Argument Outline

1.Introduction:
Thesis: Everyone should help reduce their personal ecological footprint by lessening their energy consumption because if people do not start taking the environmental crisis seriously then we will no longer be able to live comfortably on this planet.

2.Discuss current ecological problems associated with energy consumption
a. Water supply
b. Air supply
c. Garbage/waste

3.Explain ecological footprint- average American’s use of energy
d. Quote statistics/facts about current consumption
e. Reference Michael Pollan article/ Al Gore’s film Inconvenient Truth, ect.

4.List/explain ways to lessen one’s consumption
a. Around the house
i. Heating
ii. Insulation
iii. Appliances
b. Green movement
i. Sustainable products
ii. Local/national programs
iii. Recycling
c. Food consumption
i. Eating vegetarian
ii. Organics
iii. Local food/personal garden
d. Transportation
i. Driving
ii. Flying

5. Mention large-scale government programs (i.e. alternative energy or revamping the food industry), but show that individual help is even more important because it forwards an idea change trend that makes these programs possible

6.Conclusion: Reiterate the impending ecological disaster and the importance of helping out collaboratively on a small scale


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