Single-Use Plastics:
We use plastic in our everyday lives as well as the products that are made of plastic or use plastic as packaging. But the rampant use of single-use plastic, such as plastic bags, bottles, etc, leads to pollution in oceans, landfills, and ecosystems. This poses a significant threat to the life around the ecosystem that is polluted by plastic and it also creates long-lasting environmental harm.
Excessive Electricity Use:
We all use and rely on electricity in our day-to-day lives but high energy consumption, especially from fossil fuel-based sources, contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and the depletion of natural resources, which impacts climate change and environmental sustainability.
Wasteful Water Habits:
I don't intentionally waste water but I sometimes do so, especially while washing the dishes and taking a bath. Unmindful water usage, such as irrigation, long showers (as mentioned above), and neglecting water-saving practices, leads to water scarcity, degraded ecosystems, and energy-intensive water treatment processes that can strain the environment.
Impulse Buying:
I don't usually buy things but once I see something that I am really interested in going on sale I sometimes buy them on a whim, even if that item is not practical or essential. Impulsive buying can lead to overspending and financial difficulties. One may also accumulate goods or items that are unnecessary as the things often purchased are not really needed or valued, this can lead to clutter and disorganization.
As a student, the first thing I can do is to improve my lifestyle choices and be wiser regarding the things that I do in my everyday life. I can also educate myself and others around me about environmental issues. Regarding educating myself and others, I can also share information online and even participate in awareness campaigns in my school or community to promote sustainable practices and the importance of protecting the environment. Conserving energy will also help as being conscious of one's energy usage may lower significantly energy consumption as we often mindlessly consume energy without thinking much about it. Planting trees and starting my own garden is another way, as planting trees helps combat climate change, improve air quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. And lastly, in advocating for change, I can use my voice to advocate for environmental policies and changes at the local, regional, and even national levels.
As a computer science student, my learnings from computer science can be used to help save the environment. Data analysis and modeling; computer algorithms and data analysis techniques can process and interpret large datasets related to climate change, air and water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. These models can then help scientists understand complex environmental systems, make predictions, and inform decision-making for effective conservation strategies. Machin learning and AI; Machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence can be utilized to analyze environmental data and identify patterns, helping predict and prevent ecological risks. These technologies contribute to improving environmental forecasting, species identification, and early warning systems for natural disasters. Crowdsourcing; Computer science can facilitate citizen engagement in environmental monitoring and data collection through mobile applications and online platforms. Citizens can contribute observations, photographs, and data, empowering collective efforts for environmental research and conservation.