The polar ice caps are melting and many waterways in American cannot hold life, but every day people are trying to make a difference. Sophomore Grace Pemberton’s mom, Toni Pemberton, has spent her life helping in the conservation of Earth and worked to decrease her carbon footprint.
As a child, she traveled and camped every weekend with her family. They visited Nebraska, North Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming. Camping taught the importance of caring for nature, and it provided a perspective on how to help save the Earth. Not only did her family influence her, so did society. In the 1970s there was a large movement that spread awareness on the importance of nature.
“There was a big nationwide push for anti-litter campaigns that came out in the early 1970’s,” Pemberton said. “ A very common phrase used was, ‘Don’t be a litterbug’. My parents were a big influence when I was young, but it just became my way of life when I was older.”
As an adult, Pemberton introduced many new sustainable things into her life. She uses reusable products like cloth grocery bags, resealable snack pouches, netted produce bags, metal water bottles, mugs and straws. Most of these products purchased are from sustainable brands.
“As a kid, there wasn’t a wide variety of sustainable products to be purchased,” Pemberton said. “We used to use glass jars to contain food, but I’m happy now I have more options. It is always better to buy products from sustainable brands so you know that they aren’t being produced in a harmful way.”

Gardening is gaining in popularity now that so many people are staying home. Gardening is a special activity for Pemberton. She enjoys planting her own garden and having flowers around for pollinators. To protect other plants and animals, she does not use any chemicals on her garden and lawn. A compost bin provides for a nice, healthy garden, so no food scraps can go to waste.
“I feel that it is important knowing that some of your food is chemical-free and lack contaminants,” Pemberton said. “It is less common for a family to own a garden, but you can still shop at farmer’s markets, or join a Community Supported Agriculture Club to obtain a lot of your organic food.”
As a part of her daily life, she makes it a point to get outside and help everywhere she can. On Pemberton’s daily walks, she collects and properly disposes of trash she finds throughout her neighborhood. Her family visits different parks or ditches to help clean up as needed. But, for Pemberton it is not just about cleaning up after others, she makes it a point to attend Earth Day activities and festivals with her family.
“We always took the girls when they were little to encourage the importance of the Earth,” Pemberton said. “I really like attending these events because everyone around me is on the same page and we are all working towards the same goal.”
Pemberton encourages everyone to take a stand and do their part to help preserve the environment. She hopes one day everyone can see how important and precious our Earth is.
“Earth is important and I think a lot of people are unaware of what to do or where to start in conservation or sustainability, but raising awareness will help spread this information to everyone,” Pemberton said. “Not to sound cheesy but every day’s Earth Day! Every day everyone should have the Earth in the front of their minds.”