If most of you are up-to-date with the news, as I hope you are, you're bound to have heard of the Dakota Access Pipeline. In case you don't know what this is or why it's such a big deal, take a few minutes to read this awesome article from Time by Justin Worland.
To some people, this isn't important and doesn't matter, but to others, protesting this pipeline is essential for survival and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has more on the line. It has been reported that people were physically assaulted with pepper spray, rubber bullets, and water cannons. Thankfully, some good is coming out of this horrific situation. Because the Tribe's water can easily become unusable, people from all over the country have united in hopes of undoing this travesty. In early December, 2,000 veterans are going to Standing Rock to peacefully protest and protect the people who've already fought tirelessly. Not only are veterans fighting this monstrosity, but celebrities are as well, one of the most prominent being Shailene Woodley.
Shailene Woodley, most known for the "Divergent" films as well as the show "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," is a strong advocate for the Sioux Tribe. She's been heavily involved in the protests and was even arrested twice due to standing up for these people. Despite this; however, Woodley continues to make her voice heard. She's promoting shirts which are still available for purchase until Tuesday, December 6th.
These are the basic facts, but why is this so important to me? Why do I care about #NoDAPL as both a Millennial and a supporter of the environment? Well, that's a fantastic question, and I could rant about it until my voice gets so hoarse I'm mistaken for a man and people start to listen. As a Millennial and environmentalist, I'm expecting there to be more eco-friendly resources the government can harvest, resorting to fewer fossil fuels and unnecessary destruction of the earth. It's nearly 2017 and geothermal, solar, and other types of energy are much more easily accessible than they used to be. Why not use a green method that not only benefits the environment but the people who use this water on a daily basis and depend on it to live as well? It only seems logical. As I've grown up and figured out what I support, I've realized being both Millennial and environmentalist can cause tension and arguments between Baby Boomers and those who don't care for the earth. The Sioux Tribe faced and continues to face heinous assaults in order to fight for their water. People shouldn't have to protest for clean water. It should always be free and available but isn't, and that's why people are fighting. How can money come before the survival of an ancient, historical Tribe who need clean water to live? How can money overrule the need for a green environment? How can money turn people heartless? How can these people and this land mean nothing if you only see the value of making money?
**On Sunday, December 4th, 2016, it was announced that the Army Corps of Engineers did not approve the final step of the pipeline's construction, rather, other methods are being researched that will hopefully be more environmentally friendly.
