In honor of Earth Day 2021—and in acknowledgment of the actions needed to combat climate change and other environmental degradations—we reached out to students involved in our Environmental Justice and Sustainability Program, Environmental Club, and Climate Ambassador Program to better understand the measures we can take to support a healthy planet. As scholars of justice, we know that the negative effects of harmful environmental policies and behaviors disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color, but the work needed to address these issues falls on us all. As fierce advocates for justice, and responsible global citizens, we must work together to raise environmental consciousness and promote restorative actions, because every one of us needs a healthy Earth to support our happiness and survival.

Eqra Muhammad ’22 found her passion for the environment and sustainability issues in a unique way—by adopting a sweet cat she named Poopi. “It was Poopi who taught me how to care for all life. He shifted my perception of the world around me. Before adopting my cat, I wasn’t all that interested in social justice issues, animal rights, or the environment, but thanks to him, I learned how to have empathy for all life,” says Muhammad, who’s earning her CUNY B.A. in Constructs of Otherness and Environmental Justice.

Seeing the connection between all living things on the planet, Muhammad is now committed to helping those around her understand the importance of taking care of and restoring the environment. “I feel a great sense of responsibility for the environment, other people, animals, and every living thing on this planet. I want to help take care of it,” she says. “I think that instead of seeing ourselves as ‘owners’ of our environment or as beings who are free to destroy it, we need to shift our thinking and see ourselves as part of the environment. We’re all connected, and environmental issues affect all of us. We must respect each other and everything around us and come up with better, greener, and more sustainable solutions.”

What do you consider the biggest environmental threat that our population faces today? What actions do you hope leaders take to solve it?
I think the most significant environmental threat today is the perception that we humans are “owners” of the Earth. Because of capitalism and how society is developing—especially here in America—we often think we have a right to “rank” life. By that I mean, humans believe that our needs and wants must come first. It shouldn’t be that way. One thing we can do to help change this mindset is to elect more environmentally conscious leaders to office. Once they’re in office, they’ll be able to create policies; and I hope they make decisions based on the well-being of the environment and the planet as a whole.

What actions would you ask your fellow John Jay College community members to take to help save the environment?
I would urge everyone in the John Jay community to take a step back and consider their impact on the environment as well as the impact of the people they choose to support. Social media is a powerful tool. We should make sure influencers and other people we look up to understand the importance of caring for the environment. Empathy for all things on our planet should be the standard.

What actions or projects have you taken up to help save the environment?
I’ve stopped eating meat and eggs in my day-to-day life, and I’ve reduced my dairy consumption—though letting go of it is becoming difficult. I have regular conversations with friends and family to help raise awareness about the environment. Talking about it helps change people’s minds, and it motivates them to want to help protect the planet.

I recently learned how to compost and now I’m teaching others to compost. So far, I’ve helped three families create their own compost station. I believe a positive change to our environment can happen, even if it’s little by little and person by person. Small changes can have a big impact.

April is “Earth Month,” and April 22 is Earth Day, how are you going to celebrate and what message do you want to share?
To celebrate, I set a new goal for myself. I’m Muslim, and this Ramadan I’d like to reduce food waste at home—I know my family can accomplish this. I also want to use the time to teach more families how to purchase responsibly and compost, why it’s essential to do, and how it helps the environment. We only have one planet. We have a chance to save the environment. The more people we help educate, the better our planet’s chances. There’s power in numbers.