Problems, Implications and Ways You Can Help Bring Forth Change
By Sawyer Woodstock
Take a moment to think, and tell me what's the worst thing that could ever happen to human beings? So, what did you think of? You thought extinction, didn’t you? Well, that is one of the grimmest things you could think of for humans. So, humor me for a moment and let’s take this grim outcome of extinction and view it from a different perspective.
The unfortunate reality is: this is the position of the third smartest animal alive today. These animals are being hunted to the point of extinction for nothing but a few plates, some jewelry and other “fashionable” trinkets. If you haven’t already guess it: this animal is the Elephant, the trinkets are made from their tusks and the market is: The Illegal Ivory Trade.
Last month, a poll was conducted by a group of grade 8 students. This test found that found that 30% of people tested were not aware of this issue. Awareness is a small first step we all can take together to achieve change on a global level.
Illegal ivory trade run by poachers and funded by everyday people. Essentially, the poachers kill the elephants in order to obtain their tusks. Their tusks are then sold illegally on an international market for money. Every year poachers kill about 20,000 elephants for their tusks.
Some people may argue that if poachers simply stopped collecting ivory tusks, there wouldn’t be enough ivory to keep up with the ever-growing demand. While this may be true, it is not the only way … there are alternatives, such as Vegetable Ivory! Sometimes, as humans, we can get fixated on the fastest/quickest way to make money, that we often overlook the impacts and implications of our human actions. Fortunately, with growing awareness we can create a change.
If you find yourself reading this and you want to help, the best thing you can do is spread the word. Every little bit helps. Remember that behind every piece of ivory – whether it be a plate, jewelry or decoration – is a dead elephant. The ivory trade impacts us all. Spread the word, do your part and let’s make this world a better place for Elephants to live.
