The Tragedy of the Commons is an article written in 1968 by the ecologist Garrett Hardin. He talks about the loss of public resources due to peoples focus on self-interest rather that the interest of the common good. Since our interests are in the wrong place our resources are being sucked dry at the expense of our selfishness.

4 family members. 3 cars. Is this really necessary? No and yet this is not far from reality. Shouldn't this number be reduced thereby reducing the amount of pollution the family is contributing to our world's air. Our air not just yours. This statement is what the tragedy of the commons is all about. We must learn to share the public resources we have with everyone as equally as we can.

How do we learn how to do this? Well we must first give up the excuse "i'm just one person so I can't make that much of a difference." If everyone has this mindset then we are sure to head for complete resource depletion. Here are some simple ways we can keep the air clean for everyone.

1. Reduce Car Fumes
2. Reduce amounts of hairspray and aerosol cans we use
3. Stop Smoking
4. Quit cutting down so many trees

These are very simple suggestions but if they are actually taken seriously they can make a big difference!