On average, an American produces 4.51 pounds of trash per day, consumes 270.7 pounds of meat per year, and uses 80-100 gallons of water per day. Although government policies and corporations are, for the most part, responsible for our consumerism-focused culture, individual actions are essential to address climate change as well.
However, individual behavioral changes are not limited to reducing consumption and producing less waste. These may also include starting conversations about climate change and promoting renewable energy use.
Likewise, the power of one vote should not be underestimated. Contrary to popular belief, every single vote matters and yours, too, can certainly make a huge difference.
History shows that one vote can significantly impact close races. You’re allowed to disagree, but listen to what the voice of history has to say about this.
In 2014, the competition for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives culminated in the victory of the Republican candidate James M. Kelcourse against the Democrat candidate Edward C. Cameron by a 10 vote margin.
Earlier, in 2002, one vote decided the fate of a Republican nomination to a state house seat. The results of the recount of a GOP primary confirmed that Ed Mitchell had, in fact, defeated Kevin Entze in 26th district by a vote— 5,870 votes to 5,869.
In 2000, the world witnessed the closest US presidential elections ever. Out of a total of over 100 million cast votes, Republican candidate George Bush won the presidential elections against Al Gore by a margin of less than 600 votes, as substantiated by the recount in Florida.
As the Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana once said, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Elected officials make decisions towards housing, and both the health and education systems, amongst other areas of public policy. You have the power to change and reform your quality of life with your vote.
Engaging in this civic and political activity is not only a social responsibility, but a form of personal empowerment— a chance for you to see your values, interests and beliefs reflected in your society.
Lastly, voting is a form of expressing your right to decide who will be leading the government, as granted by the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
Although you’re probably tired of the ‘every vote matters’ propaganda, it is essentially true. So, I urge you to go out and express your right as a citizen of your country. You have the power to decide who will lead us from our present into our future.