By: AEOP Membership Council Member Isabella Becraft

I am passionate about the environment. Communities thrive with clean air, water, and natural resources. In my artwork, within the main footprint, I list many positive actions that communities and individuals can take to help keep Earth clean. One of the most impactful ways we can slow down climate change is by reducing our heavy reliance on and usage of plastics. More than 500 billion plastic bags — one million bags per minute — were produced worldwide last year. Most plastic bags have a working life of a few minutes, followed by an afterlife of centuries. Even after plastics disintegrate, they remain as microplastics, getting into every bit of planet life via ocean waters, soil, food, and even drinking water. My artwork displays ways we can reduce our plastic use, clean up the plastic pollution that exists today, and slow climate change overall. 

I also pose the question: “Which future do you want?” and show a beautiful, happy, healthy, nature-filled Earth alongside a sad, sick, ugly, and turmoiled Earth. Having a nice environment starts in our own neighborhoods through the daily actions each of us takes. My message is clear: “My footprint, my responsibility!”

I care deeply about our planet. As part of my high school’s environmental club, I have learned that we all have a responsibility to keep Earth clean for both people and animals. Everyone, including generations to come, deserves a clean, healthy environment free of pollution and filled with nature and beauty. 

I hope people will read my ideas on how they can reduce their plastic footprint in the world. People can choose actions that will either lead to a sad, sick Earth or a happy, healthy one. I hope they make the right decision to protect the future of our precious planet and help slow down climate change.