Predominantly, we would need to cease using fossil fuels if we are to seriously consider having a sustainable community. Through my research I have found myriad alternatives to using fossil fuels, including methane digesters. I believe we need to have more discussions, spread more information and lobby our government to start making effective change. 
Knowledge is power. 
Before this year I was ignorant with regards to what effect my lifestyle was having on the planet. Now that I've made appropriate changes (and will continue to do so for the rest of my life), I can see that every action makes a difference. We just need people to listen and understand why this cannot go on any longer. I believe in the good in people and will never give up hope that things cannot be changed for the better. 

I don't believe my transportation choices affect me too much, but only with regards to time. I love going for walks and walking from the train station to university, as it gives me time to think and just enjoy myself in the present. Driving is equally enjoyable, whether I'm the passenger or the one behind the wheel. Be that as it may, I much prefer transport options that I know are not harmful for the environment. I often feel guilty that when learning to drive we have to aimlessly take long trips just to get my hours up. Unfortunately there is nothing I can do about this, as it is state law. Nevertheless, once I have my driver's license I know I will still predominantly use muscle-power transport and public transportation as my main modes of travelling. 

Public transportation in my opinion is actually great. I love the effortlessness of taking the train and being able to admire your surroundings. I have always been an avid fan of transportation (as odd as that sounds). I love taking the buses, trains, planes; so taking public transport to university was seriously as no-brainer. The fact that this also reduces my daily carbon emissions by at least 2 pounds is beyond fantastic! 

I think we could begin to shift a meat-focused food culture by introducing healthy, delicious, plant-based alternatives. Businesses such as Grill'd are already on this trajectory. Whilst I believe this is an enormous task, there are an innumerable amount of plant-based, vegan swaps that could appropriately substitute the flavour of meat. I believe people just need to be that bit more open minded to understand that their consumption habits do have an effect on the planet, and that there are great meat alternatives available. 

As a result of eating smaller portions, it is very likely that you will not eat more than what is necessary. Therefore, you will be less likely to feel bloated after a meal and will have consumed a 'healthy' amount of food (depending on what food you ate). I have been swapping out large plates/bowls for our smaller plates/bowls for most of my meals, and have noticed that I am not eating hardly as much but am still feeling full afterwards. Consequently, eating with smaller plates or eating smaller serves can be beneficial. 

I have always been a person concerned about food waste. Composting is very much an interest of mine, and as of today we have begun our own compost bin! Our council has recently changed it regulations with regards to composting and has begun accepting food scraps in our green bins. As a result, my mum and I decided that we should get a new compost bin to account for this. 

However, I do not believe this should mean we can throw food into our compost bin and not question why it was not eaten. Thus, I believe it is necessary for us to start a weekly meal plan and to be conscious of when foods will be going out of date. Perhaps then we will start to see a change in the amount of food that goes to waste in our household. 

Overall, transportation accounts for 14% of global electricity emissions. However, this statistic may continue to rise, as the economic growth of countries often engenders the increased movement of goods and people. As a result, I will persist with being mindful of how I use transportation and will continue to rely on public transportation as my main and somewhat sustainable means of travelling.