19. In order to reduce one's carbon footprint, which actions most closely align with the passage's recommendations?
Answer: C
Drive a hybrid vehicle and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
Driving a hybrid vehicle and reducing reliance on single-use plastics directly supports the recommendations for reducing one's carbon footprint as outlined in the passage. These actions help decrease greenhouse gas emissions and encourage more sustainable practices.
A) Avoid international travel and purchase biodegradable products.
While avoiding international travel may help reduce carbon emissions from transportation, the passage does not specifically mention this action as a recommendation. Additionally, purchasing biodegradable products is not highlighted in the context of reducing one's carbon footprint. Therefore, this option does not fully align with the passage's key suggestions.
B) Use public transportation and limit electricity usage.
Using public transportation is a viable way to reduce carbon emissions, but the passage does not explicitly mention this strategy. Limiting electricity usage is a good practice, yet it is not the primary focus of the recommendations provided in the text. Thus, this option lacks a direct connection to the passage's main points.
C) Drive a hybrid vehicle and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
This option is closely aligned with the passage’s recommendations. The text specifically mentions reducing dependence on single-use plastics as a way to lower one's carbon footprint, and driving a hybrid vehicle contributes to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, making this the most relevant choice.
D) Recycle household waste and plant trees in their backyard.
Recycling household waste is a beneficial action for the environment, but the passage does not emphasize this as a primary recommendation for reducing one's carbon footprint. Planting trees is a positive environmental action, yet it is also not mentioned in the context of the passage. Consequently, this option does not fully reflect the specific strategies outlined.
Conclusion
The most effective actions to reduce one's carbon footprint, as per the passage, are to drive a hybrid vehicle and reduce reliance on single-use plastics. These actions directly address the need to lower greenhouse gas emissions and are explicitly mentioned as ways individuals can contribute to combating climate change. All other options either lack direct reference in the text or do not capture the key recommendations effectively.