This year’s Blog Action Day topic is about climate change. The issue with climate change is something that affects everyone and everything on this planet. It’s not a local issue but one that is global. Everyone needs to do their part in order to help the environment. Sadly, I do not believe that I have done enough to help with the issue of climate change. So today, I’m going to attempt to do my part by walking to work.
Sometimes, it saddens me to realize how lazy of a person I’ve become. I live approximately fifteen minutes from my workplace but I value my sleep more than the environment. I have my alarm set for 7:30 AM but I don’t get out of bed until 8:00 AM. Once I’ve gotten ready, I jump into my car and get to work by 8:15 AM. If I wasn’t so lazy, I could save a five minute car ride and take a fifteen minute walk to work. I’ll be doing something good for the environment and saving myself from having to pay high gas prices.
On average, I would say that I spend $20 a week on gas. As it stands, I do not believe that I have to spend that much on gas because I hardly go anywhere. I only need the car to get me to school because I need to get to school on time after work. I could take the bus but I’m not a fan of the local bus service. During the summer, I could buy a bicycle and bike to school but after a day at work, I’m already tired. Maybe if I was fit I could do it but I’m not a young as I once was.
If you’re like me you might be thinking, “How can one person help change the environment?” You’re probably right that one change by one person probably doesn’t make that much of an impact but it’s the act as a whole that causes that change. I could be one of millions who are willing to do something about climate change. If everyone does their part, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. You’re not going to see much of an effect if you look at it from one person’s perspective but if you look at it from a global perspective you’ll see a gradual change for the better.
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According to this carbon calculator, my carbon footprint is at 40.2 tons. If you don’t know what a carbon footprint is, it’s the equivalent amount of greenhouse gas that you emit individually. And I guess it’s measured in terms of carbon dioxide. I drive everyday and fly twice a year so that adds up.
Climate change is a threat that we’re facing and something needs to be done about it. Glaciers are melting, sea levels are raising and the temperature of the Earth is getting hotter. If we all did a little bit every day, we could make this planet a greener place to live in. So turn lights off when you don’t need them to conserve energy. Recycle paper and plastic when possible. Doing a little bit won’t end the climate change but it will start the process to resolving it.