Together We Can All Make a Difference!
As we all know, global temperatures are rising phenomenally and greatly due to our activities. The biggest culprit is industrial processes. These changes have become known as global warming, which, along with other consequences, leads to the shrinkage of polar ice caps, rise in sea levels, and drastic weather patterns. However, this is not the end. Researchers have advised that global warming can be slowed down, halted, or even reversed if the emission of greenhouse gases is greatly reduced. However, many of us negligently or deliberately fail to appreciate the role we could play in mitigating climate change.
Global Warming
Global warming is mainly brought about by large industries involved in agriculture, building, manufacturing, transportation, and energy generation. These industries emit tonnes and tonnes of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the air. Though industrial processes themselves can be sources of such emissions, they are driven by demand from people, and hence our daily activities are contributing to ecological destruction. A reduction in our demand for goods that relate to pollution reduces the need for destructive industrial processes.
Let’s Reduce Our Energy
The most efficient way of fighting climate change involves a reduction in energy consumption. We use energy while driving, heating, or cooling our homes, cooking, or operating appliances; and the major source of this energy is fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas emits CO2 into the atmosphere, where it traps heat and acts to cause global warming. This leads to the melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and increased incidents of extreme weather. In addition, when polar ice melts, it uncovers the darker ocean water which can then absorb more sunlight, thus accelerating warming.
Other consequences of fossil fuel burning include ocean acidification. 25% of the CO2 we produce is absorbed by the ocean, where carbonic acid lowers the pH of the water and harms marine life, including coral reefs and shellfish. It puts at risk whole ecosystems.
It’s not necessary to wait for the governments or the industries to act; small changes in our everyday lives can make a big difference. For example:
Insulation of homes and workplaces may reduce the need to rely on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems.
Walking or cycling without driving reduces emissions from transportation, one of the biggest sources of carbon pollution.
These include investing in smart technologies that can monitor and consequently control energy use to prevent the unnecessary waste of energy.
The use of products made from recycled materials reduces the demand for new raw materials and decreases the energy to make them. In addition, reducing dependence on single-use plastics has assisted in minimising environmental damage.
Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution remains one of the major environmental problems and an estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic waste is entering the ocean each year. Plastic does not decompose but instead undergoes photodegradation, which breaks it down into small fragments. For this reason, plastic remains in the environment and contributes to a great level of plastic pollution, poisoning wildlife ecosystems.
We can fight plastic pollution by reusing and recycling products made from plastic and finding sustainable alternatives. Simple actions like bringing reusable shopping bags out while shopping and refusing plastic straws and personal care items containing plastic will reduce new plastic demand. Companies could also be making a difference by installing policies such as the use of low-energy water dispensers instead of single-use plastic bottles.Â
Diet and Your Carbon Footprint
Another very effective method of reducing the carbon footprint is to adopt plant-based diets. Animal agriculture stands as one of the leading contributors to deforestation, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane from livestock species such as cows and sheep.
Each bite of meat and dairy we avoid and replace with options from a plant-based diet means that we're helping to counteract climate change. The rearing of livestock leads to enormous releases of methane into the atmosphere, requiring extensive tracts of land that could otherwise be better utilised for more sustainable methods.
Let’s Make a Change Today
We can create a better future by paying more attention to the kinds of energy we use, the products we buy, and the food we eat. Get in contact with us today to find out how Everything Water & Energy can help your business take the steps to make a change sales@everythingwater-energy.com
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