Conclusion:
Print page Conclusion — The Future is Ours:
We have talked about many different aspects of sustainability and stewardship and some of the ways in which we can make it happen. Solutions to our earth’s problems can be found by using technology, partnerships between organizations, government support, education, innovation and even the actions of one person. We are a new generation that has the technology, the know-how, and our whole lives to make a difference not only in our community, but the world.
Entrepreneurs are also very important because they have the potential to achieve amazing goals. Take Garrett Yazzie for instance. When he was 13 he used 69 aluminum cans and the radiator from a 1967 Pontiac automobile to create a solar home heater. But Garrett didn’t simply invent this just for fun. He was trying to heat his family’s trailer on the Arizona Navajo Indian Reservation, which had no running water and little electricity. Garrett’s practical invention earned him first place at the Arizona American Indian Science and Engineering Fair in 2005. Since then Garret has done more inventing, earned scholarships, and became sophomore at a school in Michigan. When he grows up he wants to return to Arizona to start a business.
Garrett states, "I also want to build my business on the reservation to create jobs and futures for other kids just like me. I want those kids to know that if they get a good education they can find a good job on the reservation, near their families. I want to also remind people that living in harmony with our environment, with Mother Earth and Father Sky, is not only a good idea, it is the only way that is sustainable long-term."
This story goes to prove that it doesn’t matter how old you are. If you have an idea and a passion, you can do anything. Garrett is a great example of a young person who had an idea that could help people and worked hard to make that idea into a reality.
Leaders of our nations play vital roles in whether their countries become more sustainable. Some countries like Australia are doing well in this area. Their government is strong in environmental policies. AUSSI is one of the programs being used to teach students and communities about the environment and what can be done. Australia is a great example of what a country advancing towards sustainability looks like. But many countries still need to pay attention to the direction in which they are headed.
The first step to becoming a steward of the earth is acquiring knowledge. If we are not constantly learning about our environment and its current conditions, how will we know what to do? The next step, once we have our foundation of knowledge, is to act. Our knowledge is what tells us where to start, but acting on what we have learned is what it will take to save our planet. Without our positive action, what will become of society? It will continue to decline and we will be worse off than the generation before us. We must look to the future and do all we can to protect, preserve, and educate. When we do all we can, we must pass all the information we have acquired down to our descendents, encouraging and inspiring them to do better than we did.
If we have the motivation to accept the challenge we can achieve great things. Ultimately, what happens is up to us. So the choice is ours, each decision we make will affect what will happen tomorrow. We all hold a key. What will you do with yours? Will you be a Steward of our Earth?
Go to this site to meet 10 young people who are innovators, entrepreneurs, and inventors:
http://tech.msn.com/news/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=6485783
Click Here to Watch Our Conclusion Video
Sources:
Tynan, Dan. “Meet the Whiz Kids: 10 Overachievers Under 21.” PC World. Assessed March 21, 2008. <http://tech.msn.com/news/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=6485783&page=3>
Photograph:
Mick y. “World in you Hand”. Flick.com. Assessed March 21, 2008. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/mickyates/303707417/>
Used under the Creative Commons License. <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en>
