Brad Powell

I learned that family planning is very important.  I learned that family planning can have several benefits.  Family planning could reduce deaths of infants.  In addition, family planning could reduce health risks in pregnant women.  Family planning could help prevent AID's or HIV.  Family planning also educates misinformed people throughout the world.  This education will enable people to take action and this will slow the growth of the world population.

Using smaller plates can also have financial and health benefits aside from environmental benefits.  Eating smaller portions decreases the number of calories consumed and prevents the risk of becoming obese and allows one to lose weight.  In addition, one could continue to have stable blood sugar levels by eating smaller plates.  By eating smaller plates instead of larger meals, one could save a substantial amount of money.  Last, eating smaller meals could provide one with more energy.

There are several actions I could take to making my home more energy efficient.  I could improve the insulation in my home by sealing up small cracks in my house.  I could also start to use fluorescent bulbs that are more cost effective and last longer.  I could look to install solar panels in my house to decrease the cost of electricity.  In addition, I won't continue to overuse energy in my house.  I will turn off the light when I'm not using it and I will turn off the water for the sink that I'm just letting run.

Sustainability is the ability to be maintained.  Balance makes it easier for someone or something to be maintained.  Sustainability refers to the reduction of carbon emissions, finding new renewable solutions of clean energy, and conserving environments in today's society.  There are programs that educate children on the importance of sustainability in the modern world.  We have issues with keeping the economy balanced.  We want to continue to supply the demand of consumers.  However, we have to be cautious that we don't create a financial debt.  In addition, we look to maintain our air quality and reduce carbon emissions.  This allows us to maintain the quality of life for people across the world.  We also look to improve and advance technology to allow businesses to prosper and products to be sold worldwide.  These efforts and actions have positive outcomes such as reducing poverty worldwide, tackling climate change, and improving access to education and healthcare.

A sustainable society is defined as a society that is self sufficient and uses renewable and non-polluting resources for energy.  In addition, a sustainable society has efficient technology and preserves environments.  Last, in a sustainable society, everyone is viewed as equal with fair access to education, health care, shelter, and food and water.  Modern human societies have become unsustainable in many ways. We continue to use coal as our main source of energy production which causes pollution. We destroy ecosystems and species through deforestation throughout the world to increase access to land for humans due to our rise in world population. In today's society, not everyone has access to health care, education, shelter, and food and water.  For example, in the impoverished countries, children are malnourished and lack the ability to read and write.  Individuals play crucial roles in creating and changing practices in society.  Scientists are trying to develop new forms of energy production that reduces pollution and isn't as harmful to the environment. Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint.  One could decide to include more vegetables in their diet.  Another could decide to replace their gas-powered car with an electric car.  One could decide to recycle more frequently and compost their food.  Last, individuals can dedicate themselves to helping the lives of others, especially those in need of important aid.  People could volunteer to teach a classroom and give greater access to education for children or care for the malnourished children as doctors in these poorer nations.

Some single-use items that I regularly use include paper towels, aluminum foil, water bottles, trash bags, plastic bags, floss, straws, money, labels, and erasers.  Items that could be substituted instead include towels, metal utensils (forks, spoons, knives), metal water bottles, rechargeable batteries, and cloth bags.

I can take several actions to reduce the number of flights I take per year.  First, I would buy less plane tickets.  Next, I would try to take other modes of transportation such as a car or train.  Last, I would try to take direct non-stop flights if the distance is too great.