I have some innovative ideas that will help the major problems of today being climate change, obesity, and the homeless population.
Climate change is one of the more long term problems the world has dealt with. It was originally called global warming until further research had shown that it was not just increasing the temperature in certain parts of the world but also changing the weather, making other areas colder, and even causing food and water insecurity. Solving climate change is incredibly important as with the time that goes on and nothing is done about it some places will become unlivable and many habitats will be destroyed. As for how ways the general public can help climate change people can reduce their carbon footprint, energy use, and general waste. But what really needs to happen is for the government and big organizations to help out by reducing the use of fossil fuels, using renewable energy sources, creating more sustainable transportation and buildings as well as making agriculture more environmentally friendly, preserving nature and protecting endangered life, advancing helpful technology and reducing industrial emissions. The main problems are definitely energy use being the continuous use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, the release of greenhouse gases by factories and vehicles, the large amount of trees cut down every year, and the detrimental farming of livestock.
Obesity is also a considerable issue in America. I believe more awareness needs to be spread about obesity through education of good eating habits and an increase of physical education and exercise. Obesity affects forty two percent of the population in the United States. The youth and general public should be properly educated on the effects of obesity and how to prevent it. However, it is not seen as a major focus in most places. Although obesity is acknowledged as a problem it is not being addressed nor is there work being put in to prevent it. If obesity was more often taught and learned about by the people then more people would try to prevent become overweight and improve their eating habits as well as increase their physical activity. I also believe a wider accessibility to fresh groceries and more knowledge about nutrition and the negatives of too much fast food would lead to less obesity. Many people do not know how to read nutrition labels or what on the labels are bad or good for you. There is also a lack of knowledge on good portion sizes of foods or how many calories someone should be eating. More information on how to lose weight would also help those who are overweight and want to get healthier as just eating salads does not work nor is it healthy for you. It is mostly seen that exercise is important to lose weight and while it does play a factor into it the more important part is your diet. Weight loss surgeries should also be more well known and accessible for those who cannot lose the weight on their own. If these ideas were put in place it would help reduce obesity in America.
In Houston we have a large homeless population. Many homeless people line the sidewalks walking with signs asking for money or food. Some sleep at bus stops or under roadways to stay protected from the elements. I believe this is a large problem in my community and that the homeless go largely uncared for. Instead new expensive buildings are constructed or the roads are "patched up" poorly using up taxpayer money for a temporary fix. What should really be focused on are the people who are sleeping on the streets everyday begging for help to support their family.
Although many don't give money to homeless people due to thinking they will just spend it on money or drugs. However there are other ways to help the homeless without fear that they will waste generous peoples efforts on unhealthy comforts. Such as gift cards to restaurants, fast food places, or even stores. These gift cards will ensure that the receiver can only spend the money on food or necessities. The gift cards don't even have to be brand new or fully loaded. Even just a Mcdonald's gift card left with ten dollars will help feed someone in need. Or daily necessities could even be provided directly to the homeless. This could be warm meals, water, clothes, shoes, toiletres, or baby supplies that would assist homeless people tremendously. It would also be beneficial to properly educate the public about the homeless and what they can do to help. Due to the negative stigma of homeless people many people who are of good financial stability or have the ability to help often avoid providing the support they could. More public knowledge about the homeless could help people in need receive more aid.
Of course this is just what the general public can do to help the homeless. What really needs to be addressed is what the government can do for homeless people. With the large amount of tax money and other funds the government has they could build more accessible homeless shelters and food pantries. The government could play a major part in reducing the homeless population or at the very least supporting them. A larger availability for jobs with less requirements would allow more homeless people to become employed. With more homeless people becoming employed less people would be living on the streets as they earn money to be able to support themselves and their families. Higher minimum wages would also let the homeless have a easier time renting homes and paying for food. Another beneficial idea would be more widely available scholarships especially for homeless people or those with low income. These scholarships would let homeless people be able to attend school and get higher paying jobs. Or even loans specifically for the homeless with a long time to repay them so they could at least get on their feet. I believe these ideas could help aid the homeless and reduce the homeless population.