Protecting the environment is not a matter of where you live, how much free time you have, or your personal beliefs. Protecting the environment is a lifelong pledge to keeping the Earth we live on livable. Regardless of your background, the Earth is our home and all of us must share this precious and finite resource. Roots and Shoots is a student-based group committed to recognizing and spreading awareness of this global reality. This means that no matter who you are or where you are on the planet, you can make a difference to protect our home. The wonders and conveniences that have come out of the industrialized age have also brought with it a host of environmental concerns. Global climate change, offshore and onshore oil drilling, recycling, and waste management are worldwide issues that start at the local level – reducing gas usage, contacting local legislators, returning plastics, or cleaning roadside trash all start here in our town. Because even if you don’t take action, your inaction effects our home too.