We are surrounded by our environment which we are destroying as I write this column. Every decision we make affects the environment whether we realize it or not. The food we eat, the clothes we purchase, the mode of transportation we take, and everything else we use and purchase on a regular basis. The environment is ours to slowly kill, and we are doing a good job.

Unfortunately, the environment falls toward the end of  peoples’ “top ten” political lists when deciding on election issues.  I enjoy the luxury of living in a country where I have the right to vote, but if people do not realize that the environment has a great affect on other political issues, our country will stay stuck in the rut we are in now. The ultimate goal of the Vote the Environment campaign is to get people thinking about the environment.

What we do now as a country will affect future generations. For college students that means our future children and grandchildren. Our planet is in a critical state and is unhealthy. If we do not act now who knows what the future will bring.

“Very few people will say they are against the environment,” says Hans Cole Environmental Grants Manager at Patagonia.

The Vote the Environment campaign began with Patagonia two elections ago and looks to promote the environment before people go to the polls and cast their vote. In each election since, they have gained greater awareness as more and more environmental problems arise.

Patagonia is working closely with environmental activists such as Jack Johnson and Bill McKibben, as well as with 1% for the planet, and others.

“We have the ability as a company to bring a different voice to areas. Sometimes people will listen when business has something to say,” Cole says.

 My question is this: if people will not say they are against the environment, why aren’t they doing anything to help it? With a higher regard for the environment,  other issues have a greater potential to be solved and produce the best possible outcome.

Historically the cause of the 1960s was peace: our cause is the environment. It is what matters now and needs immediate attention.

“How people use environmental issues is one dimension in voting on Nov. 4,” Cole says.

When voting for the environment you are not just voting for one issue but many. By voting for candidates presidential and local who support environmental programs it will benefit the environment and our well beings on this planet.

Everyone knows global warming and environmental problems exist but not enough people are taking a stand. Take a stand this election and Vote the Environment.