Last Wednesday in Grade 8 Science we had an expert on climate change visit the school to talk to us. His name was Dr Stuart Corney from the University of Tasmania, and he researches the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. He spoke to us about his work and about some of the effects that climate change will have on Antarctica and penguins, and about how he was once shipwrecked in Antarctica. It was great to get some first hand knowledge on these issues. Below is a list of tricks to reduce our carbon footprint, even little changes can make a big difference.

• Volunteer to help (e.g., clean up Australia day, RSPCA)
• Use less water
• Reuse materials instead of throwing them out
• Plant trees
• Buy paper not plastic (e.g., plates, cups, straws)
• Buy electric vehicles
• Make a compost bin for food scraps
• Don’t throw out lots of food
• Take fewer flights
• Walk or cycle places if possible
• Put solar panels on your roof
• Pick up rubbish
• Eat plant-based foods
• Turn the power off when you’re not using it
• Recycle
• Reduce the use of single use plastics
• Hang clothes instead of using the dryer
• Cook more vegan or vegetarian meals (introduce meat free Monday)
• Encourage others to help