When you're driving (and you're actually doing what you're supposed to do) you're worried about the cars around you, and not as much the view. When you step out of the car and walk around the street of your city, the trail by your house, etc. you are able to be in the moment and really see things you've never seen before. I find that when I do this I also get a better understanding of where I live because I'm not rushing to get through the next stoplight. I'm actually looking around, taking it in. The more I explore my city, the better understanding I have of where I'm at in any given moment. It's been the best way for me to understand the cities geography.

Although I wasn't able to plant a tree this year, because of where I live, I do love gardening and plants. Trees are good for your overall health because it's an activity that can lower your blood pressure, and reduce stress. For me, repotting my plants gives me a moment to get my hands dirty, let go of outside noice, and breathe.

I think the biggest one that I make is choosing to note eat meat or eggs anymore. If you want to eat meat or eggs, I urge you do it as sustainably and ethically as possible, and go to a farmers market. If you enjoy honey, find a brand that sources their honey from a local bee hive.
LOCAL is best.

There are other small choices you can make that do more good than harm. If you are buying lettuce at the grocery store, buy the bunch that it the produce department, and cut it up at home, rather than the big plastic tub that's already pre-cut. By choosing as many items as you can that have little packaging, you are doing more good than harm.

When you vote, you're voting for the bills that are passed and the people that elected for years to come. Those people, and their stance on climate change makes a huge difference as to what gets done. It's important that before voting, you educate yourself on the policys and people that are on the ballot. You want them to align with your beliefs. You can actively participate in important decision making outside of elections by educating others, supporting causes that align with your beliefs, and speaking out about what's important to you.

The biggest ones I can think of is the agriculture run-off from pesticides and untreated human waste. The biggest difference I can make is to dispose of things like trash and recycling correctly, and make sure I'm aware of where it's all going. Another thing everyone can do no matter where they live is plant more local plants.

As of 2022, Illinois generates 53.38% of electricity from nuclear power, 32.89% from fossil fuels (comprising of coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases), and 13.73% from renewables (comprising of wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass).

After reading more about the different ways to generate power, I am frustrated that as someone that rents I dont have a say in how my power is generated. In a large city, like Chicago, it's something that's not talked about enough. I dont think we utilize our natural resources enough. Our current energy source is producing radioactive waste which is very dangerous to the environment and humans.