One Way to Improve New York: Follow Trends
I love New York. It is such an interesting city. In New York something is always happening, no matter what time it may be. However as great as NYC is, it is far from being perfect. There are so many different things that should be improved in this busy city that picking just one issue is somewhat difficult. But one of New York’s biggest and most apparent problems is its pollution.
New York isn’t known for its greenery or efflorescent flora. New York is associated with tall industrial buildings, taxi cabs and traffic, and hundreds of people on crowded streets, and in a city like this pollution is inevitable. However, with global warming becoming an increasingly popular topic of discussion among newspapers and blogs, being environmentally conscious is now in style. With ads everywhere and a constant increase of various celebrity endorsements commanding you to “Go Green”, people are now beginning to shy away from flashy gas guzzling vehicles and embrace flashy fuel efficient hybrids. Even fashion trends have “gone green”, with reusable shopping totes and recycled clothing made from a hemp-bamboo mix that undoubtedly cost more than your “un-green” clothes.
This newer “green” trend is unquestionably healthier than a few of the older trends New York has fell victim to, yet in order to better the environment you don’t need to buy a new wardrobe, or car. Sometimes throughout all the hustle and bustle and constant trend setting and following, New York seems to forget about simplicity. New York’s atmosphere can be bettered by simple everyday actions such as actually throwing away trash in the proper receptacles and choosing to walk or take public transportation instead of driving. Also unplugging electronics that are not in use and turning of lights when no one is in the room can help the environment. In a city with a population of over 8 million people, if everyone decided to follow these few simple steps, pollution would be reduced by over 50%. Hopefully this trend will be a lasting change instead of the latest fleeting fad.
May 5th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I like how you referred to being environmentally aware is now “in style.” You’re absolutely right, and the celebrities being a big part with going green is another good point. I hope that you’re taking your own advice about the ways to help make the earth a healthier place 🙂 .
May 5th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I definitely agree with you here, good idea. New York City is such an industrial and busy place that we need to be ahead of everyone else when it comes to treating our environment better. Sometimes people take this planet for granted and we can’t do that anymore because if we keep treating it this way, it’ll be destroyed.
May 5th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I’m gunna go against the grain here and disagree with your short essay. I believe it is the skyscrapers and beautiful scenery in New York City that makes it so great. New York City full of flowers and greenery would not be New York City to me, let alone everyone else. It is a unique idea though and everyone is entitled to their opinions. Good job.