There are 36.3 billion tonnes of trash in the world right now. 66 million are from the United States. The top reasons for pollution are power plants and cars. One way we could get the pollution levels to subside is by burning low-sulfur-content coal for power plant use. Since power plants are one of the top contributors, it only makes sense that we do something to correct the main source of pollution.

Another large contributor to pollution is us! A lot of uneducated people don’t believe in recycling or don’t think that it matters where your trash goes, but it does. Sea Turtle Conservancy tells us “over 1 million marine animals are killed each year due to plastic debris in the ocean. Currently, it is estimated that there are 100 million tons of plastic in oceans around the world.”

So what can we do to reduce this pollution on our Earth? I mean, we only have one Earth. We don’t get a second one. 

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency tells us how we can prevent more air pollution:

• Driving your car less frequently
• Keep your car in good condition
• Don’t burn your trash
• Limit making fires in the cities
• Plant trees and nurture them
• Hand-powered lawn equipment

What about water pollution? What can we do about that? Well, Raleigh gives us some advice on preventing water pollution.

• Picking up trash you find
• Don’t put fertilizer on your lawn before it rains, it will wash into the sewer drains
• Do not pour motor oil down storm drains

How can we prevent ocean pollution? National Ocean Service lists many ways we can help the ocean stay clean and keep the ocean environment safe!

• Conserve water: use less water so extra wastewater won’t flow into the ocean
• Reduce pollutants: choose safe chemicals and dispose of them properly
• Reduce waste: limit what you throw out
• Shop wisely: less plastic bags
• Fish responsibly: follow “catch and release”
• Safe boating: anchor away from no-wake zones
• Respect animal habitats: treat them with respect and care

In conclusion, we are making our Earth a giant trash can. We need to be better and protect our world, we only get one.