Need Another Reason to Vote? How about the Environment?
Need Another Reason to Vote? How about the Environment?
Election Day is fast approaching. If you’re reading this, we sincerely hope you have already cast your ballot through mail-in or early voting. And there’s a good chance you have–a staggering number of Americans are turning out for the historic event. The stakes have never been higher, so 1502 Candle Co. encourages you to cast your vote ASAP if you haven’t already.
Enjoying our public spaces, especially California’s stunning national forests and parks, is something that many of our customers take for granted. But now, more than ever, the health of these places is under attack.
Just How Serious Is the Problem?
Winona LaDuke said "I would like to see as many people patriotic to a land as I have see patriotic to a flag."
"Nearly 100 environmental rules have either been reversed or are in the process of being reversed by the Trump administration."
The current administration has systematically dismantled the regulations protecting these areas and the diverse species that live within them–from weakening plans meant to reduce air pollution in national parks to allowing sensitive landscapes to be used by the oil and gas industries.
All in all, a New York Times Analysis found nearly 100 environmental rules that have either been reversed or are in the process of being reversed. According to a special report released last year by NYU School of Law’s State Energy & Environmental Impact Center, the effects of the Trump administration’s rollbacks could lead to thousands of preventable deaths in the next decade from increasingly poor air quality alone. And in August, we blogged about the fact that actions like these disproportionately affect communities of color in the U.S.
A Pivotal Point
“You can stop the abuse of our public lands,” says Patrick Shea, a professor of biology and the former national director of the Bureau of Land Management. In a recent article for Patagonia®, aptly named “Hell Yeah, Your Vote Counts,” Shea said, “By voting, you can elect those who will promote and implement projects that use our public lands for the public good. Public lands can be used to further study and mitigate climate change, and they can be used as areas to store carbon. Public lands can keep us safer—by identifying aquifers where excess floodwater can go and by leaving wildlife habitat intact.”
What Are You Waiting For?
If you’re like us at 1502 Candle Co., your attitude towards the impending election is likely mixed, ranging from frustration and incredulity to earnest hope. Join us in the fight to protect our public lands and the health and well-being of future generations.
Along with casting your vote, consider other ways you can contribute to social and environmental justice. For example, 1% of the proceeds from any of our candles, hand mists, and more will go towards non-profit organizations including Communities for a Better Environment for the remainder of the year. As always, contact us online with any questions or to share your thoughts on these important topics.
