To the Editor:
I am writing in regards to the May 9, 2024 opinion piece written by Skidmore student Christina Constantinou [“Greenwashed campaigns fail to consider who will be disproportionately harmed”]. This is well written and also impressive in content and intent. She gives me hope that the next generation will learn from the mistakes, oversight, greed, and apathy of my generation. 

As someone involved in wildlife rehabilitation for over 40 years, I witness the damaging effects humans have on wildlife and natural habitats. Individuals may care how their actions impact others, but the large-scale devastation from the fossil-fuel industry, agri-business, and developers seems overwhelming. Students such as Christina and their commitment to a better future gives me hope.

Recently, my daughter finished her graduate degree in sustainable communities. Her class was small but intensely dedicated to issues of social justice ranging from food insecurity, to affordable bioregional housing, to wildlife care, to alternative energy, to water scarcity among indigenous populations, and more. Their theses presentations gave me hope. 

A recent book club discussion I attended focused on impacts of our road system on natural resources. That book, “Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet” by Ben Goldfarb, is often depressing but includes solutions. It gives me hope.

Another recent book, “Fight! How Gen Z is channeling their fear and passion to save America” features young people and is written by John Della Volpe. This also gives me hope. Students aren’t the only ones who can be activists and leaders, fighting the good fight. To take from Christina’s letter, let’s do away with greenwashing and reclaim Earth Day, and give hope to the future.

Kelly Martin

Berne