Madison Leppzer`

Growing up in New Hampshire, I have always had a deep appreciation for nature and our Earth. I am extremely passionate about preserving our world and making sure that we give back as much as we take from it. With climate change happening rapidly and the "tipping point" approaching all too quickly, there is no doubt that the time for action is now.

I have been a part of the sustainability movement for as long as I can rmember, before I even knew there was a name for it! Living in a way where you pay attention to the consequences of your actions is essential, and unfortunately I've realized that this important quality is not in the forefront of everyone's minds. I am a true believer that in order to bring about change, we must start by educating. This means implementing a new curriculum in schools, educating older generations, and raising awareness. If children are taught from a young age to always keep the environment in mind, they will! I know this because this is how I was raised.

Since the Industrial Revolution, a goal has been established for "more". We focus on growth and equivocate bigger, better, and more with success. But unfortunately, our rate of consumption has far surpassed what the Earth can sustain. A shift in focus would also be necessary to providing a better future and cleaner Earth for future generations.

I have been a part of numerous actions, protests, and clubs involving moving towards a more sustainable future. I am an Eco-Rep here at UMass, helping to educate the student body on current environmental issues and demonstrating easy ways to be more sustainable each day. I was a part of updating the Bottle Bill here in Massachusetts to include more things in the recyling cashback program. I am a member of UMass Divest, a group of students who are protesting the use of fossil fuels by asking UMass to take investments out of such companies.

I know the road to a more sustainable way of life is a long one which requires changing the whole infrastructure of our current way of life, but I have high hopes for the future. It's been demonstrated time and time again that passionate people can and will bring about change. I can't help but be passionate for the world we live in, and as a contributor to its demise, I have an obligation to do as much as I can for it.