To My Child,

The year is 2018, and I am scared. As I hope to teach you at an early age, it’s okay to feel scared. The truth is, our planet’s current state is scary — almost as scary as it will be if humans continue to live the way we do now.

Yes, climate change is frightening; however, it is this very fear that inspired me to write this letter to you. This fear motivates me to make sustainable lifestyle choices and never forget about how my individual actions help and/or harm the environment. I crave to save Earth because you deserve to thrive in a safe world.

I want the air you breathe to be the cleanest air on earth, not saturated in toxins. I want the lakes you swim in to be the cleanest water on earth, not polluted with plastic. For these reasons, I promise to do all that I can — from feeding you plant-based meals to teaching you what to throw in the compost bin — to keep our planet safe. Because a healthy world fosters a healthy child, and your health is my main concern.

With love and optimism,

Your Mother