In a world not far from now, all fossil fuels will be gone. The population has finally resorted to a complete reliance on clean energy, but even with windmills and solar panels covering every inch of open land, it is not enough. People of the world wonder if there was anything they could have done differently.

The harm of fossil fuels and the importance of clean energy has been reiterated countless times before in a dozen different ways. Only major oil companies and governments can make immediate, large scale changes. However, there are some actions you can take on your own to be more energy efficient.

The easiest and possibly most effective of these personal changes is a switch from incandescent light bulbs to LED light bulbs. According physics teacher Walter Mertz, LED lights use 10-15% of the wattage that incandescent lights use for the same brightness, making LEDs obviously the far superior option.

Mertz also stated that incandescent bulbs last for about two years and LEDs last up to 20-30 years. Reducing waste from light bulbs is important, as fluorescent lights contain mercury, which can leak into the ground when disposed.

LEDs are more expensive than regular bulbs, but a reduction on your energy bill will match the price difference in less than a year. In addition, you will be purchasing light bulbs and taking time to change them less frequently.

Just like small home appliances adding to your electric bill, every tiny amount of energy saved can be added up significantly. This is specifically in regards to your car.

Many believe they are doing their part by driving electric cars, but these machines are just as environmentally unfriendly as gas-run vehicles. Cities in California and Europe have heavily pushed the use of electric-run automobiles to reduce smog and pollution within these densely populated areas. However, nobody asks where the electricity comes from to power these supposedly Earth-friendly machines.

Just like the energy that runs the heating and cooling inside your home, electric cars are energized by power plants, the majority of which are coal plants. The Washington Post has revealed three coal-fired power plants that power the Netherlands’ electric car initiative. So, despite reducing pollution within the city itself, electric cars still indirectly burn fossil fuels that pollute the Earth.

Instead of changing what you drive, you need to change how you drive. There are so many ways in which one person can cut back on gas usage.

An increase in carpooling would be great for the environment and saving energy. If you must ride solo, try driving a smaller, more fuel efficient car rather than your big truck. For example, The 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck has 20 MPG, while the 2018 Ford Focus compact car has 30 MPG. These smaller cars use, on average, 50% less gas overall.

With spring and summer fast approaching, you can bike or walk to the nearest store instead of driving three miles for Target or Walmart, eliminating gas usage entirely.

You alone cannot build windmills on every field in the world or install solar panels on every roof in America, but you can still contribute, no matter how small. In 70 years, don’t be an individual regretting their past negligence. Instead, be proactive, and start saving energy today.