Climate change is a huge issue in contemporary society. A lot of people do not take it seriously because they don’t understand the threats or they don’t believe that individual actions can make a difference. However, if you use a carbon footprint calculator to total your individual carbon emissions, you will see that so many of your choices have an impact on global warming. Human activities that affect climate change include traveling, whether by bus, plane, or train, eating habits and dietary choices, how we dispose of waste, and what we buy. We only have one planet and we cannot afford to make mistakes. In addition to humans, ecosystems, plants, landscapes, and animals will be affected by global warming. If we don’t change our destructive habits soon, there is going to be a drastic change in life, as we know it. So, here are some easy things that individuals can do to reduce their carbon footprints that actually make a difference:
1. Bike or walk when you can. Carpooling and taking the bus even make a difference.
2. Eat less meat and dairy.
3. Recycle and compost.
4. Buy used clothing and utilities.
The average amount of carbon released per household in the United States is 48.5 tons per year. This number is extremely high. Let’s change that.
For a better idea of your personal carbon footprint, visit: http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu/carboncalculator
