Ever since the technology became a big part of life, the tech-savvy younger generation has been on the receiving end of the storms of criticism. Have you ever considered the approach of the GenX towards the environment and sustainability? Turns out, there is more there than meets the eye.
Of late, many naturalists and environmental researchers and bloggers have realised that the youngsters around the globe are actively involved in making the planet greener and cleaner. And what better way to recognise and reward their insight than to learn more about it? Here are some popular myths believed by the general population regarding the belief of the millennials towards Mother Nature. Without further ado, presenting to you, the Great MythBuster of the Year, written by a millennial but supported by rock-solid evidence…
MYTH: Millennials do not care in the least about conserving the environment.
FACT: Not by a long shot. And there’s proof. Consider the buying of eco-friendly goods, for instance, even if those are more expensive. Or the clothing bought from thrift stores. Or the hearty embracing of veganism. Be it voting for environment-conscious politicians or taking part in protests against climate change, youngsters fight to the bone for what they believe in. While that can be seen as being stubborn, it really is a matter of fighting for the oppressed. In this case, Mother Nature and her protection.
MYTH: No tangible change is being brought out by these kids who claim to fight for conservation.
FACT: Actually, a lot of positive change is being seen the world over. Initiatives like Reforest Sri Lanka led by young MBA students are taking over the world, one tree at a time. Close to 26,000 trees have already been planted by these folks.
MYTH: Youngsters are not even aware of the dangers that the planet is facing each day.
FACT: On the contrary. Not only is the GenX aware of the environmental destruction happening everywhere around us, they are also ahead of the rest of the world in trying to combat it. How else do you explain the strict adherence to environmental laws and the decision to bicycle to college every day? Or the clever use of technology and social media in carrying out online activism and the refusal to work for employers who care little about conservation?
In short, yes, millennials are taking charge and driving the change needed to reverse the immense damage wrought upon nature. Their choices of sustainable brands, volunteering at animal shelters, speaking out against climate change and conducting heavy research into a product and its sources before buying, all shed light on the abject concern being shown by the young chaps.
So am I advocating millennials as virtuous pariahs who will save the planet from certain destruction? As it happens, that is not true, either. The approach of the neo-adults is not the most ideal one, after all. A survey conducted by Shelton Group, an advertising, and marketing firm, found that millennials preferred to leave the tackling of the truly big issues to mega-corporations, who (in their opinion) are better equipped to handle them. Individuals, they believe, cannot drive huge change by themselves. The survey called this attitude ‘reverse crowdsourcing’.
The tech-savvy generation has also been said to worry more and do less. While that may be justifiable in light of the fact that life is more complicated for them than any other generation, merely buying ostentatiously from greener brands and not taking any individual action won’t go very far.
As a millennial, would I go the extra mile and start recycling? Start with the small steps, in addition to opting for cleaner brands of goods? Sure, if I find the time… Now that was a typical response.
In all seriousness, I would urge all youngsters to reduce and recycle, to contribute in every small way towards reducing the burden on the planet, to stop procrastinating and leaving the big stuff to the big guys. After all, that one small step for man was the biggest leap for mankind.