Climate Change. Have you noticed yet?

Hurricane Florence missed us by a hair, and thankfully our beloved town is still intact with zero flooding. The fact that my community was not effected doesn't end my concern for our planet though. The oceans, the land, and the eco systems are all being effected by global warming. It's no coincidence that while Florence ripped through the Atlantic towards us, 6 other hurricanes formed. Scientists say they are wetter, possess more energy and intensify faster. The science is simple- a warmer world makes for nastier hurricanes. But hurricanes are only one facet of how our planet is reacting to climate change. As you read this post, toxic algae blooms in Florida, emaciated polar bears are endangered in Alaska, wildfires tear up Cali, and bee colonies are collapsing at an unsustainable rate(and that is just in the US).I am not an alarmist, nor a conspiracy theorist. And honestly, I avoid watching the news at all costs. I don't have all the answers or come from a background in science or biology. But I am noticing some serious problems happening to our dear earth. I don't have to go far to see the effects of a global issue- my backyard and my family are directly effected. I notice that the beaches in Charleston that I spend nearly every day on are greener than normal. I notice when my southern coastal town gets the most snow in nearly 3 decades.  And I notice when the 3rd mandatory hurricane evacuation in 3 years is instated. For those who think 'it doesn't effect me', 'global warming is a hoax', or 'who cares about bees', I have a question for you; Did you know, one out of every three mouthfuls of food in the American diet is, in some way, a product of honeybee pollination—from fruit, to nuts, to coffee beans. Einstein stated that "if bees disappeared off the earth, man would only have 4 years left to live." I don't know about you, but I am a big fan of fruit, nuts, coffee, and living more than 4 years.Do I have a solution for global warming? Heck no. Nor do I blame anyone- I am responsible for driving a car that emits emissions also. But I know that too many people don't notice what's happening around them and why. So if one voice brings awareness to one more person, then I've done a good thing. There are numerous actions though that can be done to prevent furthering the problem, beyond a conversation. I won't be the first to say, small changes make big impacts. Here is a short list of actions that can be taken to help support the planet. I try to practice these myself as much as I can and contrary to what one might think- they weren't that difficult. Small things like turning the faucet off while I brush my teeth, having meatless weekdays, and shopping at consignment stores before rushing out for the 'next new thing' have not only helped the environment, but they also help my budget, and my overall health.

1. Eat less meat. (GMO)-intensive industrial food and farming systems are a major cause of man-made global warming.
2. Produce less emissions. Walk or take public transportation. The next time you need a new car, buy something smaller or better yet, opt for electric.
3. Grow a garden. Plant bee-friendly flowers and flowering herbs in your garden and yard.
4. Invest in energy efficient appliances. 
5. Reduce water waste. 
6. Reduce waste in general. Recycle, reuse, and repeat
7. Do your research. Below are a few great articles that back my observations. Tons more are available- Just Google it!!!
8. Speak up. 

RESOURCES:

Charleston's Algae Beach ProblemFlorida's toxic algaeDeclining bee populationsFactory Farming's contribution to global warmingClimate change effects on hurricanesCharleston Snow and weird weather all overClimate change effects California's wildfires Melting glaciers