Over the past year, I have made numerous changes in my daily life to live more sustainably. I have begun using reusable metal and glass containers instead of single use plastics. When I do utilize single-use plastics, I recycle them properly in the recycling bins found on campus. When I go to the grocery store, I bring my own cloth bag instead of using the plastic bags provided by the store. Another way I live sustainably is through repurposing. When my clothing is no longer worn or simply no longer fits, I repurpose the clothing into either another article of wearable clothing or scraps that I use for various art projects. I also avoid the temptations of buying "fast fashion," or the mass production of fashion pieces that often come at the cost of the environment and the quality of the piece. I avoid shopping brands and apps like Shein, Temu, Zara, and many more; instead, I prefer to shop at local shops with a much less harmful environmental impact. As a student, unfortunately, I both receive and produce countless paper waste. I repurpose these used papers into new papers that I use for journaling and drawing. I am also actively involved in research pertaining to the development of new recycling techniques. One growing form of PVC or plastic recycling is pyrolysis or burning in the absence of oxygen. I am in a physical chemistry research lab where I actually study and identify the products of PVC pyrolysis. By identifying these products, we can identify the pathways by which thermal degradation occurs. Understanding such pathways can allow researchers to develop and maintain more efficient and environmentally conscious recycling techniques. In the future, I will begin buying groceries and food from more local markets both allowing me to contribute to the health of my local community and avoid the unnecessary waste produced by chain grocery stores. Although I currently drive an electric car, I have begun driving less and walking more. I plan to continue this recent trend until my main form of transportation is walking. Moving towards more sustainable ways of living is necessary for the obtainment of our future. With the growing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributing to global warming, it is more important now than ever to lower your carbon footprint. Billions of pounds of plastic waste are destroying the environment and infringing on animal habitats. Temperatures are increasing; oceans are rising; and icecaps are melting. We have to make changes in our daily lives now so that we ensure a future later. At this point, a cultural movement is needed within the people, especially in America, and within yourself to actively combat climate change. Although the changes may be small, they are not insignificant. This reminds me of the Chinese proverb belonging to Confucius, "The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."

"I have lived a thousand lives and I’ve loved a thousand loves. I’ve walked on distant worlds and seen the end of time. Because I read." - A famous quote by author George R.R. Martin. Sometimes, a book, a character, or a plot line, can engrain itself upon your heart and your mind. If you have read a book, truly read a book, you will carry it with you every day for the rest of your life. While a small few may do this physically, most of us carry the books we read within ourselves. The books I've read, or the lives I've led, have shaped every aspect of my life. The bravery I experienced when Ron Weasley sacrificed himself allowing Harry Potter to check the king. The ingenuity I gained when Henry, Jessie, and Violet used a river as a refrigerator. The awe I felt when Lucy discovered Narnia inside the wardrobe. The wonder I was filled with when Alice was in Wonderland. The betrayal and sadness I was filled with when Boxer was sold for slaughter in Animal Farm. These traits, these experiences, are something that I carry with me every day. The bravery it takes to pursue a dual degree in ACS Chemistry and Biology as a woman in rural Appalachia. The ingenuity it takes to find real-world solutions to complex scientific problems. The awe and wonder I feel the more I learn about science and the world. The betrayal and sadness I often feel when looking at the way people treat others. These feelings are intensified and affected by the books I've read. The books you read influence your morals and your feelings. The characters I looked up to, like Henry in the Boxcar Children, inspire me to be a better person today. Many character qualities I wish to have are inspired by characters in a book. I can learn from the mistakes of those I've read about in books, and avoid making those mistakes in my life. The lessons I have learned, and the inspiration I have gained through reading are immeasurable, and that is not even counting how enjoyable it is to get lost in a book. While some may say books are just words on a book and pictures in your head, I would say: "Of course, it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" - Albus Dumbledore