According to climateclock.world right now, we have 7 years, 32 days, 11 hours and 40 seconds left to achieve zero Carbon emissions. While this number may seem large, in reality, it is quite the task to achieve in this little amount of time.

It is vital for the health of our Earth that every individual does their part to reduce their emissions before they become irreversible. We cannot leave the solving of climate change to someone else and expect it to be fixed; we all must do our share. 

Earlier this year, I compiled a list of little things any individual can do to help reduce their carbon footprint or to be more environmentally friendly. Share these acts of environmental consciousness with friends, family and anyone else who will listen to take one more step towards a healthier planet.

1. Use reusable bags.
2. Recycle as often as possible. (To find out what is recyclable in Forsyth County, visit https://forsyth.cc/EAP/Recycling.aspx#:~:text=Materials%20not%20accepted%20at%20the,that%20is%20not%20a%20container&text=NO%20%2D%20paint%20cans)
3. Do not print things unless absolutely necessary.
4. Turn off electronics, like computers, at night.
5. Don’t throw away your old notes, recycle them or save them and maybe the information will come in handy in future courses!
6. Use energy efficient alternatives for things like lightbulbs.
7. Use paper napkins more than once if possible.
8. Use reusable items like forks, straws and napkins, instead of plastic and paper products.
9. Do not use a sheet of paper for one thing; fill it up instead.
10. Personalize gift wrapping instead of just using wrapping paper; get creative!
11. Reuse plastic water bottles.
12. Plant trees!
13. Shorten shower times.
14. Turn off water taps when not in use, like in between two dishes being washed.
15. Turn off power strips when not in use.
16. Unplug cords when not in use. 
17. Buy from local brands!
18. Turn off lights when not in use.
19. Always recycle glass and aluminum.
20. Reduce junk mail.
21. Use matches instead of a lighter; matches are made from wood or paper, which are both biodegradable.
22. Do not throw things away because you no longer want or need them; donate them.
23. Do anything that can be done online instead of on paper online!
24. Avoid coffee stirrers, use a spoon instead.
25. Carpool, walk or use public transportation as often as possible.
26. Make grocery lists to avoid buying things that will end up only being thrown away.
27. Create a compost pile.
28. Avoid meat for one day or one week every so often.
29. Only buy items you know you need so as to avoid potential throwing out.
30. Whenever buying anything, look and see if it is possible to buy from eco-conscious retailers.
31. Lower your thermostat to save energy.
32. Turn off your car when you are not driving. Ex: if you are just sitting in it, keep it off and roll the windows down to get some fresh air!
33. Only run your washer and dryer if there is a full load.
34. Paint your walls lighter colors to absorb more natural light so as not to have lights on constantly (this is due to the Albedo Effect).
35. Switch to LED bulbs, or even candles.
36. Cut the plastic rings from beer or soda cans to avoid dangering animals.
37. Try not to use one-use cotton swabs, cotton balls or q-tips.
38. Buy and use a reusable water bottle.
39. Turn the brightness on electronics down.
40. When shopping online, order more at one time than multiple on-purchase orders.
41. Opt out of two-day delivery, be patient!
42. Use an eco-friendly search engine when possible.
43. Opt out of spam mail and emails.
44. Do not speed, it increases polluting emissions.
45. Use tupperware over plastic baggies.
46. Drink tap or filtered water.
47. Only flush toilets if necessary.
48. Grow plants!
49. Create your own at-home garden and plant your own fruits and vegetables!
50. Share these ideas with friends and family to spread the word about a more eco-friendly lifestyle!