It is no secret that global warming is affecting the world we live in today. The earth has been continuously warming up, which is very much a result of the greenhouse gases that we emit in such excessive amounts. When these dangerous gases are emitted, heat becomes trapped. This, in turn, has accelerated ice loss around the continent. So, what can we do as students to help save our planet? Here a five simple ways to get you started:

Use bikes, carpool, or walk instead of driving a car: Cars that use gasoline generate a large portion of our emissions. If we don’t have access to an electric vehicle, these are some good alternatives.

Recycle more: Recycling reuses and saves various items. A ton of paper saves about 17 trees. When paper is recycled, fewer trees need to be cut down. Keeping trash out of landfills also helps conserve our resources. Start out by getting a new bin that can be used solely for recyclable items.

Plant a tree: Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Planting trees around homes also saves energy and benefit us in everyday use. Trees should also be planted to restore the  natural forests that house so many of the species that we love.

Use less water: This alone can reduce carbon pollution because water requires a lot of energy to pump. Some ways to save water include: shorter showers, turning off the water while you brush your teeth, and using the dishwasher instead of the sink.

Buy the right light bulbs: LED light bulbs require up to 70% less energy than regular light bulbs. They are relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

There are so many ways to reduce our footprint on the planet, and if everyone worked together to improve on their environmental awareness, we may be able to preserve the planet we call home.