In the present day and age, plastic waste is as problematic as ever. Not only is all the waste being created by humans filling up landfills, but also polluting and killing our oceans. The amount of food and trash being thrown away is ludicrous and needs to be addressed.

About 4.4 pounds of trash is thrown away daily by the average person. Americans alone produce about 254 million tons of trash in just one year. Ten percent of that ends up in the ocean. Fourteen million tons of garbage-most of it plastic- is being dumped into the our oceans. At this rate, the next generation will never see a garbage-free beach.

Some of you may say that this isn’t your problem or that one person doesn’t have a large enough impact to create any change, but that is where you are incorrect. As inhabitants of the Earth, it is our job to keep it healthy, clean, and make sure it lasts on for future generations. Even the smallest thing, like not using a plastic straw with your drink, can have an impact on your carbon footprint.

But what is a carbon footprint, you ask? A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc. In other words, it is the impact you have on the Earth. So how do you reduce your carbon footprint?

By using your car less, reducing your intake of meat, and traveling by flight less, you can reduce your economical impact. You can also reduce your amount of waste by using a reusable water bottle, metal or bamboo straws, your own personal cutlery set and using your own reusable grocery bags.

But no one can make you want to help better the environment but yourself. So you choose. Do you want keep the oceans and beaches garbage free, or do you want the convenience of a plastic straw? You decide.