This will be the end of our kind if we don't start now.

In the late 1900s, we created more and more garbage, sewage, radioactive waste, and different chemicals. Generating these things was good for furthering our planet. But one thing we did not take into consideration was where we would put our extra waste. So we started dumping our trash in the ocean. Since the 1900s, our ocean just got worse and worse. Recently there have been people who dedicate their lives to cleaning out the salt waters. But thanks to us humans being so careless, we can never clean out our ocean. Sure, we can try removing all the waste. But after all of that, there will still be trash in our ocean. The plastic that is in the seas has broken down so much we physically cannot see it. It is a circle of trash drifting in our sea because we are downright careless with our waste.

If everyone does their part to reduce their carbon footprint, we will start to see a difference in our oceans and our world. But how will we do this?

Here are six easy and sustainable ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

First off, what even is a carbon footprint?

One thing you have probably noticed is the term “carbon footprint" comes up a lot. A carbon footprint is a way to measure greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases are gases like carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere. Contribute to global warming. A carbon footprint is determined by the sum of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, either directly or indirectly, by our actions.

But how would I measure my carbon footprint?

Your carbon footprint is measured by your lifestyle and regular activities that result in greenhouse gas emissions. Some of the most common examples of these lifestyle factors and activities include:

• Transport use

• Electricity use

• Dietary choices

• Purchasing habits

• General waste

Working out your carbon footprint has never been easier. You can simply access any of the free carbon footprint calculators available online. The quickest can be found at www.conversation.org.

Wait why is it important to know my carbon footprint?

The higher your carbon footprint, the greater your contribution will be towards global warming and subsequently climate change.

While direct action must be taken against the biggest carbon emitters, we would also do well to consider our contributions.

By taking individual action to lower our carbon emissions, we can help to reduce overall consumer demand in these industries. Many individuals changing their daily lives can send a powerful message that we do not stand for ‘business as usual’ and demand a change in current practices.

Step One: Try other modes of transport.

Riding your bike to work or school can reduce your environmental impact.

An average car produces approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. It does this by burning fossil fuels such as petrol, which then produces carbon dioxide from the exhaust pipe. As of 2018, road transport was responsible for at least 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to one study. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, considering alternative modes of transport that don’t rely on the burning of fossil fuels will help you to do so.

But how exactly can I do this?

• Take advantage of ride-sharing services.

• Work from home if you can do so.

• If using your car less is not an option, consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Step Two: Switch to a low-carbon energy provider.

Solar power is a form of low-carbon energy.

Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint is to switch your electricity provider to a company that uses low-carbon energy. For example, renewable energy comes from natural sources such as sunlight, wind, or water. This has a much lower carbon footprint than the energy that relies on the burning of fossil fuels.

Electricity and heat contributed as much as 15 billion tons (or 13.6 metric tons) of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide in 2016. That number continues to rise as changes in the climate lead to increased reliance on heating systems and air conditioning.

To avoid the catastrophic consequences of failing to take action against climate change, we must begin to reduce our reliance on the fossil fuel industry and move to low-carbon energy providers instead.

How could I possibly do this?

• Identify whether your current electricity provider has any renewable energy options.
• If it is possible to do so, look into low-carbon energy providers in your local area. Ask questions of your new provider to ensure that their service is appropriate for your needs.
• If renewable energy is not an option, advocate for it to be introduced into the community by writing to your local government representative or your power company. The process of advocacy may differ depending on where you live.

Step Three: Reduce, reuse, and recycle to waste less.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle items in order to produce less waste.

Did you know that globally we dump over 2.12 billion tons of waste per year? According to Our World In Data, at least 6 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food loss and waste. While this might not seem like a large percentage, it is actually three times the amount of emissions that come from international flights. So if you’re wondering how to reduce your carbon footprint, cutting down on your waste is a great way to do it.

Wait, how can I do this?

• Reduce: The more things we buy, the more things we throw away. Think carefully about your purchases and whether or not they are truly required. You can reduce your food wastage by growing your own vegetables, composting, and buying items in bulk to avoid or reduce unnecessary packaging.
• Reuse: Use reusable items. If you can afford to, choose products with longevity in mind and repair them over time instead of constantly replacing them.
• Recycle: If you can’t reuse or avoid buying an item, then if it is able to be recycled you should follow your country’s guidelines for doing so. However, it’s important to note that much of what you recycle can ultimately wind up in the same place as regular trash so it’s always better to reduce and reuse before this.

Step Four: Choose energy-efficient appliances.

LED light bulbs are much more energy-efficient.

While choosing a renewable energy provider is the first thing you should consider when trying to reduce your carbon footprint at home, using energy-efficient appliances can cut your greenhouse gas contributions even further. Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less energy than standard appliances. They are generally more environmentally friendly and can save you money over time.

How can I do this?

• If you’re not sure where to begin, aim to replace white goods (e.g. refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines) that are more than 20 years old with modern energy-efficient alternatives as this will have the most impact on reducing your carbon footprint. For example, refrigerators now use 40-60% less energy than models manufactured before the year 2000. However, if you have a lot of old appliances at home, you might aim to replace them when the cost of repairs amounts to more than half of the cost of a new one.

• When choosing larger appliances, select those with lower energy ratings if it is possible to do so in your country.

• Choose ceiling fans over air conditioning units where possible.
• Turn less efficient appliances off at the power outlet when they are not in regular use as this will reduce your standby power consumption.

Step Five: Be water-wise.

Conserve water by turning off the tap when not in use.

Another way to reduce your carbon footprint at home is to address your water usage and wastage. The way that water is currently supplied, treated, and used requires a large amount of energy that is sourced from the burning of fossil fuels. By conserving water and using it in more efficient ways you can reduce the carbon footprint of your household.

How can I do this?

• Take a shower instead of a bath if you have the ability to do so. This can use up to 4 times less energy. Add a low-flow showerhead to reduce your water footprint even further.

• Turn off the tap. Try not to leave water running when completing routine tasks such as brushing your teeth or shaving.

• If you have a washing machine or dishwasher try to only use them when completely full. As these appliances require larger amounts of water to run effectively, the less often you need to use them the better. You can also reduce your washing machine’s energy consumption by more than 80% simply by selecting a cold water cycle.

• If you have the capacity to do so, use a rainwater tank to supply household water. Depending on where you live, this could reduce reliance on groundwater supply which is much less energy efficient.

• Fix any leaking taps. If a sink or bathtub tap leaks one drip per second, it can waste more than 3000 gallons per year.

Step Six: Turn down the temperature in your home.

Use a ceiling fan where possible to reduce your energy consumption.

As the climate continues to change, global reliance on air conditioning systems is expected to triple by 2050. This is worrisome for global warming, as heaters and air conditioners require a lot of electricity to run effectively, which is sourced from fossil fuels. Manufactured cooling systems also release a greenhouse gas known as Hydrofluorocarbon (HCF) into the atmosphere, which has a much greater heat-trapping capacity than carbon dioxide. By reevaluating the way that you use these systems at home, you can not only reduce your carbon footprint but also save some money on your energy bill.

How can I do this?

• Turn down the heat. By lowering the heat by just 1˚C, you can save up to 661 lbs (or 300 kgs) of carbon dioxide emissions per year and 5-10% off your energy bill.

• Use fans instead of air conditioners, when available. A fan requires significantly less energy to run effectively than an air conditioner. Alternatively, use energy-efficient settings on your air conditioner or use it sparingly.

• If you have the funds to do so, invest in insulation. Adequate home insulation can assist in keeping warm air inside your home during the colder months and hot air outside during the warmer months. This can greatly reduce your reliance on heating and cooling systems.

• Consider replacing older appliances. If your air conditioner or heater is greater than 20 years old, it is likely to be much less energy efficient than current models.

Go to these websites to help support ocean/beach cleanups: