How can we protect Colorado’s environment?

Colorado is home to some of the most scenic views on the planet. Whether you’re hiking through one of the many mountains or resting your legs on a scenic drive on a highway, tourists and locals alike can enjoy all that nature has to offer without too far of a trek.

The environment plays such an important role in Colorado culture. Yet many of our daily actions are extremely harmful to the overall health of our state, nation, and planet. If the intense heat waves weren’t enough of an awakening, wildfire side effects and decreasing air quality are just two of the countless ways environmental conditions are worsening here in Colorado.

These widespread, overarching problems can have deep impacts on the individual level. Not only can they be detrimental to our natural parks and wildlife, they can also affect human health. For example, the excess pollution contributing to worsening air quality can ultimately lead to increased risks of stroke, heart attack, and lung disease in humans.

Thus, it’s no surprise that many have taken to social media to attempt to spread awareness and encourage change to better the environment. Instagram feeds are filled with a combination of alarming statistics, suggestions to invite change on an individual level, and ways to support larger movements. But is it enough?

According to a survey by Turbohaul, 56% of people feel pressure to practice a more eco-friendly lifestyle. However, this same survey also found that 60% of millennials admit they pretend to care about the environment more than they actually do.

While social media posts are great for spreading information, in order to see true change, there has to be action to match. Simply sharing an eye-catching infographic to your story to prove that you care is not enough to really make a difference.

These don’t have to be big actions such as organizing a movement or some large-scale initiative for change. In fact, the small changes can often make the biggest impact. At the end of the day, we need to hold each other accountable by following through with our words. Together we can protect all of the beauty Colorado has to offer!