From the very beginning of my youth, I was taught to recycle. My mother ensured every take-out container, piece of paper, and water bottle was rinsed and recycled properly. The metal caps on glass bottles were recycled separately and paper and plastics were in different containers. However, only a small amount of plastic is ever recycled, not only because it is dumped into our beautiful ecosystems, but because it isn’t common knowledge how to recycle each composite correctly. In recent years, there has been a push for sustainable practices because we only have a few years left until we reach an irreversible point in the global temperature increase. Green energy is pushed because it reduces carbon emissions, and reduces the economic impacts of companies that adopt them. Cities are starting to introduce green roofs, tree trenches, and other green infrastructure to reduce the urban heat island effect.  However, not only do the policies need to change to ensure swift action is taken to have net zero carbon, but educational practices need to be put in place so the individual can reduce their overall impact. A knowledgeable society filled with compassionate individuals will help ensure the effects of climate change are mediated. Climate change disproportionately affects minorities and low socio-economic communities who admit the lowest emissions, and they are adversely affected by increased risks of natural diseases and pollution-related health problems. If more people were knowledgeable about the harmful impact of waste and its detrimental effects on already vulnerable communities, more people would be inclined to learn and help. We only have one planet, where every life no matter what, deserves the chance to have an improved standard of living. Together, communities can change these systemic issues and through policy and law, I hope to catalyze this change.