The earth is the most valuable asset that we possess, so we have to take conscious steps to save it from impending danger. There have been growing concerns about the change in climate and carbon emissions, which have ushered a number of global, national, and local resources being invested to help monitor and manage pollution to protect the planet and create a more sustainable future. To save our environment, this way of life is increasingly important, as we need to protect our environment from the synthetic damage that our daily interaction with the environment contributes.
Large multinational companies such as Apple, Amazon, Google, and General Motors, have initiated measures to promote environmental sustainability on a global scale by changing the way they operate to ensure a greener future, and other numerous brands are leveraging their influence to make a positive impact on the environment too.
This article will delve into the methods of cultivating a sustainable lifestyle and examine additional tips and practices for a more environmentally conscious future. Below is a compilation of actions you can adopt to attract a greener future.
- Make use of Renewable Energy Sources: Individuals can create their own reliable energy supply, while significantly reducing their carbon footprint by using solar panel installation from Photovoltaic installations that convert solar energy into electricity. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household can save approximately one ton of carbon emissions annually by adopting solar PV. Moreover, these installations operate without any emissions throughout their lifespan, promoting better local air quality and offering respiratory health benefits. Additionally, solar PV systems work with electric heating systems like heat pumps, enabling the potential for heating and hot water operations.
- Energy Saving Lighting: Lasting 12 times longer and still delivering the same level of light quality, energy-efficient LED bulbs require much less energy to operate in contrast to traditional bulbs that waste about 80% of their energy as heat. By opting for energy saving light bulbs, we can enjoy a significantly longer lifespan and reduce their carbon emissions by up to 40kg per year as stated by Energy Saving Trust. We can also develop the practice of switching off all lights when exiting a room and also uninstalling all motion sensors that turn off lights automatically in bathrooms, break rooms, and conference areas.
- Review your Cleaning Products: A variety of mainstream cleaning products containing detergents, foaming agents, or preservatives are made from various toxic chemicals that find their way into streams and rivers, causing water pollution that enters ecosystems and destroys biodiversity. Opting for products that incorporate sustainably cultivated or raised ingredients can help minimize the potential exposure to toxic chemicals that can harm both humans and the environment. Another simple and eco-friendly practice is to create DIY natural cleaners by making use of a mixture of vinegar, lemon, juice, and baking soda. This will effectively reduce the use of harmful chemicals and minimize packaging waste in your household. Switching to products that can be recycled or reusable is one of the best ways of preventing waste.
- Plant Trees: You should also consider planting trees as this simple practice could save energy and make your home and work environment healthier and even more attractive. Having trees around and other plants around the house and office can help clean the air and promote natural climate control.
- Limit Car Journeys: The essence of remote work was brought to the limelight in early 2020 when the world was gripped by COVID-19 and forced into an initial lockdown of essential activities such as the closure of schools, and workplaces, a ban on international flights, marketplaces, etc. Consequently, the lockdown attracted serious economic costs that considerably affected a great number of people most especially office workers forcing people to work from home. This ushered in a lifestyle of less commuting to offices, making the carbon effect that each employee generates much smaller and in turn a massive reduction that results from car emissions. Research has shown that private transport is one of the world’s biggest contributors to greenhouse gases, especially in car-dominated cities where many people journey for their daily grind on cars, trucks, buses, and motorbikes – generally, the larger the car, the higher the emissions. It is important to note that when people work from home, the number of cars on the road is reduced, and thus, the enormous emissions are reduced. At home, the large energy consumption that results in high CO2 that causes environmental degradation can be minimized as employees can switch off their lights, fans, air conditioners, and heaters when not in use. In some cases, people often prefer natural sources of light to electric and LED lights.
Bottom line:
The choices we make each day in our lives affects the environment, the climate, and other species. These choices range from what we eat, wear, and how we get around. Although homes may not contribute to pollution on the same scale as corporations, homeowners have the ability to make their residences more environmentally friendly by making green choices.
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