My Eco-Wisdom Story - The Traffic Lights

The Traffic Lights

Marissa Pare-Castro

It is a rush hour. The traffic is heavy and the vehicles are getting many. The traffic lights watch closely. They keep on flashing their lights in proper sequence to make the people understand what they really want to say.

“If they only know the meaning of my color; that they have to stop not only to let others go but also to see if there’s danger around them, the people will realize that there really is.”, says Red Light.

“You’re right, Red Light. They don’t mind that the smoke they emit is one of the major causes of global warming. They also don’t get the message of my color: My light signals a short preparation to stop, which means, we just have a short time to prepare and stop the effects of global warming that cross here and there in the intersection of this traffic called life.”, Yellow Light says sadly.

“I feel the same way. I know my color says “Go!” but they don’t also get it. What I want them to do is to move fast in informing others that our environment is being destroyed gradually by greenhouse effect and other pollutants. My color symbolizes life and hope and for as long as they see me anywhere, they should be reminded that we can still save our environment from destruction if we start today.” Green light points out.

The traffic lights feel bad and they stop working. Soon the traffic becomes heavier and heavier and the smoke is all over the city. Drivers do not want to take turns and this make vehicles stop longer than ever before. People realize then the presence of dangerous smoke for they and their children begin to cough and could hardly breathe.

“Mama, there is only one traffic light working.”, says the four-year old boy to her mother.

“I don’t see any single light dear. Why do say that there is one traffic light that works?”, asks Mama.

“We hardly move. This happens only when the Red Light is on. Will the Green and Yellow Light get back to work again? We’re so far away from home.”, says the child.

Through that incident, the people begin to understand the real message of the traffic lights. Almost all of them try their best to help save the earth from global warming. They take care of their vehicles to prevent smoke belching. Some prefer walking and take a bus only when necessary. Others campaign for tree planting, reforestation, and recycling. These sacrifices convince the traffic lights to come back. The people rejoice and thank them.