Environmentalism and Accessibility in Education
Environmentalism, Accessibility in Education by Lily Selthofner
Green Lake, Wisconsin, is beloved by full-time and seasonal residents alike. The deepest lake in Wisconsin fosters an ecosystem filled with diverse wildlife, with community members of all ages enjoying such a bountiful place. Conservation efforts are an integral part of our community. As a recent graduate of Green Lake School District (GLSD), I have realized that educational opportunities abound in a place like Green Lake could be innovated and set a great example for other communities. Our school’s distinct International Baccalaureate (IB) program promotes a well-rounded education: where students gain skills to carry into the real world.
Many of the root causes of recent global warming increase the risk of pandemics and natural disasters. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of environmentalism is more clear than ever. In a community with phenomenal conservation resources, we are already setting a great example for surrounding areas. However, the three most effective ways to change the world are to buy, to vote, and to educate. I would argue that the next step towards a sustainable and united community is emphasizing environmental education for students of all ages.
Our institutions uphold our community, as exemplified by the Green Lake Conservancy, Green Lake Sanitary District, Wisconsin DNR, and more. Schools are institutions, with the responsibility of bringing education to our future leaders. Though many teachers in my time at GLSD have provided opportunities for students in conservation efforts, these practices must be integrated by policy into the school system and wider community. Collaboration with existing departments in our community, as well as creating independent environmental projects, is an important practice for all. Environmental education is an essential part of a student’s journey into a world affected by global warming.
Americans generate more waste than any other nation in the world, and the Green Lake Community is no exception. Our institutions must lead by example: having compost areas for food and other waste, as well as comprehensive and robust recycling programs. We must adopt waste reduction policies regarding food and stationery waste.
Furthermore, curriculums must include progressive and comprehensive education about climate change for students of all ages. Global warming is an urgent scientific issue, not a political one, and should be treated as such. The scientific evidence of recent global warming must become common knowledge, and misconceptions about climate change must be addressed. Around the world, global warming threatens lives.
While it is easy for our rural community to feel immune to recent global warming, its effects are evident here and now. The Wisconsin State Climatology Office has found a significant decrease in ice-on/ice-off data, which has and will result in increased flood frequency. Increased runoff from the watershed into the lake brings long-term delivery of phosphorus and sediment. According to The Lake Management Plan For Green Lake, while individual pollution sources can be addressed, non-point sources remain a serious threat to our ecosystem. Teaching our communities about the evident local effects of global warming and effective strategies in our community connects students to the global impact of the climate crisis in empowering ways.
To get more people involved in community environmental efforts, threats to our ecosystem should be taught and combated. We can not take our ecosystem for granted: we rely on Green Lake for fishery, recreation, its beauty, and more. The lake has become less resilient, bringing us to an ecological tipping point. Depleted oxygen levels threaten trout fishery. Invasive species, such as zebra mussels, water milfoil, and buckthorn ravage our ecosystems. Collaboration with current management efforts should be an integral part of education and community life.
With lots of farm-owning families in our area, many folks are already familiar with agricultural practices. Students and farmers should be educated in sustainable agriculture science, to encourage community and worldwide shift toward necessary farming practices. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, building and maintaining healthy soil, water management, minimizing pollution, and promoting biodiversity are crucial aspects of sustainable agriculture. Adopting agro-ecological principles aids the environment, without sacrificing profitability or productivity. All possible resources and efforts available to enact sustainable agriculture should be prioritized which can bring these practices to our families.
In a community where conservation and agriculture are integral to who we are, we must lead by example. We must implement sustainable practices and environmental education with policy, accessible community education, and efforts. Students’ classes, school-wide seminars, collaboration with existing resources, and community engagement are all great places to start. Surrounding districts will be encouraged to do the same, sparking needed change. We must cultivate a better future for the next generation, beginning with environmental responsibility and empowerment.
Word Count: 770
The original version was written and published in local newspapers in March 2021.
The version here is revised 2024.