Global warming. Greenhouse gases. Recycling. Energy. It seems like these are some of the hottest topics nowadays in politics, on the news, on merchandise, and pretty much everywhere in our daily lives. So why is “going green” so crucial, and what can we do?

Let’s look at some basics for a moment. There is an ozone layer that sits several miles above us. It is also a greenhouse gas which maintains our Earth’s climate. If there is an excess of the gas, temperatures rise, creating global warming. The ozone layer acts as a shield and protects us from harmful, skin-cancer-causing ultraviolet rays from the sun. In the past few decades, human activities such as deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions from cars and airplanes have created chemicals which are released into the air, causing ozone depletion.

The little things we do add up and affect the environment, possibly harming it.

Many of us drive. However, driving creates large amounts of carbon dioxide in very short periods of time. As we release more carbon dioxide into the air, we also generate more greenhouse gases which, in turn, slowly deplete the ozone layer. This is why many environmentalists encourage people to use public transportation, carpooling, or their own two feet to get from place to place.

You may be thinking, “Alright, I’ll take the Metro once in awhile, cut down on the driving a bit, and then we’ll all be okay.” Well, think again.

Many of us also drink from plastic water bottles, right? These bottles also contribute to excess greenhouse gases. First, think about how much energy is put into packaging the bottles and shipping them from place to place. Delivering the bottles and packages from store to store requires large amounts of fuel. Second, think about what burned plastic releases into the air. Whether it’s out of laziness or ignorance, people sometimes choose not to throw the plastic bottles and containers into those magical blue bins. Instead, the plastic ends up in the trash. When we throw away plastic into a trashcan, the plastic ends up in a giant landfill, waiting to be burned. We burn the plastic and it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contaminating the air we breathe. Remember, carbon dioxide emissions lead to excess greenhouse gases and eventually lead to global warming.

These are only two ways that humans contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. Of course, there are still many other reasons and activities that harm the environment.

The environment needs us and, more importantly, we need it. Less pollution, cleaner air, and greener forests are some of the outcomes of saving energy, driving less, and recycling. Take your own bags when you go grocery shopping. Turn off and unplug your lights, computers, and television when they’re not in use. Recycle your magazines and newspapers – even this one. Plant some trees in your yard. Whatever it is that you do, remember to make greener choices each day.