Gwendolyn Hunnicutt

I try to be very aware of my own efforts and actions because in the end that is what I am responsible for. I can try to persuade and encourage my friends, family, and others to practice environmentally friendly habits, but I am not responsible for their actions. It can be disheartening, exhausting, and depressing to take on the burden and responsibilities of climate change alone. Therefore, I think it is important to share your beliefs, thoughts, and concerns but to not take it on alone.  Addressing climate change with your friends, family, and other individuals can be daunting, but it is a lot easier to raise concerns with a supportive community or a few friends that will back you up. Having a supportive community that understands my concerns about climate change and the environment is very motivational and is comforting reminder that I am not in this alone. 

People in richer countries eat more meat than people in other places because they have access to more food resources and over consume the resources they have access to. In the United States, meat is a large part of our culture and diet so people in the US eat more meat because they have access to it and are used meat being part of their diet. Meat is a source of protein, however we over consume on protein. Additionally, there are other sources of protein that can sustain us just as efficiently as meat and will have a less damaging effect on the planet. Eating a more plant-based or vegetarian diet will also help to combat climate change. The biggest thing an individual can do to combat climate change is to buy and eat more plant-based meals. This will reduce overall green-house gas emissions because less cows will be needed on earth, less fuel is needed to transport food, and plants will sequester carbon.