we do something different? Probably.
Secondly, we can question and challenge what we hear in the media and from our elected and appointed officials. Questioning what we are told is instructive; assuming what we are told is absolutely correct is dangerous. We must engage in the public policy forums where laws and policies are made. There is no higher responsibility as a citizen than to engage in the issues of the day.
In this and future issues, we will tell you about local programs that are making a difference; discuss ways in which you can become involved in local projects; suggest individual practices that you can adopt; and in a periodic feature, "Beyond the Soundbite," tell you "the rest of the story."
It is our hope that you will read this, adopt what you can, challenge and question us on what you will, and together we can make every day an earth day.
Editor's note: Send letters and comments to Kyle Sharp, Communications and Technology, 2021 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1044.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
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