I know eating meat and animal products are horrible for the environment, but it isn't really something I think I could give up. As an athlete, I think animal products are one of the best protein wise and for building muscle, but for example: it takes 3,000 litres of water to make a single burger. This is really bad for the environment and is definitely not sustainable, but personally think plant alternatives and beyond meat just cant really replace it.

Many people can relate to this. Meat is something that is just hard to stay away from. It serves its purpose at every meal. However, I think one should try to limit their intake on animal products to just what they need. Despite these efforts, it is still very difficult to figure out how to stay away from it. When considering the effects of consuming meat, it emits, mostly, the greenhouse gas methane. On top of this, there are more problems eating meat bring to the environment. What people can do is limit the amount of meat they can consume to something more reasonable and try to opt for something else when given the opportunity.

I think we should start taking care of our planet by not throwing our trash on the floor and start recycling for a healthier environment.

I completely agree with this idea. People need to be more educated on the dangers of trash and pollution because, the CO2 emissions rates increase because of this simple cause. If people were to be more mindful on what they leave out into the environment, we as a community would be much closer to our goal of a healthier environment. I also think this concept directly aligns with the effects of food waste on pollution. It is dangerous how food decomposes down and releases methane. These two ideas share a common theme that people need to be careful of what they are leaving behind.

Food waste has increased significantly over the past couple decades. Recycle Track Systems states that America throws about 60 million tons of food yearly which is approximately 40% of the total food supply in America. The food waste is taken to dumpsters leading to pollution. The increase of food waste also means the increase in pollution levels. Most importantly, the decomposition process of food causes the release of methane, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.  Because CO2 emissions directly correlate to the release of greenhouse gases, there will be an increase in CO2 emissions. It is incredibly important to note how food waste can contribute to CO2 emissions. People need be more aware of the dangers that lie around food waste because it has a strong negative impact on the environment.

our planet is changing fast because of pollution and waste. if we all reduce trash and save energy. we can protect Earth for the future. small actions from everyone can make a big difference.

My family's carbon footprint is around 5,000kg, this may seem low because its less than the average california residents, but in my eyes this is quite high. The reason our footprint is this high is because of our bad habits like leaving the water running for too long, leaving electronics on when we're not using them, leaving lights on when leaving the room, not recycling everything we can, etc. You and I can lower our footprint just by making small changes to your routine; being mindful about water usage, turning off electronics and lights, and recycling as much as possible.

My Family carbon is 16,841kg and my family is very strict on doing keeping stuff on or running and wasting money. It is bad habits to do all of that. The average carbon footprint is around 9,000kg. I wouldn’t necessarily disagree how your carbon footprint is high considering that others can have double or triple than 5,000kg. But i do agree on how we can change our carbon footprint by having better use on our water usage or electricity usage too.

The planet, due to the over production in fast food chains is being immensely impacted, and cannot sustain the amount of carbon that is being released into the earth's atmosphere by these chains. I propose that we, as a society, change how we live our lives, and start going to local food shops, or farmers markets, so we can change the lives of the future generations, and our own now.

I completely agree with your statement. Fast food chains contribute massively to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Supporting local food shops and farmers markets promotes sustainability, reduces transportation pollution, and encourages healthier eating habits. By making conscious choices now, we protect the planet’s resources and ensure a cleaner, healthier future for coming generations.

I agree, many grocery stores don't accept any produce that may look unappealing to customers even if they are still edible and just as good as normal ones; this could be determined by shape, size, and smell alone. What usually happens to these foods is that they don’t get sold and are wasted. Buying from food markets instead of large corporations could positively affect the food waste ratio.

I agree, food waste is a pretty big contributor to our carbon footprints because it is something that we have for everyday life. Most foods get thrown away just by how they are shaped or if they aren't appealing enough as you said, Which takes away A resort or food that someone else could've had.

If you want the facts on climate change, NASA’s website is a solid place to start. They break down what’s happening to our planet and why, using real data from their satellites. Basically, NASA points to rising greenhouse gases—especially carbon dioxide—as the main reason Earth keeps getting hotter. That extra heat is melting ice, fueling more intense wildfires, and pushing sea levels up. The site doesn’t just throw numbers at you, either. Their visuals and charts actually help you get what’s going on. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just curious, it’s easy to see how the climate’s changing, and why it’s something everyone should care about.

A big contributer to the carbon footprint is flying. Alot of people have to fly for there job but sometimes people fly really far sometimes out of country. They dont realize how much Co2 that releases.

I agree that a big contributor to our carbon footprint is flying however not everyone has the accessibility to a different type of transportation to get where they want to go, and depending on the place, taking a different type of transport,for example a car it could produce more carbon than taking a flight.

Companies have a crucial responsibility in addressing global warming. They must prioritize sustainable practices, reduce emissions, and invest in renewable energy sources.
By taking proactive measures, companies can mitigate their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
However, as long as companies prioritize short-term profit over the well-being of the planet, change remains an illusion. It is essential for companies to realign their financial priorities towards sustainable investments and eco-friendly practices. Only then can we hope to reverse the trend of global warming and protect our environment for future generations

I definitely agree with you, many larger companies are way too obvious to the harm that their non biodegradable waste is for the environment. I feel that the larger food and grocery stores need to start solely only allow biodegradable bags/ packages.

Very true, and the people with all this money tend to say they help the environment or are going to, but don't actually act on what they said.

Very true, and the people with all this money tend to say they help the environment or are going to, but don't actually act on what they said.

I agree! We’re told that we can make a difference by turning off lights and water, or buying compostable things, and while this helps, I’ve read that the main problem is the companies that burn fossil fuels, or contribute to fast fashion/consumerism. What we really need to do is get them to stop or switch to different methods, but all the people in power care about is money, and because the things they are doing now are cheap and the more sustainable methods are more expensive, they refuse to switch. Despite them all being some of the richest people in the world and having too much money to even consider spending in one lifetime. I doubt using methods that won’t eventually kill us will affect their style of life too much.

I absolutely agree. A vast majority of companies do not care about their carbon footprint and do not take the necessary steps in order to appropriately limit them just to save them some money. It's completely morally corrupt, but morals are clearly disregarded in the face of profits.

I agree, most companies don't care enough to mention the importance of the earth's safety and where the money goes. They can use their company's popularity to provide information or encourage people to take action. Even if they don't do this, they can contribute by switching from burning fossil fuels to something else.

You’re right, companies hold a ton of power when it comes to fighting global warming. They’ve got the money, the reach, and the ability to push things in the right direction. Still, too many stick with whatever makes the most profit, even if it’s bad for the planet. Switching to renewable energy, cutting emissions, and choosing greener ways to operate shouldn’t just be nice ideas—they need to be the norm. Honestly, as long as companies keep chasing quick wins instead of thinking about the bigger environmental picture, we won’t see real progress.

My family's carbon footprint is very low because we like to be cost efficient and reuse. We also like to take advantage of our resources when granted. Another thing that keeps our carbon footprint low is we home grow our vegetables and fruits, which saves us money in the long run.

Growing food at home is very cost efficient and uses less resources and is less wasteful, and also compost can be used as fertilizer and to grow you're a homegrown food, which reduces waste and causes the compost to be used for something resourceful.

Everyone has wants and needs, and it's usually hard to balance the two. Needs things and items that you usually need, while wants are just something that you desire. And a problem with wants is that usually it gets to a point where you have too many things that you want and you don't end up using them just because you wanted it at the moment which causes resources to used wastefully.

We can promote environmental awareness by creating vehicles that are powered by electricity rather than gas. Similar to the electric car, we should copy this plan for 2035 for all forms of transportation to eventually move towards being powered by an alternative energy source. This could heavily decrease global warming's impact, as some CO2 is released into our atmosphere as a byproduct of gas-powered machinery. In addition the electric forms of transportation I speak of can also stop air pollution from causes health effects later in one's life.

I think this could be a great solution. Fossil Fuels are one of the main contributors to global warming, and gas-powered cars are some of the main fossil fuel consumers. Every time we drive, we burn gasoline and release carbon dioxide into the air, which traps heat and makes climate change worse. Switching to cleaner options—like electric cars, buses, trains, biking, or even walking—would cut down the amount of emissions we produce every day. If more people chose these alternatives, we could lower pollution, improve air quality, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels altogether.

Fast fashion is cheap, poor quality, disposable clothing that is produced quickly and sold at low prices. It is not something completely new and it has been around for a long time. You don't even know it but most of your favorite stores like Zara, H&M, Primark, Forever 21 and Shein that have lately been very popular are considered fast fashion brands. This has always been a big problem and today even more because fast fashion is responsible for 10% of global carbon dioxide emission. So, next time you want to shop in one of these stores think twice.

I agree that these popular brands are a big contributor global emissions. Unfortunately, with the rise of social media and trends, fast fashion has become something that is popular. Brands are often quick to jump on these trends and as a result they mass produce clothing that will become unpopular and irrelevant. These companies emit carbon dioxide during production and waste these clothing that remain unsold.

Yes, I totally agree that's fast fashion has increased carbon footprints. This is also a waste of money because a while later it will just go out of fashion and then you don't want to wear it and then you buy another one. Instead you should just stick to one and use it as long as its useable.

I agree. Fast fashion is harmful to environment. It produces lots of carbon emissions and waste.  It also takes up a lot of water and energy. Millions of clothing end up in landfills every year. Textile processing contributes to 20% of global water pollution.

I agree, many clothing brands contribute to the carbon dioxide emissions. but I never knew that it was so high and harmful. I will definitely rethink about all the clothes I buy to help the earth, rather than destroy it.

Since actually accepting the issues is the first step towards reaching change, it's really cool and encouraging to see how many of us are aware of the negative effects of fast fashion has on the environment. It is also cool to see how many of us rethink our initial perspectives and change our purchases to help the environment. Making these more deliberate purchases by selecting items carefully that we'll use for a long time is something we all can do. Little things like repairing clothing instead of replacing it can also have a significant impact leading to businessses themselves being more pressured to implement better practices if more people collectively change their habits.

something that everyone can do to reduce there carbon footprint is eating less meat. Even though i do realize meat is a crucial part of a lot of people’s diets and not an easy thing to give up, i still think a lot of people aren’t aware of the serious affects meat has on our environment. The 1st thing i have to say about meat is how much land it takes to raise meat that is fully grown, one thing i’m not sure most of you know is that feeding someone who is vegan for a year takes only 1/6th of an acre of land while someone on a meat and dairy diet for a year uses 18 times that amount of land. i think this is a very scary statistic but also a very real one, raising meat does use a lot of land and meat eaters have to realize that. the 2nd thing i have to say about meat is how much methane cows produce. cows produce this methane through there farts, burps or poop, we contribute to this by eating cows. considering how many cows are bred because of the demand we put on them meaning more of the methane that cows produce is going up into the atmosphere. i think it is a really good idea for people to consider eating less meat and dairy meals each week as it is a great way to help save our planet and reduce your carbon footprint.

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, over 900 million people on Earth don’t have enough food to eat. This is nearly 1 in 7 inhabitants on Earth. Assessing our carbon footprint in correlation with our dietary choices shows that plant-based diets, often vegan or vegetarian, substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions as opposed to meat-heavy diets.

I agree with you, eating less meat is a great way to help the planet. Raising animals uses a lot of land. A vegan diet can cut land use by up to 75% (University of Oxford), which means more space for vegetation and animals. Also, cows release a gas called methane, which traps heat and harms the atmosphere. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says methane is over 25 times stronger than carbon dioxide. Even eating a few plant based meals each week can lower your carbon footprint and help the Earth.

This is an extremely important argument, and I completely agree with it. Yes, the main problems from the meat industry are the absurd amounts of land usage and high methane emissions. The statistic about a meat and dairy diet requiring 18 times the land of a vegan diet is a powerful way to show the scale of the issue. I also agree that the solution does not have to be veganism or vegetarianism, which definitely won't suit everyone; a compromise is! Two to three meatless meals a week will make a big difference!

Reducing meat in our diets or even eliminating meat in our diets can indeed reduce a carbon footprint. However this is a rather difficult task, considering the fact that meat is an excellent source of nutrients and protein in our diets. Removing it could cause issues in your daily activities (if you’re active) and a loss of energy, however it is possible, considering that 22% of the global population does not consume meat.It is a great way to reduce our carbon footprints and help contribute to the better of our atmosphere.

I definitely agree with these points; cutting back on meat consumption is among the most efficient ways a person can lessen their carbon footprint greatly. Methane emissions from cows are a significant contributor to climate change, and raising animals for meat also requires a vast amount of land and resources, as several others have noted. Making even minor adjustments, such as eating two or three meatless meals a week, can have a big positive impact on the environment. The advantages for the environment also go beyond greenhouse emissions, I would like to add. By reserving land for natural habitats rather than livestock, a shift to plant-based diets can help conserve many resources, including water. This will also help prevent deforestation and promote biodiversity. Eating less meat or purchasing meat locally can help local communities and advance healthier food systems. One of the best strategies to fight climate change may involve combining systematic changes in the way food is produced, along with small lifestyle adjustments. According to a study titled "Solving Climate Change Requires Changing Our Food Systems", agriculture and food systems are responsible for approximately 34% of all global GHG emissions annually. This highlights how diet and food production practices are intertwined with climate change. In the end, I believe it comes down to balance, cutting back on meat when one can, and considering how dietary choices affect the environment around us. This self-reflection will help people make better choices.

Food choices overall affect both our health and the environment around us in many different ways. Eating locally produced foods can help with the climate problems we, as a society, are facing. However, unlike what most people think, its impact is much smaller than the expected amount. When someone purchases food locally, it can help cut down on "food miles", as long-distance food transportation does result in greenhouse gas emissions. But for the environment, the type of food and how it's produced frequently have a greater impact than distance alone. Eating food that is grown nearby has several advantages as it helps preserve farmland, helps the community and local farmers, and results in fresher, healthier produce. This makes it positive for both the environment and your own health. In addition to reducing packaging waste, growing your own food or purchasing from local farms can also help promote healthier eating practices. I do have a food garden at home. This garden is mainly maintained by my grandma and my father as they use it to grow many fruits and vegetables (to name a few: Eggplants, strawberries, pomegranates, oranges, apples, okra, etc). I have also recently gotten into assisting my family members in this process, as it is both an enjoyable and instructive way to help the environment.

There are many items we either misplace in the wrong bins or could use for better purposes. Several of these purposes include turning old fabric scraps into small wraps/covers for things we use every day or turning reusable scraps into containers. For example, torn shirts or leftover cloth can be tied around jars, bottles, or small containers to protect them or give them a better grip, while egg cartons could be used as containers for small items like beads and more. It is a very simple way to reuse something that would normally be thrown out and away. Another simple idea that could be implemented is using scraps as padding for fragile items instead of buying and wasting bubble wrap/packing paper. I came up with these ideas after looking into my own life and what I believe would be the most beneficial. There are tons of cardboard boxes that I could turn into containers, and many scraps of cloth I could use around the house as well. Reusing scraps and other materials like this is beneficial to the environment because it reduces the total amount of waste we throw away and cuts down on the need for new materials to be manufactured and produced.

Solar panels are good for the environment because they produce energy with no air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, and they  reduce the need for fossil fuels. This helps not contribute to climate change, improves air quality, saves  water, and reduces the environmental impact associated with extracting and burning fossil fuels.

Growing your own food at home can be very good for the environment, it reduces your carbon footprint, can lead to less waste, and can reduce the amount of harmful pesticides used for producing food. It is also good for the individual tending to the farm, gardening has been shown to reduce stress, can be exercise, the food often tastes better, and it increases the persons food security. However, starting a new garden is a large investment at first and you have to pay a lot of money up front before you can start saving money in the long run, and a lot of people cannot afford that. I found some websites that have lots of tips on ways to save money when starting/maintaining a garden: https://zerowastehomestead.com/dirt-che … -a-budget/ and https://www.accidentalhippies.com/start … p-or-free/  . These sources can be very helpful to anyone who wants to start growing their own food, so feel free to look at & share them.

I think that this is a very good idea however most people in my opinion are far to lazy to do this instead of just going and buying food from the store. So I suggest that if possible find a way to do this in a way that takes less effort to make it a lot more appealing to people.

Lots of major companies make misleading advertisements to convince people of their environmental friendliness. According to Akepa, Keurig led Canadian buyers to believe that their pods are easily recyclable, but their methods, and pods in general, are not accepted by most Canadian provinces.

Canada is in the right for not accepting these derogatory ads!

I forgot to put my sources

https://thesustainableagency.com/blog/g … es/#keurig

Hey another jones, it seems like you cant read. Please read his post before commenting.

i commented on the wrong post

According to NASA, climate change is the biggest influencer of extreme weather and humans have accelerated the process since the Industrial Revolution. When the Industrial Revolution started, factories burned fossil fuels which cause greenhouse gases to go into the atmosphere. The greenhouse gases warm up the earth's temperature which effects the water cycle, weather patterns and ice melting. These factors all contribute to extreme weather. While it may seem like the world is ending with loads of greenhouse gases stacked up from over 200 years, there is a way to stop or at least lower the amount of greenhouse gases. People can protest or boycott the use of anything that uses fossil fuel and can go do more ecofriendly approaches instead. People should also look to reduce carbon emissions as that contributes to the increase of greenhouse gases.

Solar panels should be the primary source of energy. I remember in 8th grade we watched a documentary about sources of energy and there was one part in particular that I found shocking. If we covered around a fifth of Nevada in just solar panels we could power the whole country with just the sun. I know that there are pros and cons to this, like money, or resources, but in the long run solar panels will be better for the environment. I also know that we can just build so many solar panels in Nevada, but my point is,America is much larger than Nevada which means there is a lot more empty space than just there,spreading out the solar panels would be beneficial for multiple reasons, people might think placing a bunch of solar panels in Nevada would be bad because they want to keep the land free of technology and keep that area a technology free zone and just nature so spreading them out can preserve some of the lands natural beauty, and if you spread the panels out you have a bigger chance of sunlight. Having all the solar panels in one place would be a stupid move,spreading them out gives you a bigger chance of the suns light.

In my area, there is no recycling. One thing I've done to help lower my carbon footprint is take my recycling, when possible, to my local Publix and Target where they have recycling bins available! When possible, too, I reuse glass jars to store dry goods such as beans, lentils, flour, sugar, etc. Not only does this help fight against microplastics in my food, but I'm also repurposing the jars, and not having to go out and buy empty glass storage bins.

love how you're finding ways to recycle items, that truly is great and admirable of you but the fact that your area has no recycling makes me think that this is an issue that you should call change for in your community. Although is is better to try to repurpose items as much as possible rather than just tossing items in the recycle bin, According to the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency),having a recycling bin in your area would be beneficial as,"the recycling and composting of municipal solid waste (MSW or trash) saved over 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018". Not only you but the community around you should start recycling in order to make a huge difference against carbon and greenhouse emissions.

According to the World Nuclear Association, over 40% of CO2 emissions are caused by the burning of fossil fuels for electricity. The effect of electricity on carbon footprinting is immense. Small actions such as forgetting to turn off the lights, resulting in it being left on for hours at a time can devastate energy resources. DarkSky International states that nearly 30% of lighting outside in the US goes to waste partially due to the lack of shielding. To avoid these problems, LED lights should be used because they save energy, especially in cases where light needs to be left on for prolonged periods of time. On top of this, the use of sensors should become more common because sensors have the ability to detect the presence of someone. It will detect movement and turn on, and will go off when there can't sense any movement in the room.

I completely agree with you! The use of LEDs would be a great way to save energy, considering their long life spans and energy efficiency. On top of that containing the excess light would also help the world with it’s light pollution crisis (which is why we can’t see stars that often anymore). The use of sensors is a great idea to save energy, and has been implemented in many locations globally, we could use the same technology to save energy on long roads, and freeways at night with long distance sensors.

I go on vacations throughout the year to visit family, 2-3 times a year, and it is a big issue. I like to visit my family and spend time with them, but flying is a huge issue due to the carbon emissions. Flying on airplanes is just something that I cannot live without.

That is a hard disscussion because even if you drive you are still giving carbon into the air.

I can also completely relate to this. As someone who has immigrant parents from India, flying to meet my relatives there is the only way I can meet them in person. I do not visit them a lot (once every 2-3 years), but whenever I do, it releases a lot of emissions due to the number and length of the flights. Also, my family tends to go on vacations two to three times a year as well, and there isn't much I can do about it. However, if it is within driving distance, we should always try to avoid airplanes and use our cars, especially electric cars, which are not as harmful to the environment.

I agree with Mr Kass here. Flying is something that I need to do to visit distant relatives.

One effect reducing and reusing would have on our environment is that it would decrease the amount of pollution and energy waste that is caused because of making new products. Simple ways of doing this include recycling materials such as paper and plastic. Another way more people can help with reducing and reusing is through donating used products such as electronics. Several people around the world buy the iphone model that comes out every year. According to New Tech Recycling, billions of phones are thrown out. Instead of throwing out the old phone, it would be smarter to donate the phone so that way, less phones need to be produced to satisfy the demand. This would save energy and therefore help decrease CO2 emissions.

I don’t see enough people composting when gardening. It will reduce landfill waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and improve soil health. Although more people are starting to do it, compost rates are still low. The best part about it is that it is easy to do! All you have to do is take your waste natural materials and layer them in a bin. Then, just let it air out! And now, you have compost. Just work it into the soil before planting or adding a layer of compost on the soil. There are no side effects, and it leads to better soil! So, overall, it will give you better produce which you can use to make any meal you desire.

An idea for reusing and repurposing that I have done before was turning a plastic milk jug into a watering can. It is extremely easy, and you do not need to buy a new plastic watering can. All you need to do is unscrew the cap, clean the jug, remove the cap, and make several small holes in the cap using a hammer and nail or a drill. Then, reattach the cap, fill the jug with water, and water your plants. It is truly a great solution!

The difference between needs and wants is simple, but difficult to make a choice between them. Needs are things you must have to live. This includes things like food and water. Wants are things you just really want, like a new phone or toy. A significant issue is that wanting too much stuff can cause an overconsumption of materials. Making all those extra items uses up lots of Earth's materials, and it wastes energy. Also, it creates pollution. If everyone focused more on just meeting their basic needs instead of always getting the new and trendy items, we would stop hurting the environment so much and save natural resources.

With social media like TikTok and Instagram being so prevalent today, there's a lot of content centered around the trendiest clothes to buy. Especially now with resources like TikTok Shop and SHEIN, poorly made "trendy" clothes aren't only being pushed onto you from every site, they're also accessible with a few clicks. If you see a post about a shirt that you just need, you might not even have to leave the app to buy it. It's almost too good to be true. But what happens after a few months? The clothes you just bought aren't just falling out of style, they're falling apart. Influencers sometimes make it seem like the trendy, fast-fashion apparel they're promoting is a necessity, but the truth is, the clothes you have now work just fine. Not participating in fast fashion helps slow the masses of thrown-away clothes that litter every landfill. It also means you're not funding the unethical work practices of most of the companies that sell them. So the next time you see a shirt on the internet you're convinced you can't live without, remember, the shirt you have on right now is just as good.

This post effectively illustrates the relationship between social media consumption and unsustainable consumer behavior in the fashion industry. The accessibility of fast-fashion platforms like TikTok Shop and SHEIN creates a cyclical pattern of overconsumption and waste. When garments deteriorate rapidly due to poor manufacturing standards, they contribute significantly to landfill accumulation. Additionally, the carbon emissions generated from manufacturing, shipping, and disposing of these low-quality items represent a substantial environmental cost. By maintaining existing clothing items rather than participating in trend-driven purchasing, individuals can reduce their personal carbon footprint while simultaneously decreasing demand for unethical production practices. The data supports that extending the lifespan of existing garments through conscious consumption is one of the most effective strategies for reducing fashion-related carbon emissions and textile waste in landfills.

Our items and belongings that we have, clothes, technology and such should be kept if it is able to be used. For example, the clothes that I have are good enough and I do not need or want to buy new ones. There is no need to buy new clothes if the ones that I have are already good, and it would just be a waste of money and it would damage the climate. The fashion industry already makes up 8-10% of the total global carbon emissions, and me buying new clothes would make it go up even more.

you're totally right about this, the fashion industry is insane for carbon emissions. i never realized it was like 8-10% of global emissions until i started researching. honestly keeping the clothes you have is way smarter than constantly buying new stuff. plus most new clothes are fast fashion that fall apart anyway so you end up replacing them more often. if everyone just wore what they already had and took care of it, the fashion industry's carbon footprint would drop so much. it's crazy how simple the solution is but nobody does it.

California had the hottest summer in 2024 so hot. The wildfire had occurred in increased sickness for a lot of people and even dead. The wildfires in Los Angeles burned down thousands of acres destroying lots of houses and buildings. Next is storms, the latest storm in Southern California is possibly record breaking while heavy rain is causing flood and even causes the most powerful atmospheric river flood in Los Angeles. The heavy rain, Los Angeles hits fire ravaged areas and possibly causing rockslides.

A huge chunk of our items be it clothing, sofas, etc. are made of leather. According to Carbonfact and ACS Publications, the process holds multiple chemical and mechanical processes to make them fancy.  From tanning methods, to waste management. This can be reduced by starting to make our own leather clothing, by possibly salvaging some from roadkill, like the millions of deer that die.

visualizing a future without constraints, and understanding that your attitude and belief are more impactful than your current circumstances or intelligence.

I forgot to put my sources:

https://www.carbonfact.com/blog/knowled … bon-impact

going shipping uses  lots of gas and causes pollution, the food can get squished, lost , and get rotten on its way from farms to  stores so you should try to buy locally grown food and all grocery stores should bring locally grown groceries to sell so they are cheaper and better for and it’s also harder to check if groceries from somewhere else are 100% organic.

According to UNEP.org, 1.02 billion tonnes of food waste was generated in 2022. This is a big problem as this accounts to 1/5 of all food that is avalible to the common consumer. The carbon emmisions that come out of food waste 5 times more than than the aviation industry. This is a huge problem and needs a huge solution. By only buying what you need, you can save over up to $56 per week or $3000 per year according to EPA.gov. Spoiled food can be used in composts instead of just throwing them in landfills which produces more carbon. Lastly, we should use old food that is edible to make new meals instead of just outright throwing food that is still edible.

Almost everything in our daily lives affect our carbon footprint, sometimes in a good way and sometimes in a not so good way. Some might say that our carbon footprint doesn’t matter but if we all have that mindset then it does matter because we are all affecting our environment and its climate. So some simple ways to lower your carbon footprint are as follows; start using a bike to travel shorter distances, eat less meat or eat pasture-based meat, or even changing the light bulbs in your house into LED’s.

I believe that the majority of a person's carbon footprint comes from the usage of gas powered vehicles such as road vehicles (passenger cars and light-duty trucks) and airplanes. It is generally one of the several primary sources, alongside household energy consumption, food/dietary choices, and the consumption of goods and services. Switching to electric Transportation significantly reduces carbon footprint and is crucial for combating climate change as a community. Tailpipe emissions (released from exhaust pipe when fuel is burned) aren't produced when electric vehicles are being operated. Beyond climate benefits, eliminating these tailpipe emissions improves local air quality, leading to overall better health outcomes and less respiratory and cardiovascular problems in the community. Adopting electric modes of transportation (Tesla, Chevrolet Bolt, etc) is a necessary step towards achieving net-zero emissions and preventing the worst impacts of climate change.

There are websites such as: https://realfood.tesco.com/what-can-i-make-with.html that enable you to enter some leftover ingredients you have (like potatoes, garlic, or onions) and it suggests recipes that you can make to use up loose bits and pieces. This is better for the planet because it means less food waste, as you are eating everything you've bought (and it saves you money, too).

I totally agree with you. This is an amazing way to use up all the ingredients that you have as leftovers. Like you said by doing this you can have less food waste and throw away less food. And if you do this you can save money, which is very important these days with the high prices of everything. I think it's also a great way to try something new and you never know you might like it.

I 100% agree with you. Most people have no idea how much food they throw away on daily basis. Using your leftovers for new recipes is a great way to lower your food waste. Not just that, but you are also saving money by not buying new food for every meal.

I really like the idea! Personally, I never knew about such websites, but now I'm intrigued. I like the appeal of reducing food waste, as people seem to throw away a lot more food than necessary. Also, I feel like these websites could encourage people to cook at home rather than eat fast food. It's a win-win for both the people and the environment.

I think there is so much you can do with leftover food- for example you can take watermelon rinds and pickle them, you can really get creative and find many uses for things, whether its to eat, or to reuse for other projects. Veggie scraps and meat bones can be boiled down to soup broths, and so much more

I completely agree, but lets not also forget composting too, you could pickle the watermelon rhines, or you could compost it and grow more watermelons.

This is such a good idea, and I completely agree. We should all use our leftovers in new recipes before throwing them away in order to limit food waste.

While I agree that people should use leftover food to make new dishes, I have an alternate solution to food waste. People should have compost containers at their house in which they can pour unwanted food in. Food in the compost can be used to grow plants which can be used to grow new plants. This cycle can help produce new plants and is healthy to the environment according to epa.gov as it is nature's way of recycling. While cooking food using leftovers is also good, this offers a good alternative for people that are garderners.

This is a great way to save food and money especially when food is so limited to so many people. These years had been so hard on a lot of people because of wars and the US government shutdown, making it hard for so many people from these countries to have enough food. So you should try to save food as best as you can, when you can.

I agree with you and think that website’s really cool. Another way to save food that either you don’t want/like, you could compost it or give it to friends that like that food.

I think likewise Hasooney.

Sankarshan

Thank you for sharing this with us! This website really does provide great ways to avoid wasting food. I think that if we all tried to come up with recipes to using leftover food rather than throwing it out, we would eventually see a very clear decrease in carbon emissions caused by food waste.

Sankarshan

sankarshan

Sankarshan

sankarshan

sankarshan

Ocean acidification is a rising environmental issue that poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. As carbon dioxide levels rise in the atmosphere,a portion is absorbed by the oceans, leading to a decrease in pH levels. This chemical shift can have devastating effects on marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as coral reefs and shellfish, which struggle to maintain their structures in more acidic waters. To help this issue, we can take  action by reducing our carbon footprints through lifestyle changes. Such as advocating for renewable energy sources, and supporting policies aimed at decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting awareness and education about ocean health can help communities to engage in conservation efforts to help our oceans.
I have also found a link about more information in ways we can help our oceans and marine life. https://texanbynature.org/2019/08/5-way … our-ocean/

I had no idea that what we put out goes all the way into the oceans...that is really sad to read about. Putting this post up will definitely help with my drive to cut down on carbon emissions.

I agree with this because we need to conserve marine life, because without marine life the water would end up being toxic due to a lack of a diverse ecosystem, and if we reduce the use of fossil fuels and come up with a safer source of energy all will be well for humans and the environment.

I never knew how me playing on the video game is hurting the ocean but I do agree that we need to find a better way to use energy. I think we should use hrydro energy

I agree with this, the Ocean is very important.I also like that it included a link to help the Ocean.

Earth's temperature is warming up at an alarming rate due to how big our carbon footprint is. The global average carbon footprint per person is 4.8 metric tons. Due to how much CO2 we are releasing sea levels are rising and our ecosystem is collapsing. Most of CO2 comes from our households due to how much energy they hold. A way to reduce how much CO2 your producing is using a renewable energy source. An example of this is implementing solar panels. Additionally, you can use fans instead of air conditions. Another method you can use to lower your carbon footprint is unplugging your devices when your not using them or installing low-flow showerheads since they are proven to reduce water consumption and the energy needed to heat water. The final method I recommend is following the RRR rules. Reduce, reuse and recycling minimize waste and gives items a second chance. Most people throw items after one use since it has become normalized in society. But small changes like the ones I just recommended add up to a big step towards lowering your carbon footprint.

I totally agree that it is the small things in what we do that could make the biggest change. Especially since most people would be much more likely to change small things like starting to recycle more instead of ridding a bike all the way to work because of the drastic change it would be to there life.

I'm writing this to ask a question. My carbon footprint isn't exactly huge, but some things have made me doubt whether my own choices are even accurate.

For example, how could I reduce my light consumption if it's dark when the sun goes down? Would using candles help? If I use candles, my expenses would increase, wouldn't they?

Besides needing some recycling tips, I'm running out of ideas on how to recycle things without throwing them away.

Hello! I have some recycling tips for you. If you have old clothes you want to get rid of you can donate them. Also another thing I love to do is cut up parts of the clothes such as turning jeans into shorts, its a great way to make a pair of something you already have into something new!

To reduce your light consumption if it's dark you can use energy-efficient light bulbs they use less energy and cost less. Yes candles can work but they can also get messy and many more. You can recycle any thing plastic that you use and clothes that you may not wear or can't fit anymore.

I think that using a candle would be smart from time to time when the sun goes down and a tip for a recycling that involves candles would be to use Glass jars and bottles to make candle holders, vases, or for storing dry goods. You can also turn them into reed diffusers.

If you are worried about your carbon footprint growing from your lights, a great way to lower it is L.E.D. lights. L.E.D. light bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. On top of that they could help you save up to $300 a year on electricity.

Source: https://www.arcadia.com/blog/led-vs-reg … difference

Sorry, I just noticed you're from Spain so I'm not exactly sure how much you would actually save on electricity. Though it is still more efficient than other light bulbs types, so take it as you will.

I am worried about the Ocean having less fish. Ocean Acidification is when the Ocean’s PH changes due to a higher amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it hurts marine life. It also causes Ocean warming. We should stop Ocean Acidification by not using fossil fuels.

Growing your food at home is really beneficial to your health along with the health or the environment. When you buy food from a store or order it or your door it is still producing carbon emissions. How you might ask? Because of the shipping done by vehicle to get to that store or the machines used to harvest or kill depending on the food product, are all producing carbon emissions. This could be prevented by growing your food at home  either through a garden or hydroponics. My family has been doing both and since then our health has gone up because the amount of fruit that was added to our diet as well as our carbon footprint going drastically down by almost never having to buy food from stores anymore. Overall this is a change many people should be doing if the have the facilities to do so and the funds.

The balance between the human race and the well-being of our planet is quite difficult to balance. People need more and more things that are not exactly friendly to the environment and the planet. what can we do to balance the balance? I think we should reduce as much as possible the objects that we don't really need or replace them with others that are better for the environment. I admit that I also buy some things (clothes for example) that are not really useful to me, taking into account that I have so many good things that I could continue to wear. therefore, I will try as much as possible not to spend so much money on things I don't need, but to invest them in things that will also help the planet.

To add on to you’re point I think people should use more recyclable materials that are biodegradable, as well as organize more events for recycling, cleaning and informational ones too because it is very important to learn about how much one piece of plastic can damage the environment, and the ways that our pollution can affect animals and plants. We need to be aware that we are the cause of pollution and that only we can fix pollution and save our planet.

I completely agree! I often buy new items without considering what I already have and how my purchases will affect the planet. I feel it is important to pay attention to the packaging of items and minimize our purchases of plastic or other packaging materials that are harmful to our planet. It would also be great for communities to continue to transition from plastic products to more paper products. In addition, it is essential to enforce recycling and composting policies to limit the amount of waste dumped on land, making its way to our ocean, polluting the water, and hurting marine animals. We definitely need to be more conscious of our daily actions and their effects. Has your community taken any effective steps to further protect and heal our planet? Do you have any other ideas on how to do so?

I also agree very strongly marlow. It is important to recycle as much as possible.My community hasn't done this but i have researched a lot on cleaning plastics.One project I found interesting was an organization called The Ocean cleanup, It took a net attached to two tug boats that collect plastics in ocean hotspots . Although this form of cleaning is effective i feel it is not as sustainable as other projects due to a boat being driven around the ocean a lot which could effect the marine ecosystems as well as effect the carbon footprint.A great way to clean up in your community without needing many tools is to organize ocean and river clean ups, river clean ups are very important because our world only uses 1% of the 71% of water on earth and it is getting limited everyday due to waste in our fresh water.

As demand for new products such as clothing and technology increase, carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emission follows, and even through beach cleanups and ocean cleanups and efforts to recycle plastics, metals, and rare earth minerals, our efforts to combat climate change do little to reduce climate change itself. While investing in the planting of new trees and ecosystems is an effective way to combat climate change and absorb some of the greenhouse gas emissions from the Earth's atmosphere, companies and government entities can do more to invest in ways to absorb CO2 through new technologies and developments. Much like how new inventions grant are given through the NIH (U.S. National Institute of Health) and government organizations, the UN and other national entities could use some of its own funding to develop a CO2 and greenhouse gas emission invention team composed of internationally-recognized and accomplished resources to develop new materials and processes that could help to temporarily or permanently absorb greenhouse gas emissions. One example of developments of inventions to combat the production of carbon-dioxide is Stanford University's creation of a new carbon-dioxide trapping material in their laboratory. In late February of this year, Stanford chemists were able to revolutionize a new process to permanently sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide using common minerals and materials. With the creation of new dedicated carbon-dioxide fighting invention teams, will the United States and other countries around the world be able to reach its goal of net-zero and 2 degrees Celsius over the next 100 years?

You make a great point about how our habits affect the planet. Reducing unnecessary purchases and choosing eco friendly alternatives is a strong step toward restoring balance between human needs and environmental health. By being mindful of what we buy and supporting sustainable products, we can all play a part in protecting the Earth’s resources for future generations.

I think you make a good point. What a lot of people forget when they buy clothes is that the materials in clothes require energy to grow, process and assemble into our items. The problem is that in countries in the modern world, people find clothes for not so expensive, making them more likely to spend on a whim rather than necessity. An example of this is that you don’t really need more than 2 pairs of shoes, just one for regular wear and one for formal occasions.

I agree with your statement. That us humans needs to be aware of the environment around us and how we are affecting it in today's society. What you said is good to spend less on extra clothing you don't need and things that you don't really use a lot and spend it on more eco- friendly causes. Even if its smaller actions like recycling and choosing sustainable products this can have an impact on this planet.

I agree with your statement I also think you make a good point when you said " I think we should reduce as much as possible the objects that we don't really need or replace them with others that are better for the environment." but I have one question? What can we change to make cloths and other things more safe for the planet and more affordably for the community.

Growing your food at home is really beneficial to your health along with the health or the environment. When you buy food from a store or order it or your door it is still producing carbon emissions. How you might ask? Because of the shipping done by vehicle to get to that store or the machines used to harvest or kill depending on the food product, are all producing carbon emissions. This could be prevented by growing your food at home  either through a garden or hydroponics. My family has been doing both and since then our health has gone up because the amount of fruit that was added to our diet as well as our carbon footprint going drastically down by almost never having to buy food from stores anymore. Overall this is a change many people should be doing if the have the facilities to do so and the funds.

There are a lot of sad things happening around the world, and unfortunately, they are usually what make the news and get lots of publicity as opposed to the good changes and actions happening. This can lead to hopeless or anxious feelings about climate change that cause some people to stop trying to fight climate change. It is important to be aware of the good and innovative things happening in the world as well as the bad.

I agree! I think that if people were more informed about the good changes that others are making to help fight climate change, then they would be more motivated to help make changes to improve as well! I think that instead of promoting the tragic news to make people feel hopeless and doomed (although it's still good for awareness), we should promote more news about positivity to motivate others into willingly helping improve the state of the world. Positive news could be more inspiring and help lead someone into wanting to do what others are doing to make the world a better place for everyone to live in and to inform them of the small changes they can do to make a big difference. Sad/tragic news on the other hand could make someone feel like it's too late to make a change or the problems are too big to be able to do something about it (which is completely untrue)

I agree with this, I think it is very important to focus on what we can do and change instead of what we are doing wrong all the time. Though it is important for people to know the severity of whats happening right now I think we could educate people on whats happening in a less scary way. Educating people and especially kids in a way that makes them feel like they can do their part is vital so people actually start making change instead of being scared of how much they need to change their lives in order to save the whole world. I think a great way to educate everyone is start with small things like how to recycle properly and to advertise clean ups that you could sign up with your friends or family.

I agree! There are many organizations that are trying help. Educating people about it will help raise awareness. Everyone can help by recycling, planting trees, etc. Creating a community and showing the positive benefits will encourage more people to help.

I agree! Many people get discouraged when they hear that climate change is getting worse, so people think that their efforts to stop it change and they just give up. But to the people that don't get discouraged, keep fighting, your efforts do impact the climate change for the better

I agree, There are many things happening right now that are benefiting the world but they get no publicity whatsoever. The organizations that are trying to make a change deserve at least a bit of recognition for trying to educate others.

Individually, we can drive less, switch to renewable energy, reduce meat consumption, conserve energy, and minimize waste. Communities can promote local food, organize clean-up events, advocate for public transport, plant trees, and educate others. Nationally, governments should invest in renewable energy, enhance public transport, and enforce stricter environmental regulations. Globally, international cooperation, developing technology, and assistance for climate adaptation is crucial for widespread emissions reductions and reducing climate impacts.

I totally agree with you, Aarush- especially on the topic of educating others about how they can reduce their carbon footprint. Many people do not know what their carbon footprint is, let what the phrase "carbon footprint" means.

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Typically a family of three in California has a carbon footprint of approximately 28 to 31.5 metric tons of Co2 equivalent per year. We should reduce that to about 5% less.

An effective way to prevent food waste is to store food properly and freeze food to extend its freshness. When you freeze food and store it properly it extends how long it will stay fresh. Also storing it properly ensures the food doesn't spoil too early.

I live in Sacramento and it seems that every day, the weather changes drastically. Like it can be 80 degrees one day and 60 degrees and stormy another day. Could there be any reasons for this?

it usually happens because large air masses move in, like a cold front pushing out warm air or a warm, sunny front replacing cool, cloudy air, also because of the sun heating up the land.

Drastic daily weather changes in Sacramento are primarily due to the city's inland location in the Central Valley, the influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains, and the dynamic nature of weather fronts and the jet stream.

Most of my family lives far away so when we need to see them we have to take a plane. Though recently we couldn't because of the war, a couple years back my family went to Ukraine via plane. The flight was very long and probably left a big carbon footprint.

This is wise to notice, and we should not take flights when it is not necessary (Like when we can drive somewhere but the flight saves time)

According to Carbonliteracy.com the fashion industry is the second largest contributor to pollution (about 10% of global pollution). We in this generation spend around 5-6 hours a day on our phones, and more “doom scrolling” through TikTok, this is where companies thrive off of by paying your favorite influencers to promote their products, making them 2x as desirable just for them to lose “hype” after a few months; examples being clothes, water bottles, make up, etc. . All of these products that are being mass produced for every month long trends go to waste, as of 2019 H&M was known for having over 4.2 billion dollars worth of unsold clothing; according to Carbonliteracy.com 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions come from the fashion industry alone.

Exactly, companies make fast fashion items which get popular for a certain amount of time only to go to waste when it goes out of trend.

This is smart to notice, because people often buy things that are trendy and stop wearing them or throw them out when they are not in style/trend anymore.

Human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, have increased dramatically since the Industrial Revolution, creating an insulating blanket that traps heat in the atmosphere. This intensification of the natural greenhouse effect, a process known as global warming, is the primary driver of climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. As the planet warms, it leads to more severe heat waves, droughts, floods, intense storms, and wildfires, altering weather patterns and impacting ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health across the globe. These consequences are evident in record-breaking heat waves and drenching rains, a trend the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) unequivocally links to human influence on the atmosphere, ocean, and land.

Participating in the internet trend "Project Pan" helps people combat overconsumption, and encourages them to be more resourceful. "Project Pan" is a trend that gained popularity in the early 2010's where people use up all of their beauty and hygiene products before buying new ones. This also helps eliminate waste, and teaches people to only buy things that are necessary for them and that they will likely use.

I am a 6'2 140 pound male and I want to find the most sustainable amount of food I can eat daily without making too much carbon emissions. Please help!!11 !! 11!!1!!!11

"Clean development" generally refers to sustainable development practices, which aim to meet present human needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This approach requires balancing economic growth with social equity and environmental protection, such as transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Historically, the international community formalized this concept in part through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a system under the Kyoto Protocol that allowed developed nations to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries and earn carbon credits in return. These projects, which can include things like rural electrification using solar panels or improving energy efficiency in industrial processes, foster the transfer of cleaner, more efficient technologies and stimulate sustainable economic growth in host nations. Overall, clean development is a holistic approach to building a more sustainable world for everyone, integrating environmental concerns into the core of business and societal practices.

As we all know the global carbon footprint is very large and will only get larger as the population increases. Our greenhouse gas emissions are very high and difficult to stop, but that begs the question: how difficult would it be to reverse the greenhouse effect that we have in our atmosphere?                                                                                                                        To start we would have to reduce if not eliminate our greenhouse gas emissions. Without stopping the emissions it’s like trying to lose weight will a slow metabolism and a high calorie diet. Then after that somewhat impossible task that would permanently (or temporarily depending on our future technological advancements) affect the people and their day to day lifestyle we would have to remove the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Removing the greenhouse gases is possible, my irrigating soil, planting trees, plants, and by using machines for direct air capture and storage (DACS).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           If we accomplish this very difficult task, we would have a much better atmosphere, overall cooling the planet, stopping the melting of the polar ice caps, reducing strange and unpredictable weather, and helping reduce the amount of natural disasters that happen daily.

These days, corporations would do anything for money like harming the enviornment. For example, Elon Musk's rocket debris had been spread out all over the Caribbean. This harmed the enviornment but he can never be held accountable because of the power and money he has. This can also to many other corporations that work in other fields that other related to space. AI companies recycles water that is dangerous for the enviornment if it is ever put in the open. This is just one of many examples. I believe that there should be laws to keep corporation responsible for their actions.

The food you eat can inadvertently harm our atmosphere. Due to things like live stock butchering, shipping, and farming. If you eat meat, it was probably shipped from far away after being processed and handled in factories. This can create a massive carbon footprint. We can slow this problem by eating less meat, specifically red meat. Cows are known to naturally produce methane, a gas, which harms our atmosphere, as well as the processing and shipping of beef.

My personal carbon footprint is 6,888 per year. This one carbon footprint is extremely low compared to the global total carbon footprint. If the global carbon footprint was this, our greenhouse gas emissions would be around 0 and healing our planet would be 100% possible within the next 200 years. However my carbon footprint is 1.4 times larger than the average, if everyone had this our greenhouse gas situation would be a lot more severe than it already is. And to top it off, eliminating the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere would be impossible, and our situation would worsen, causing weather and temperature disasters, harming our day to day lifestyles.

My carbon emissions for my household are much larger than other people worldwide. This is because one of my houses uses gas for everything. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can reduce the carbon emissions in general while living at home?

Dobbiamo mettere la spazzatura nel posto giusto, non nel fiume o nella natura. Dobbiamo proteggere il nostro pianeta e insieme renderemo di nuovo grande il pianeta

I agree with what you're saying, throwing away trash in the right place is very important because this contributes very much to taking care of Earth.

I agree, I think that we as people, the ones that predominantly are on the planet, have to figure out a way to stop using so much waste, or, if we as a society cannot make such a drastic change so fast, we can urge everyone to recycle more often, not dump water into our oceans, and to reuse as many things as possible

Sono d'accordo, penso che noi come persone, quelle che sono prevalentemente sul pianeta, dobbiamo trovare un modo per smettere di usare così tanti rifiuti, o, se noi come società non possiamo fare un cambiamento così drastico così velocemente, possiamo esortare tutti a riciclare più spesso, a non scaricare acqua nei nostri oceani e a riutilizzare quante più cose possibile

Ocean Acidification is when the ocean becomes more acidic due to too much carbon dioxide in the air. The ocean absorbs this and it then mixes with the water which forms an acid. This acid can be harmful towards sea life like clams, oysters, and coral because it makes it harder for them to build their shells. Many sea animals like fish, depend on coral reefs for a place to live and to have shelter. If we continue to pollute the air, ocean acidification can become even more harmful not only to us but to ocean life as well.

this is very useful information, and I agree with you that if we continue to harm the ocean it can become even more harmful towards us. You've proven some very good key factors as to why we should try our best to reduce how much acidity we put into por ocean, but how can reduce how much and what can I do to prevent myself from producing too much carbon?

To reduce money spent and to be healthier you should grow a garden.  Growing a garden is a cheap way to save money. Instead of buying vegetables and fruits, you can buy or save up for more necessities. When you grow your own food you know what is on it and you can make sure there are no chemicals.  At home gardens don't just help you it also supports pollinators and reduces air pollution. Many big corporations use chemicals on their food. These chemicals affect the environment around it. Making your own garden helps pollinators get more food and a place to live. So when you grow your own food you help the environment, yourself, and pollinators!

I completely agree. Growing your own garden is one of the best ways to save money, stay healthy, and help the planet. When you grow your own fruits and vegetables, you control what goes into your food and avoid harmful chemicals often used by large corporations. Gardening also supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem. Plants in your garden help clean the air and reduce pollution, creating a more sustainable environment. Plus, gardening can be relaxing and rewarding, offering both physical and mental benefits. It’s a simple yet powerful step toward a greener future.

I think while this is a fantastic idea, unfortunately organizations restrict this a lot. For example, my HOA prevents the growing of food gardens and fruit trees. Even as a renter, I am unable to start my own garden because of renting restrictions. Some people also simply don't have the space or the time. If we want to promote growing our own food, we need to vote in the way of equal pay/affordable homes (to promote more home ownership), better work hours, and anti-HOA laws.

what about those who don't have homes?

i feel like those who dont have a home could maybe try to do a communtiy garden maybe at a near by park

I agree with the idea of  for some people who don't have a home to make a community garden, but lots of things come into factor, where would they get the seeds, where would they get the water for the seed, where would they make,e the garden, will they get permission to plants a garden where they want it, would there be a good spot so people don't trample the plants or steal the food, will the plants get enough light? I'm not saying its a bad idea I'm saying it s a good idea it just might be harder than just planting some seeds and calling it a day.

I think that using plastic water bottles for just one time, and then throwing them out is really bad for the environment and contributes to climate change. This is because all of the trash in the landfills contribute to pollution, which hurts the growth of trees, and the trees help prevent climate change by producing oxygen. I think that instead of wasting and throwing away plastic bottles after one use, they can be used many times in the future, like normal reusable water bottles.

That is a brilliant point, plastic water bottles and other things that are not reusable can tremendously impact the wildlife and environment. Especially when littered around the streets these things a get washed up by rain into rivers and large bodies of water completely ruining the beauty of nature and when animals mistake these plastics for food can result in a horribly gruesome death. I agree with your idea about using these plastics multiple times an I think talking about these consequences to more people may make reusable water bottles appeal to more people instead of the plastic ones.

Yes, Jigesh. I agree that plastic water bottles should be used multiple times, or should maybe even be discontinued in general. Plastic items take an insane amount of time to break down and take up unecessary space in landfills. They can also end up in oceans where they mess with and even harm the marine wildlife.

I believe that the topic of Home Grown foods is very relevant today and can be incredibly beneficial for the environments that we live in. I grow foods at home like oranges, lemons, chilis, and various herbs. During the time that I have been growing these foods, I have learned how important it can be for others. Not only does it reduce carbon emissions as people will need to travel less for the products that they grow, it can also give people a sense of security because they can know for sure where their food comes from. Home growing also encourages healthier eating and can save money. It's inspiring to see how small actions like planting herbs or vegetables at home can contribute to a more sustainable future.

I also agree with this because growing home grown food saves time and reduces the amount of plastic used when purchasing items from the store.

I agree with this post because I think that it is very important to grow food at home because of the reason that you stated, the less carbon emissions, the sense of security, the healthier eating habits, and the saving of money. Lastly, I would like to add that growing food at home, can be more enjoyable than buying it from the store.

What is a Need?
A need is something essential for survival or maintaining a healthy life. Without it, a person's physical health would be significantly harmed or compromised. Example: food, water, and shelter.
What is a Want?
A want is something that is desired but not essential for survival or basic well-being. Wants are things that improve the quality of life, provide entertainment. Example: new phone, new car, and LEGOs.

I completely agree,Understanding the difference between wanting something and needing something could make all the difference in helping the environment because say you just want to buy (EX;LEGOs) that is not a need, and you're using CO2 to rather get to the store to buy LEGOs or paying someone to deliver those LEGOs to your house. But needing to go buy groceries for your home to feed your family is different and I think knowing the difference could be a big help to the earth.

Personally as a 14 year old high school student that lives in California the average carbon Footprint in my region is around 10.5 metric tons. This is a high number compared to the world average of  a mere 5 tons. This gap between California and the rest of the world could be closed if high schools start encouraging shared transportation. Schools in high schools could also start relying partially or fully on renewable energy sources. Another inexpensive way to reduce carbon footprint is to start unplugging electronic devices when not in use.  This simple task could reduce carbon emissions by a huge amount. These simple factors is what separates the rest of the world from California in terms of carbon emissions. According to ec.europa.eu  school in Romania turned completely green, ”It used to face problems related to heat and sound insulation and poor indoor air quality. It underwent a deep energy renovation, and the high school now provides a much healthier and comfortable indoor environment suitable for learning.” This shows how European schools managed to turn completely green reducing the average carbon emission released per person. These small things that these schools and students have done show big impacts. So using these previous ideas that are proven to work we should implement them within California.

Do you by chance like parmasean cheese?

Fossil fuels are the main cause of rising temperature and climate change. Burning them for energy releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Since we use fossil fuels for many different purposes, like industrial processing, energy production, and transportation, we can't immediately stop using fossil fuels. But if people will slowly change, at first, energy production, then use this energy for industrial processing, and change all cars, and other transport to electric ones. Then this will help our planet a lot.

I think that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. However, I think this problem would be better handled regionally, not globally. I live in an area that produces almost three times as much carbon per year than average. I think that we would need to bring the carbon emissions average down by drastic changes in smaller regions. This is because it is very hard to accurately judge progress on a global scale. This could lead to inaccurate data.

Climate Change is real, it is occurring at a fast rate. The planet's average surface temperature has risen by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the 19th century. Ice has been melting in Greenland and Antarctica are decreasing in mass. The royal society has an article about the basics of climate change, for example, greenhouse gases affect Earth's energy balance and climate. The sun is Earth's primary energy source, much of that solar energy is re-emitted into heat, this goes with the greenhouse effect because greenhouse gases are polluted gases in the atmosphere that absorb the heat energy and emit it, adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere enhances the effect, making the atmosphere even lower. If we put an end or even limit our greenhouse gas use, we can heavily impact a change.

hi sana its Gracie ?

Climate change is real and also primarily caused by human activities. Scientific evidence from many sources, like ice cores and satellite data, can show that the Earth is warming at a faster rate due to human activity and the expansion of the greenhouse effect. The main factor of this would be the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which has significantly increased the amount of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere.

I agree climate change is a problem we can no longer side line. Although there are scientists working on this issue right now there is not nearly enough. Climate change as a problem is being completely underestimated. Human activity and expansion has caused more harm than good for the very environment we live in. The greenhouse gas problem has gotten completely out of hand. Even though, there are solar panels and some sources of green energy it is not nearly enough. I am confident that with enough attention and resources we could effectively find a better source of green energy or refine the things we have already.

I would agree with you on the point that climate change is real and human accelerated. Also, I think that it is very frightening that many people don't believe this. Finally, I would like to applaud you for your use of citing the scientific evidence of ice cores and satellite data.

We as humans can make sure the ocean stays clean by making sure less pollution goes in the ocean. We should try to use less bags and bottles that are made of plastic, but try to use reusable ones so you could keep using them again. Also we could choose to use less  and stuff when you're ordering or sending something to someone. Also the Pollution of trashes and stuff that goes in the ocean affects the marine life a lot. So if you see any trash near the beach you should pick it up.

I completely agree! About 165-439 BILLION pounds of trash are in our ocean, harming all the life in the same area, and making our planet dirtier. It is estimated that 11 million more pounds of plastic enter annually, and recycling things that we use instead of just throwing them away can prevent more trash from entering the ocean. Focusing on reusable bags when shopping and using metal water bottles instead of plastic ones are also great options for chipping in to the movement to reduce trash in our oceans.