Dear Protesting Teens

Dear Teens: I find it a profound pleasure to know that teens are backing what we adults, including the politicians that you berate today, are attempting to make happen. Today, teens like you are taking to the streets to show deep concern for the environment: particularly the climate crisis that we all face. At the same time, I hope that you, personally, each and every one, see this as a life commitment not just a day off school and time to celebrate after with your peers. What I hear on the media is that we adults are blamed for not doing enough for your future and that politicians and big business is not doing the work of change fast enough. Your angst is correct. We all, old and young, feel the same frustrations. While you are genuinely worried about the world and its lagging changes apparently due entirely to man's insensitivity to its biological delicacy and also to feed its greedy habits, please know that we elders, also inhabitants of the planet, are just as upset about it as you. We admire that young people are stepping up and supporting all that we are trying to do. But. Carrying signs and shouting and singing slogans one day, does not do the actual job of effecting what you seek. You know this of course, especially those of you who do not pollute by tossing beer cans for others to pick up after grad parties or chuck your paper coffee mugs on the sidewalks or spend hours driving fast cars going nowhere. Those in the crowds of you, today, who are going to, later, celebrate with  friends and congratulate yourselves over the global success of your planned day of "protest", have, however, something to take away from it. Your protest is way more than one day of promise and commitment. As those of us you blame for ruining your world to come, who recycle, who either ride bikes, drive electric or walk or take public transport, pay our taxes for your education, medical care and practice responsible consumerism and have a vote, know. We don't carry signs or sing and shout. We are too occupied doing the job. It's a great struggle being the ones you blame. Sure we are not perfect but we do our best because we love you and do it for you every day of our lives of going to work, caring for our families and being the best we can be for a better world. It's not easy. What are you doing? Make a list. Saving the world is not a one day protest, it's an everyday protest. While it's joyful to demonstrate, there is a tougher side. Do you make sure the clothing your parents pay for is made by responsible societies? Do you frequent food outlets and grocery stores that are responsible businesses? Do you do the recycling in your home and see that all of the products there are those that agree with responsible consumerism? Do you walk or ride a bike instead of tool around in your car? Do you help in your home by ensuring your parents get products with "green" ingredients? Do you work alongside your family to make sure your home is environmentally clean? Or not?