Reduce Carbon
🗺 Current Events
The conversation around climate change in the United States mainly revolves around its direct effects on U.S. cities and territory or its impact on the planet overall. It rarely focuses on the specific effects climate change will have on other parts of the world that will also be highly relevant to the United States. In an increasingly globalized world, no country will be immune to the consequences of climate change even if they play out on the other side of the world.
Wildfires are increasing. In the past ten years, there have been 641,000 recorded wildfires, and 68 million acres burned in the United Sates. California seems to catch fire every month, and Australia nearly burned to the ground a few months ago. While we usually perceive climate change as contributing to hurricanes, it has also been linked to droughts. What’s climate change’s role in droughts? Why do droughts cause fires? And what can you do?
"Less is More" is the mantra we've heard echoed across social media by influencers and journalists. Minimalism is the new trend, and it's quite a good one. It has sparked multiple movements, including reducing the impact of fast fashion, promoting waste reduction, and reducing consumerism. These movements might be the turning stone we need to save the planet. Make minimalism a trend that lasts — from trends like 33 clothes, 100 things, and zero waste.
Earthquakes are an increasingly common occurrence in many countries. When a big earthquake hits, it can be devastating, leveling entire cities and taking human lives. Yesterday, a magnitude six earthquake struck central California. Its tremors were felt from L.A. to Las Vegas. Over 200 aftershocks were recorded, and six lives were lost. So what is going on when the ground starts shaking beneath our feet? And how does climate change play a role in this? The answer is quite deep.
A few days ago, Cyclone Amphan, a Category 5 cyclone ravished India, Bangladesh, Odisha, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. These areas were already dealing with the widespread COVID-19 pandemic, with over 100,000 cases and thousands of deaths. The cyclone illustrates the broader picture of worsening natural disasters resulting from increasing global temperatures. These storms used to be rare, but now with increasing temperatures across all parts of the ocean, storms are increasing in severity and duration. Climate change isn't just rising temperatures.
Surgical masks, face shields, gloves, protective equipment, and body bags - plastic waste is booming during the new Coronavirus pandemic. Governments and regular citizens are racing to fill their stockpiles with all this plastic. But it doesn't have to be this way. You can protect yourself without all this unnecessary waste. Specifically, face masks within our community don't all have to be plastic. You can change that by making your eco-friendly face mask. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) wasn't always plastic.
Ecological hazards and climate disasters have disproportionate impacts on people of color and those living in poverty because they typically live in areas with higher rates of pollution and most vulnerable to climate change effects. This concept is encompassed by the term environmental justice - a mixture of environmentalism and social justice. It focuses on fair treatment concerning environmental developments and detriments. Environmental injustice links to the disproportionate effects that ongoing injustices have on society.
Every year, tonnes of methane is pumped into our atmosphere, slowly warming our Earth. Methane primarily comes from permafrost, which is a mixture of soil and rocks that has been frozen underground for at least two years with a temperature of 0ºC (or 32ºF). Throughout the north and south poles, with ¼ of the northern hemisphere having permafrost present in the ground, it covers around 9 million square miles of land. It's melt is bringing a vicious cycle.
As the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic ravages its ways through our lives, we mustn't leverage this pandemic as a gateway to push political ideals. Across the world, routine has been redefined. While it might seem drastic for us, it's even more life-changing for scientists around the world - and not only in the sense of finding a cure. Last month, the EPA headed by former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler announced an indefinite suspension of the rules and regulations that restrict greenhouse gas emissions.
A new crisis has upended the climate change crisis. Coronavirus, also known as COVID 19, is changing the world. From teleconferencing to bulk purchasing, the lifestyle changes forced upon us by the COVID 19 pandemic are inadvertently reducing our carbon footprint, reducing emissions across the world - for now. But most importantly, this pandemic holds lessons on how we should treat climate change, and if nothing else, a warning to act soon. Let's take that warning now, rather than later.
Imagine living in a box, you can survive for an indefinite time, but you can't thrive. All betta fish go through this experience when they live in stores across the nation. Betta fish are put into small plastic containers with no filter, heater, gravel, or live plants. Ideally, they should be living in 5-gallon tanks with all of those necessities. Thousands, if not millions, of betta fish, die every year from poor water conditions at corporations that put profits before humane treatment. Betta fish need a voice to create change, so be that voice.
We are living in an age where each crisis is not discrete but rather the result of increasingly complex events. While some disasters have a direct correlation with climate change, there are several crises where the link to climate change is less visible. The coronavirus pandemic is one such example. The effects of climate change on animal migration and the introduction of new pathogens to humans, as well as pollution from fossil fuels, confer a worse outcome with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
🏭 Carbon Facts
Your cute and furry companions have an impact on the planet. Yet, their exact role in climate change remains to be determined. We've set out on a journey to research what has been reported on dogs and cats' precise carbon pawprint. Last year, across U.S. or world households, there were 471 Million Dogs and 373 Million Cats. They contribute approximately 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to our environment yearly or the equivalent of running 437 coal power plants for a year.
Your cute and furry companions have an impact on the planet. Yet, their exact role in climate change remains to be determined. We've set out on a journey to research what has been reported on dogs and cats' precise carbon pawprint. Last year, across U.S. or world households, there were 471 Million Dogs and 373 Million Cats. They contribute approximately 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to our environment yearly or the equivalent of running 437 coal power plants for a year.
Stop the planet from warming 2˚C, or else. We've heard this phrase echoed by activists, governments, and the news. Where did this target originate? What will happen if we exceed it? And is it realistic? Scott Barrett and Anders Levermann share their climate change research to address these questions. If we have a shared target, then organizations and governments can work together to reach it. We must not freeze in this stark future. We need action. Your action.
Lighting consumed over 20% of global electricity in 1999. In 2019, we reduced it down to 5%. Regrettably, that percent is starting to hike back up due to a recent rollback on energy efficiency standards initiated in January 2020 - raising U.S. energy costs by $14 billion and boosting carbon emissions. We must reduce our carbon emissions to decrease the repercussions of climate change. Today, we will explore the history of the light bulb, how it works, and why we must support it.
Efficiency - It means getting a higher output from the input. We can strive to be closer to 100% efficiency to save us money, decrease energy consumption, and reduce pollution. To achieve efficiency in electricity, we must focus on the consumers' usage. Advancing efficiency can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 75%, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Take these steps with regards to appliances, eco-design, and energy transportation to improve your home's energy performance.
In the United States, there is a $2 trillion electricity grid towards which Americans spend over $1 trillion annually. Nearly everyone pays an electricity bill. However, everyone's electricity is different, not in cost but source. The average U.S. household is powered by only 10% renewable of renewable energy, with the remaining 90% sourced from fossil fuels - contributing to the carbon footprint. Many consumers seek to use renewable energy, but their providers don't offer it, and it isn't straightforward to install on their property. Here, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) come into play.
Decomposing plants and other organisms, concealed beneath layers of sediment and rock, have taken millennia to become the carbon-rich deposits of fossil fuels. Across our society, we utilize these non-renewable fuels, which include coal, oil, and natural gas, to supply over 80% of the world’s energy. When fossil fuels are burned, greenhouse gases are released at an alarming rate, contributing to the warming of our planet. Today, let’s take a look at the three primary fossil fuels found ubiquitously.
The energy grid is an incredibly complex and crucial system powering all homes, businesses, and factories. Without the energy grid, it would not be easy to ensure our lights stay on at night, water flows out of the sink, and stop lights function. It is so vast that an average light bulb gets power from over 300 miles away. So, where does this process begin - and where does it end? Most consider the energy grid to include three different sectors - production, transmission, and distribution.
Today, innovation, efficiency, and speed dominate our world. However, in this new era, we are polluting our Earth with millions upon millions of greenhouse gases. Chiefly, one particular gas - carbon dioxide. Its uses are familiar, but its effects are unfamiliar. The damage occurs over the years until it is irreversible. Carbon dioxide is everywhere. If carbon dioxide can be added to the equation, it can also be subtracted. Carbon offsetting subtracts by removing or preventing more greenhouse gas emissions.
High up in a mist of blue, nestled above a cushion of clouds, a yellow orb 92.96 million miles away shines down. It is the brilliant sun “flower” of the sky. But this flower is unique, it is the queen of all flowers, shining down and helping flowers bloom and illuminating the vast array of colors around us. Sunshine is not invisible and inert but is composed of 173,000 terawatts of energy. We can harness this power through solar panels, cells, and farms.
Wind helps to lift birds, circulates our air, and regulates our weather. This powerful and majestic force never ceases and has the dynamism to level a city. Wind can be harnessed day and night, clouds or no clouds, and is available everywhere. With new technologies, we can harness this force to produce the current that runs all our cities, farming, and technology. It's critical to promote renewable energy due to our increased dependence on fossil fuels, which are leading to destructive greenhouse gases.
We often take energy for granted and all the downstream benefits that follow, including clean water, heating, and air conditioning, lighting, digital devices, and so much more. It doesn't seem like much to switch on a light in a dark room. Over a billion people still do not have access to electricity. Instead, they must rely on dangerous methods to power their lives. With access to affordable, clean, and renewable energies, they can see unprecedented leaps in their living standards and economy.
Have you ever wondered how our sun shines so brightly? How an object almost 100 million miles away emits energy that can we can see? The sun is very similar to a nuclear reactor, where the electricity generated is virtually limitless. Unfortunately, nuclear power has gotten a bad rap from disasters like Chernobyl and inventions like the atomic bomb. However, this nuclear energy source can provide energy day and night, no matter the conditions, with no deadly greenhouse gases.
Since the beginning of time, trees have provided us with two of life's essentials - food and oxygen. As we evolved, trees provided additional necessities such as shelter, medicine, and tools. Today, their value continues to increase, and more benefits of trees are being discovered as their role expands to satisfy the needs created by our new modern lifestyles. They are irreplaceable, with a function that not only provides but also reduces our Carbon Footprint - forever.
⚡️ Electricity & Energy
Cozy, toasty, warm. Heating helps us enjoy our time in the winter, warm our water, and even wash our dishes and clothing. Unfortunately, this comfort comes at a cost. Furnaces and heaters have a huge carbon footprint; almost all are fossil fuel-powered. Even space heaters use electricity likely generated from fossil fuels. Let’s glance at the history of warmth, it’s environmental impact, and heating alternatives, as well as reduce greenhouse gases.
2020 has been a crazy year. Australia and California nearly burned to the ground, the UK withdrew from the European Union, and elections are just around the corner. Oh, and massive protests across the world have been demanding racial justice while a pandemic rages. At the same time, tremendous strides have been made in technology, astronomy, and science. One of the significant changes beginning in 2020 is the rapid implementation of 5G technology.
Every year, 2.4 million tonnes of electronics go into landfills in the US alone. It results in an astounding 860 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or 2% of world carbon emissions. We are becoming a disposable society. Millions of Americans upgrade to the newest smartphones when their current phone works just fine. The waste piles up, while rare materials are extracted from the Earth. How can we reduce our technology's environmental impact?
Light is everywhere. More than 80% of the world now lives under an artificially illuminated sky, making our neighborhoods visible and homes cozy when the sun goes down, keeping us safe in the dark, and enabling us to travel and work more than ever. But too much of this gift can cause detrimental effects to our sleep, wildlife, and the environment. That's what light pollution is: the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light. The world is glowing.
The energy grid is an incredibly complex and crucial system powering all homes, businesses, and factories. Without the energy grid, it would not be easy to ensure our lights stay on at night, water flows out of the sink, and stop lights function. It is so vast that an average light bulb gets power from over 300 miles away. So, where does this process begin - and where does it end? Most consider the energy grid to include three different sectors - production, transmission, and distribution.
High up in a mist of blue, nestled above a cushion of clouds, a yellow orb 92.96 million miles away shines down. It is the brilliant sun “flower” of the sky. But this flower is unique, it is the queen of all flowers, shining down and helping flowers bloom and illuminating the vast array of colors around us. Sunshine is not invisible and inert but is composed of 173,000 terawatts of energy. We can harness this power through solar panels, cells, and farms.
We often take energy for granted and all the downstream benefits that follow, including clean water, heating, and air conditioning, lighting, digital devices, and so much more. It doesn't seem like much to switch on a light in a dark room. Over a billion people still do not have access to electricity. Instead, they must rely on dangerous methods to power their lives. With access to affordable, clean, and renewable energies, they can see unprecedented leaps in their living standards and economy.
Have you ever wondered how our sun shines so brightly? How an object almost 100 million miles away emits energy that can we can see? The sun is very similar to a nuclear reactor, where the electricity generated is virtually limitless. Unfortunately, nuclear power has gotten a bad rap from disasters like Chernobyl and inventions like the atomic bomb. However, this nuclear energy source can provide energy day and night, no matter the conditions, with no deadly greenhouse gases.
🧑🌾 Agriculture
Neonicotinoids are a class of neuroactive insecticides chemically similar to nicotine. They assist with pest control on more than 140 crop varieties. Sounds beneficial, right? At first glance, neonicotinoids seem like the right answer to gain a higher crop yield and manage food shortages. Take another look, and neonicotinoids could devastate nature. In parts of Europe, governments know the detrimental harm neonicotinoids have on wildlife yet still permit widespread usage across the country.
Did you recently eat an apple, drink coffee, or wine? Thank the bees. Without bees, ⅓ of the world food wouldn't exist and ½ the world's oil, fiber, and raw materials wouldn't survive. We can also thank them for medicine, clean water, and oxygen. Every year, these little pollinators contribute over $217 billion to the global economy. Yet we are not treating these creatures with the same care they're treating us with. The bees need our help.
Your cute and furry companions have an impact on the planet. Yet, their exact role in climate change remains to be determined. We've set out on a journey to research what has been reported on dogs and cats' precise carbon pawprint. Last year, across U.S. or world households, there were 471 Million Dogs and 373 Million Cats. They contribute approximately 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to our environment yearly or the equivalent of running 437 coal power plants for a year.
Your cute and furry companions have an impact on the planet. Yet, their exact role in climate change remains to be determined. We've set out on a journey to research what has been reported on dogs and cats' precise carbon pawprint. Last year, across U.S. or world households, there were 471 Million Dogs and 373 Million Cats. They contribute approximately 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to our environment yearly or the equivalent of running 437 coal power plants for a year.
On the main island of Singapore, which is 26 miles wide and 14 miles long, a four-story rotating greenhouse produces one ton of food a day. Incorporating this unique method of farming helped Singapore cut down on 93% of imported food. Vertical farming is the future. It’s better for Earth, better for you (and the 2 billion more people in 2050), and better for the plants. Today, let’s explore what vertical farming is, how it stacks up to conventional farms and the future of agriculture.
You've probably heard the word permaculture thrown around. Maybe a diner party or an eager friend who recently took a permaculture course. So what is permaculture, how does it work, and how can you do it? Bill Mollison, an Australian researcher who first coined the term in 1978, defined "permaculture" as, "The conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive systems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of the landscape with people."
The transportation used to move food accounts for over 6% of the pollution generated by the food enterprise. A simple and straightforward approach to reducing transport is through eating in season. Eating in season is defined as consuming food when it is at its climax in terms of flavor and quality. Not only does eating locally provide tasteful benefits, but it also supports the climate by limiting refrigeration and transportation.
The agricultural practices that back our food supply chain account for over twenty-five percent of all the carbon you produce in your lifetime. That's equivalent to over 300 tons of CO2 over an American's life! A direct approach to reducing your impact is to eat locally. By limiting the food you eat to local food sources, you can lessen the load of carbon you produce relating to food by at least 15 tons!
✈️ Transportation & Travel
It can be hard to book a campsite, pack your gear, and venture out, whether for a one-nighter or an extended trip, but it's worth it. Camping connects. Each night you're under the stars with your family and friends; you can disconnect from society and reconnect with nature, your people, and even yourself. We have never been so separated from nature, but camping can help us observe our wold. Camping reminds you of the things right in front of you.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a new trend - COVID Camping. RV sales and rentals are booming, as Americans look for safe ways to get away during the epidemic and maintain social isolation. Forty-six million Americans plan to take an RV trip this summer. But is camping better for the environment? Let's explore the differences between tent and trailer, the statistics on consumption reduction, and how you can reduce your camping footprint. Happy camping!
Last year, there were over 1.3 billion tourists globally. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, that number is expected to increase to 1.8 billion annual trips by 2030, Less well documented is the impact of tourism on the global environment. A tourist's carbon footprint soars to four times higher compared to their standard. We disregard nature in exchange for a few extra towels, new bedsheets every day, and miniature umbrellas. How do we prevent this massive footprint?
Driving gas vehicles accounts for 30% of all emissions within the United States. Every time you drive your kids to school, go to work, or even get groceries, your vehicle burns fossil fuels. However, you can drive green, even without an eco-friendly car. Through these tips of driving smooth, planning, and keeping your car tuned, you will learn how to get where you're going faster and with less greenhouse gas emissions. We all hate traffic lights.
Two-day shipping. One day delivery! Two-hour shipping. Have you ever gotten two-day shipping because it comes with your Amazon Membership? Or have you tried shopping programs that deliver you the outfit you want and return the ones you don't? Delivery is getting faster, although it comes at a cost. While it used to be less carbon-intensive than going to the market, it's rankings have moved up to 44 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Imagine a city with no cars on the road. With transportation accounting for 30% of greenhouse gases in the United States, we must explore alternatives to help our environment. Remember when you may have taken the bus to school? Public transportation is any transportation service that is available to and shared by large numbers of people. It can help you get where you are going faster and cheaper, and importantly, public transportation is more eco-friendly. Let's get back on it!
🏠 Residential & Home
Cozy, toasty, warm. Heating helps us enjoy our time in the winter, warm our water, and even wash our dishes and clothing. Unfortunately, this comfort comes at a cost. Furnaces and heaters have a huge carbon footprint; almost all are fossil fuel-powered. Even space heaters use electricity likely generated from fossil fuels. Let’s glance at the history of warmth, it’s environmental impact, and heating alternatives, as well as reduce greenhouse gases.
2020 has been a crazy year. Australia and California nearly burned to the ground, the UK withdrew from the European Union, and elections are just around the corner. Oh, and massive protests across the world have been demanding racial justice while a pandemic rages. At the same time, tremendous strides have been made in technology, astronomy, and science. One of the significant changes beginning in 2020 is the rapid implementation of 5G technology.
Did you recently eat an apple, drink coffee, or wine? Thank the bees. Without bees, ⅓ of the world food wouldn't exist and ½ the world's oil, fiber, and raw materials wouldn't survive. We can also thank them for medicine, clean water, and oxygen. Every year, these little pollinators contribute over $217 billion to the global economy. Yet we are not treating these creatures with the same care they're treating us with. The bees need our help.
Our world is drowning in plastic. Yet this material has never been needed more. It all started in 1907, the beginning of the global plastic market with Bakelite, the first plastic. Now plastic is in every corner of the globe, from the coasts of California, the streets of your city, and even deep in the Amazon. So what is plastic? What makes it so harmful to the environment? And what can you do to end plastic pollution and save some sea turtles?
Wildfires are increasing. In the past ten years, there have been 641,000 recorded wildfires, and 68 million acres burned in the United Sates. California seems to catch fire every month, and Australia nearly burned to the ground a few months ago. While we usually perceive climate change as contributing to hurricanes, it has also been linked to droughts. What’s climate change’s role in droughts? Why do droughts cause fires? And what can you do?
"Less is More" is the mantra we've heard echoed across social media by influencers and journalists. Minimalism is the new trend, and it's quite a good one. It has sparked multiple movements, including reducing the impact of fast fashion, promoting waste reduction, and reducing consumerism. These movements might be the turning stone we need to save the planet. Make minimalism a trend that lasts — from trends like 33 clothes, 100 things, and zero waste.
Every year, 2.4 million tonnes of electronics go into landfills in the US alone. It results in an astounding 860 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or 2% of world carbon emissions. We are becoming a disposable society. Millions of Americans upgrade to the newest smartphones when their current phone works just fine. The waste piles up, while rare materials are extracted from the Earth. How can we reduce our technology's environmental impact?
Soap is critical for maintaining proper hygiene, health, and cleanliness. Now it’s even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. But many have raised concerns about the environmental impact of soap. So should you be worried? Take a look at the Yamuna river in India, and see how soap is genuinely affecting the environment. Soap can cause irreparable damage from marine ecosystems to promoting antibiotic-resistant organisms and even our skin.
Light is everywhere. More than 80% of the world now lives under an artificially illuminated sky, making our neighborhoods visible and homes cozy when the sun goes down, keeping us safe in the dark, and enabling us to travel and work more than ever. But too much of this gift can cause detrimental effects to our sleep, wildlife, and the environment. That's what light pollution is: the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light. The world is glowing.
You likely consume 167 bottles of water each year. One hundred of those are thrown away into the environment like there is no tomorrow. For each of those bottles, an immensely long, intricate, and carbon-intensive process takes place from beginning to end. It uses 17 Million Barrels of Oil, 2.5 Million Tonnes of CO2, 16.4 Billion Gallons of Water, and so much more to hold a small amount of water. This is the journey of three plastic bottles.
Our pets have a massive pawprint. Dogs and cats consume approximately 25% of the worldwide meat supply, which results in dangerous greenhouse gases, contaminated water, and inefficient use of land. We hardly think about the small things, but they can often have the most significant impact. There are a few actions that you can take to cut down on your pet's environmental impact. It starts with a conscious diet, eco-friendly food, and lots of care. Live a light life.
Your cute and furry companions have an impact on the planet. Yet, their exact role in climate change remains to be determined. We've set out on a journey to research what has been reported on dogs and cats' precise carbon pawprint. Last year, across U.S. or world households, there were 471 Million Dogs and 373 Million Cats. They contribute approximately 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to our environment yearly or the equivalent of running 437 coal power plants for a year.
Your cute and furry companions have an impact on the planet. Yet, their exact role in climate change remains to be determined. We've set out on a journey to research what has been reported on dogs and cats' precise carbon pawprint. Last year, across U.S. or world households, there were 471 Million Dogs and 373 Million Cats. They contribute approximately 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to our environment yearly or the equivalent of running 437 coal power plants for a year.
Humans have never been this separated from nature. Green grasslands turned to grey concrete, tall trees replaced by tall buildings, and each animal to a plastic memory. We do not live with nature. We live over her. But we can reconnect back to earth by incorporating elements of nature into our homes. We can take a few simple steps to make our house feels like home from indoor plants, eco-friendly furniture, and natural light. Let's get back to home.
With COVID-19 leaving its mark across the world, we've created new routines. One of the many is regular cleaning. While cleaning can help to remove dust, allergens, and infectious agents, it can bring damage to the environment and animals. Many cleaning products release CFCs, VOCs, and other harmful chemicals. Plus, commercial cleaning products are hazardous for the eye, skin, and respiratory tract. Here are ten great DIY staples you need for an eco-friendly cleaning regimen - and what to avoid.
Even though the slow fashion movement of ethically and sustainably made clothing has been gaining traction over the past few years, not everyone can afford $75 leggings crafted from recycled plastic water bottles. As more and more people have learned about the fashion industry's adverse effects on our climate change, they have been frantically searching for alternatives. That’s where thrifting comes into play. Let's examine where this thrifting trend started, how it benefits your wallet, and if it is better for the Earth.
It can be hard to book a campsite, pack your gear, and venture out, whether for a one-nighter or an extended trip, but it's worth it. Camping connects. Each night you're under the stars with your family and friends; you can disconnect from society and reconnect with nature, your people, and even yourself. We have never been so separated from nature, but camping can help us observe our wold. Camping reminds you of the things right in front of you.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a new trend - COVID Camping. RV sales and rentals are booming, as Americans look for safe ways to get away during the epidemic and maintain social isolation. Forty-six million Americans plan to take an RV trip this summer. But is camping better for the environment? Let's explore the differences between tent and trailer, the statistics on consumption reduction, and how you can reduce your camping footprint. Happy camping!
Every year, Americans generate 254 million tonnes of trash. Out of that, 40 million tonnes is food. Or about 40% of all the food that we produce. Every household, restaurant, and business must work on reducing food waste. Then, any wasted food should be composted. What is composting? How does composting work? And how can it help mitigate climate change? Composting is just like nature. Inevitably, food will be wasted. But we need to make sure the food does not go to waste.
Shopping for clothes used to be infrequent. Since the industrial revolution, clothes have flooded the market at the price of spare change, trends transformed at faster rates, and shopping sprees became a large part of our culture. But through all this consumption, we forget that wearing our cheap, fashionable attire a few times, before discarding and moving on to a new trend incurs a significant toll on people, animals, and our environment. Fast fashion is not free.
There are a lot of different ways to support your local parks! With increasing infrastructure, we must ensure nature is protected. These areas have been preserved to protect nature and connect with nature. Keep our parks safe is one of the best ways you can help the greater issue of environmental connection. It can even bring greater awareness to things like climate change. Here is a list of ten things you can do to help your parks thrive:
Two-day shipping. One day delivery! Two-hour shipping. Have you ever gotten two-day shipping because it comes with your Amazon Membership? Or have you tried shopping programs that deliver you the outfit you want and return the ones you don't? Delivery is getting faster, although it comes at a cost. While it used to be less carbon-intensive than going to the market, it's rankings have moved up to 44 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Air conditioning is a modern wonder. It has saved lives in heat waves, made the internet servers possible, and kept us comfortable. However, this technology has a not so cool side. While air conditioners cool on the inside, they heat the outside. By 2050, we will be using five times as many air conditioners across the world. It's a vicious cycle. First, let's examine the history of air conditioning, its environmental impact, and what happens when you throw it away.
Recycling is one of the most straightforward ways to better our planet, yet many people don't know why it is so crucial. Recycling helps both the human population and the animal kingdom in numerous different ways - all enhancing our everyday lives. In times like these, where our Earth needs more help than ever, recycling is increasingly vital. Let's start with an overview of how recycling works, look into its importance to humans, and last nature.
Over the course of history, humans have developed their surroundings to accommodate them. Half of the world population already lives in cities, and by 2050, two-thirds are expected to live in urban areas. Although we have made the earth more habitable for us, we have made it less livable for nature's trees, plants, animals, and other living creatures. Today, we will explore the consequences of urbanization, how to live in harmony with humans and nature, and how to utilize green spacing.
Before the invention of the refrigerator, we relied on old techniques of salting and burying our foods in snow. The food was often too salty, wet, or moldy. In 1805, the fridge changed that. This revolutionary technology is now in nearly everyone's home - but it has a cryptic side. Coolants might cool your fridge, but they warm the planet. We will explore the process of refrigeration, coolants, and how to lessen your refrigerator's impact on climate change.
🐠 Animals & Earth
Imagine living in a box, you can survive for an indefinite time, but you can't thrive. All betta fish go through this experience when they live in stores across the nation. Betta fish are put into small plastic containers with no filter, heater, gravel, or live plants. Ideally, they should be living in 5-gallon tanks with all of those necessities. Thousands, if not millions, of betta fish, die every year from poor water conditions at corporations that put profits before humane treatment. Betta fish need a voice to create change, so be that voice.
📡 Technology
2020 has been a crazy year. Australia and California nearly burned to the ground, the UK withdrew from the European Union, and elections are just around the corner. Oh, and massive protests across the world have been demanding racial justice while a pandemic rages. At the same time, tremendous strides have been made in technology, astronomy, and science. One of the significant changes beginning in 2020 is the rapid implementation of 5G technology.
🦠 Coronavirus & Climate Change
Surgical masks, face shields, gloves, protective equipment, and body bags - plastic waste is booming during the new Coronavirus pandemic. Governments and regular citizens are racing to fill their stockpiles with all this plastic. But it doesn't have to be this way. You can protect yourself without all this unnecessary waste. Specifically, face masks within our community don't all have to be plastic. You can change that by making your eco-friendly face mask. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) wasn't always plastic.
As the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic ravages its ways through our lives, we mustn't leverage this pandemic as a gateway to push political ideals. Across the world, routine has been redefined. While it might seem drastic for us, it's even more life-changing for scientists around the world - and not only in the sense of finding a cure. Last month, the EPA headed by former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler announced an indefinite suspension of the rules and regulations that restrict greenhouse gas emissions.
A new crisis has upended the climate change crisis. Coronavirus, also known as COVID 19, is changing the world. From teleconferencing to bulk purchasing, the lifestyle changes forced upon us by the COVID 19 pandemic are inadvertently reducing our carbon footprint, reducing emissions across the world - for now. But most importantly, this pandemic holds lessons on how we should treat climate change, and if nothing else, a warning to act soon. Let's take that warning now, rather than later.
We are living in an age where each crisis is not discrete but rather the result of increasingly complex events. While some disasters have a direct correlation with climate change, there are several crises where the link to climate change is less visible. The coronavirus pandemic is one such example. The effects of climate change on animal migration and the introduction of new pathogens to humans, as well as pollution from fossil fuels, confer a worse outcome with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
✊ Interviews & Interesting Stories
Umbrellas keep us dry, but at a high cost. Over 1.1 billion umbrellas make it to the landfill every year. In fact, the number of carelessly discarded umbrellas could make a tower 25 times as high as the Eiffel Tower. An organization making sea-plastic recycled umbrellas is changing the story. This article is part of a new Light CO2 series, where we explore how individuals and organizations alike are changing climate change. Everyone can change climate change.
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Cozy, toasty, warm. Heating helps us enjoy our time in the winter, warm our water, and even wash our dishes and clothing. Unfortunately, this comfort comes at a cost. Furnaces and heaters have a huge carbon footprint; almost all are fossil fuel-powered. Even space heaters use electricity likely generated from fossil fuels. Let’s glance at the history of warmth, it’s environmental impact, and heating alternatives, as well as reduce greenhouse gases.
2020 has been a crazy year. Australia and California nearly burned to the ground, the UK withdrew from the European Union, and elections are just around the corner. Oh, and massive protests across the world have been demanding racial justice while a pandemic rages. At the same time, tremendous strides have been made in technology, astronomy, and science. One of the significant changes beginning in 2020 is the rapid implementation of 5G technology.
Did you recently eat an apple, drink coffee, or wine? Thank the bees. Without bees, ⅓ of the world food wouldn't exist and ½ the world's oil, fiber, and raw materials wouldn't survive. We can also thank them for medicine, clean water, and oxygen. Every year, these little pollinators contribute over $217 billion to the global economy. Yet we are not treating these creatures with the same care they're treating us with. The bees need our help.
Our world is drowning in plastic. Yet this material has never been needed more. It all started in 1907, the beginning of the global plastic market with Bakelite, the first plastic. Now plastic is in every corner of the globe, from the coasts of California, the streets of your city, and even deep in the Amazon. So what is plastic? What makes it so harmful to the environment? And what can you do to end plastic pollution and save some sea turtles?
Wildfires are increasing. In the past ten years, there have been 641,000 recorded wildfires, and 68 million acres burned in the United Sates. California seems to catch fire every month, and Australia nearly burned to the ground a few months ago. While we usually perceive climate change as contributing to hurricanes, it has also been linked to droughts. What’s climate change’s role in droughts? Why do droughts cause fires? And what can you do?
"Less is More" is the mantra we've heard echoed across social media by influencers and journalists. Minimalism is the new trend, and it's quite a good one. It has sparked multiple movements, including reducing the impact of fast fashion, promoting waste reduction, and reducing consumerism. These movements might be the turning stone we need to save the planet. Make minimalism a trend that lasts — from trends like 33 clothes, 100 things, and zero waste.
Every year, 2.4 million tonnes of electronics go into landfills in the US alone. It results in an astounding 860 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or 2% of world carbon emissions. We are becoming a disposable society. Millions of Americans upgrade to the newest smartphones when their current phone works just fine. The waste piles up, while rare materials are extracted from the Earth. How can we reduce our technology's environmental impact?
Soap is critical for maintaining proper hygiene, health, and cleanliness. Now it’s even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. But many have raised concerns about the environmental impact of soap. So should you be worried? Take a look at the Yamuna river in India, and see how soap is genuinely affecting the environment. Soap can cause irreparable damage from marine ecosystems to promoting antibiotic-resistant organisms and even our skin.
Light is everywhere. More than 80% of the world now lives under an artificially illuminated sky, making our neighborhoods visible and homes cozy when the sun goes down, keeping us safe in the dark, and enabling us to travel and work more than ever. But too much of this gift can cause detrimental effects to our sleep, wildlife, and the environment. That's what light pollution is: the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light. The world is glowing.
You likely consume 167 bottles of water each year. One hundred of those are thrown away into the environment like there is no tomorrow. For each of those bottles, an immensely long, intricate, and carbon-intensive process takes place from beginning to end. It uses 17 Million Barrels of Oil, 2.5 Million Tonnes of CO2, 16.4 Billion Gallons of Water, and so much more to hold a small amount of water. This is the journey of three plastic bottles.
Our pets have a massive pawprint. Dogs and cats consume approximately 25% of the worldwide meat supply, which results in dangerous greenhouse gases, contaminated water, and inefficient use of land. We hardly think about the small things, but they can often have the most significant impact. There are a few actions that you can take to cut down on your pet's environmental impact. It starts with a conscious diet, eco-friendly food, and lots of care. Live a light life.
Your cute and furry companions have an impact on the planet. Yet, their exact role in climate change remains to be determined. We've set out on a journey to research what has been reported on dogs and cats' precise carbon pawprint. Last year, across U.S. or world households, there were 471 Million Dogs and 373 Million Cats. They contribute approximately 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to our environment yearly or the equivalent of running 437 coal power plants for a year.
Your cute and furry companions have an impact on the planet. Yet, their exact role in climate change remains to be determined. We've set out on a journey to research what has been reported on dogs and cats' precise carbon pawprint. Last year, across U.S. or world households, there were 471 Million Dogs and 373 Million Cats. They contribute approximately 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to our environment yearly or the equivalent of running 437 coal power plants for a year.
Humans have never been this separated from nature. Green grasslands turned to grey concrete, tall trees replaced by tall buildings, and each animal to a plastic memory. We do not live with nature. We live over her. But we can reconnect back to earth by incorporating elements of nature into our homes. We can take a few simple steps to make our house feels like home from indoor plants, eco-friendly furniture, and natural light. Let's get back to home.
With COVID-19 leaving its mark across the world, we've created new routines. One of the many is regular cleaning. While cleaning can help to remove dust, allergens, and infectious agents, it can bring damage to the environment and animals. Many cleaning products release CFCs, VOCs, and other harmful chemicals. Plus, commercial cleaning products are hazardous for the eye, skin, and respiratory tract. Here are ten great DIY staples you need for an eco-friendly cleaning regimen - and what to avoid.
Even though the slow fashion movement of ethically and sustainably made clothing has been gaining traction over the past few years, not everyone can afford $75 leggings crafted from recycled plastic water bottles. As more and more people have learned about the fashion industry's adverse effects on our climate change, they have been frantically searching for alternatives. That’s where thrifting comes into play. Let's examine where this thrifting trend started, how it benefits your wallet, and if it is better for the Earth.
It can be hard to book a campsite, pack your gear, and venture out, whether for a one-nighter or an extended trip, but it's worth it. Camping connects. Each night you're under the stars with your family and friends; you can disconnect from society and reconnect with nature, your people, and even yourself. We have never been so separated from nature, but camping can help us observe our wold. Camping reminds you of the things right in front of you.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a new trend - COVID Camping. RV sales and rentals are booming, as Americans look for safe ways to get away during the epidemic and maintain social isolation. Forty-six million Americans plan to take an RV trip this summer. But is camping better for the environment? Let's explore the differences between tent and trailer, the statistics on consumption reduction, and how you can reduce your camping footprint. Happy camping!
Every year, Americans generate 254 million tonnes of trash. Out of that, 40 million tonnes is food. Or about 40% of all the food that we produce. Every household, restaurant, and business must work on reducing food waste. Then, any wasted food should be composted. What is composting? How does composting work? And how can it help mitigate climate change? Composting is just like nature. Inevitably, food will be wasted. But we need to make sure the food does not go to waste.
Shopping for clothes used to be infrequent. Since the industrial revolution, clothes have flooded the market at the price of spare change, trends transformed at faster rates, and shopping sprees became a large part of our culture. But through all this consumption, we forget that wearing our cheap, fashionable attire a few times, before discarding and moving on to a new trend incurs a significant toll on people, animals, and our environment. Fast fashion is not free.
There are a lot of different ways to support your local parks! With increasing infrastructure, we must ensure nature is protected. These areas have been preserved to protect nature and connect with nature. Keep our parks safe is one of the best ways you can help the greater issue of environmental connection. It can even bring greater awareness to things like climate change. Here is a list of ten things you can do to help your parks thrive:
Two-day shipping. One day delivery! Two-hour shipping. Have you ever gotten two-day shipping because it comes with your Amazon Membership? Or have you tried shopping programs that deliver you the outfit you want and return the ones you don't? Delivery is getting faster, although it comes at a cost. While it used to be less carbon-intensive than going to the market, it's rankings have moved up to 44 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Air conditioning is a modern wonder. It has saved lives in heat waves, made the internet servers possible, and kept us comfortable. However, this technology has a not so cool side. While air conditioners cool on the inside, they heat the outside. By 2050, we will be using five times as many air conditioners across the world. It's a vicious cycle. First, let's examine the history of air conditioning, its environmental impact, and what happens when you throw it away.
Recycling is one of the most straightforward ways to better our planet, yet many people don't know why it is so crucial. Recycling helps both the human population and the animal kingdom in numerous different ways - all enhancing our everyday lives. In times like these, where our Earth needs more help than ever, recycling is increasingly vital. Let's start with an overview of how recycling works, look into its importance to humans, and last nature.
Over the course of history, humans have developed their surroundings to accommodate them. Half of the world population already lives in cities, and by 2050, two-thirds are expected to live in urban areas. Although we have made the earth more habitable for us, we have made it less livable for nature's trees, plants, animals, and other living creatures. Today, we will explore the consequences of urbanization, how to live in harmony with humans and nature, and how to utilize green spacing.
Before the invention of the refrigerator, we relied on old techniques of salting and burying our foods in snow. The food was often too salty, wet, or moldy. In 1805, the fridge changed that. This revolutionary technology is now in nearly everyone's home - but it has a cryptic side. Coolants might cool your fridge, but they warm the planet. We will explore the process of refrigeration, coolants, and how to lessen your refrigerator's impact on climate change.
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Betta Fish Abuse
Imagine living in a box, you can survive for an indefinite time, but you can't thrive. All betta fish go through this experience when they live in stores across the nation. Betta fish are put into small plastic containers with no filter, heater, gravel, or live plants. Ideally, they should be living in 5-gallon tanks with all of those necessities. Thousands, if not millions, of betta fish, die every year from poor water conditions at corporations that put profits before humane treatment. Betta fish need a voice to create change, so be that voice.
Climate Changes Effects on COVID 19
We are living in an age where each crisis is not discrete but rather the result of increasingly complex events. While some disasters have a direct correlation with climate change, there are several crises where the link to climate change is less visible. The coronavirus pandemic is one such example. The effects of climate change on animal migration and the introduction of new pathogens to humans, as well as pollution from fossil fuels, confer a worse outcome with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Benefits of Recycling
Recycling is one of the most straightforward ways to better our planet, yet many people don't know why it is so crucial. Recycling helps both the human population and the animal kingdom in numerous different ways - all enhancing our everyday lives. In times like these, where our Earth needs more help than ever, recycling is increasingly vital. Let's start with an overview of how recycling works, look into its importance to humans, and last nature.
Greenspacing
Over the course of history, humans have developed their surroundings to accommodate them. Half of the world population already lives in cities, and by 2050, two-thirds are expected to live in urban areas. Although we have made the earth more habitable for us, we have made it less livable for nature's trees, plants, animals, and other living creatures. Today, we will explore the consequences of urbanization, how to live in harmony with humans and nature, and how to utilize green spacing.
Energy Efficiency
Efficiency - It means getting a higher output from the input. We can strive to be closer to 100% efficiency to save us money, decrease energy consumption, and reduce pollution. To achieve efficiency in electricity, we must focus on the consumers' usage. Advancing efficiency can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 75%, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Take these steps with regards to appliances, eco-design, and energy transportation to improve your home's energy performance.
Renewables and RECs
In the United States, there is a $2 trillion electricity grid towards which Americans spend over $1 trillion annually. Nearly everyone pays an electricity bill. However, everyone's electricity is different, not in cost but source. The average U.S. household is powered by only 10% renewable of renewable energy, with the remaining 90% sourced from fossil fuels - contributing to the carbon footprint. Many consumers seek to use renewable energy, but their providers don't offer it, and it isn't straightforward to install on their property. Here, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) come into play.
The Fossil Fuels
Decomposing plants and other organisms, concealed beneath layers of sediment and rock, have taken millennia to become the carbon-rich deposits of fossil fuels. Across our society, we utilize these non-renewable fuels, which include coal, oil, and natural gas, to supply over 80% of the world’s energy. When fossil fuels are burned, greenhouse gases are released at an alarming rate, contributing to the warming of our planet. Today, let’s take a look at the three primary fossil fuels found ubiquitously.
The Grid
The energy grid is an incredibly complex and crucial system powering all homes, businesses, and factories. Without the energy grid, it would not be easy to ensure our lights stay on at night, water flows out of the sink, and stop lights function. It is so vast that an average light bulb gets power from over 300 miles away. So, where does this process begin - and where does it end? Most consider the energy grid to include three different sectors - production, transmission, and distribution.
What Is Carbon Offsetting?
Today, innovation, efficiency, and speed dominate our world. However, in this new era, we are polluting our Earth with millions upon millions of greenhouse gases. Chiefly, one particular gas - carbon dioxide. Its uses are familiar, but its effects are unfamiliar. The damage occurs over the years until it is irreversible. Carbon dioxide is everywhere. If carbon dioxide can be added to the equation, it can also be subtracted. Carbon offsetting subtracts by removing or preventing more greenhouse gas emissions.
The Sun "Flower"
High up in a mist of blue, nestled above a cushion of clouds, a yellow orb 92.96 million miles away shines down. It is the brilliant sun “flower” of the sky. But this flower is unique, it is the queen of all flowers, shining down and helping flowers bloom and illuminating the vast array of colors around us. Sunshine is not invisible and inert but is composed of 173,000 terawatts of energy. We can harness this power through solar panels, cells, and farms.
Local Fun Ideas
The best way to reduce your travel footprint is to travel closer. Often, you don't need to go very far to have some fun. In Colorado, we're lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the mountains and ski. Whether it be visiting your museums and parks or going a hike, it'll save you money, carbon, and time. Plus, you can do many of these activities in times of the coronavirus crisis. We've made a list of travel-local ideas to inspire your next adventure!
Wonderful Wind
Wind helps to lift birds, circulates our air, and regulates our weather. This powerful and majestic force never ceases and has the dynamism to level a city. Wind can be harnessed day and night, clouds or no clouds, and is available everywhere. With new technologies, we can harness this force to produce the current that runs all our cities, farming, and technology. It's critical to promote renewable energy due to our increased dependence on fossil fuels, which are leading to destructive greenhouse gases.
Developing Communities
We often take energy for granted and all the downstream benefits that follow, including clean water, heating, and air conditioning, lighting, digital devices, and so much more. It doesn't seem like much to switch on a light in a dark room. Over a billion people still do not have access to electricity. Instead, they must rely on dangerous methods to power their lives. With access to affordable, clean, and renewable energies, they can see unprecedented leaps in their living standards and economy.
Mimicking The Sun
Have you ever wondered how our sun shines so brightly? How an object almost 100 million miles away emits energy that can we can see? The sun is very similar to a nuclear reactor, where the electricity generated is virtually limitless. Unfortunately, nuclear power has gotten a bad rap from disasters like Chernobyl and inventions like the atomic bomb. However, this nuclear energy source can provide energy day and night, no matter the conditions, with no deadly greenhouse gases.
Troves Of Trees
Since the beginning of time, trees have provided us with two of life's essentials - food and oxygen. As we evolved, trees provided additional necessities such as shelter, medicine, and tools. Today, their value continues to increase, and more benefits of trees are being discovered as their role expands to satisfy the needs created by our new modern lifestyles. They are irreplaceable, with a function that not only provides but also reduces our Carbon Footprint - forever.
Fossil Fuel Devastations
Every day, we spend money on fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas. Whether it be a utility bill or gas for your car, these represent the direct costs of fossil fuels. They are simplified to a single dollar but don't include the hidden impacts of these fuels - forces affecting us at the individual level and societal level. Known as externalities, the invisible costs of fossil fuels aren't represented in the amount we pay, despite fossil fuels' overwhelming impacts on land, air, and health.
Eat in Season
The transportation used to move food accounts for over 6% of the pollution generated by the food enterprise. A simple and straightforward approach to reducing transport is through eating in season. Eating in season is defined as consuming food when it is at its climax in terms of flavor and quality. Not only does eating locally provide tasteful benefits, but it also supports the climate by limiting refrigeration and transportation.
Eat Locally
The agricultural practices that back our food supply chain account for over twenty-five percent of all the carbon you produce in your lifetime. That's equivalent to over 300 tons of CO2 over an American's life! A direct approach to reducing your impact is to eat locally. By limiting the food you eat to local food sources, you can lessen the load of carbon you produce relating to food by at least 15 tons!
Refrigerants
Before the invention of the refrigerator, we relied on old techniques of salting and burying our foods in snow. The food was often too salty, wet, or moldy. In 1805, the fridge changed that. This revolutionary technology is now in nearly everyone's home - but it has a cryptic side. Coolants might cool your fridge, but they warm the planet. We will explore the process of refrigeration, coolants, and how to lessen your refrigerator's impact on climate change.
Public Transit
Imagine a city with no cars on the road. With transportation accounting for 30% of greenhouse gases in the United States, we must explore alternatives to help our environment. Remember when you may have taken the bus to school? Public transportation is any transportation service that is available to and shared by large numbers of people. It can help you get where you are going faster and cheaper, and importantly, public transportation is more eco-friendly. Let's get back on it!
The best way to reduce your travel footprint is to travel closer. Often, you don't need to go very far to have some fun. In Colorado, we're lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the mountains and ski. Whether it be visiting your museums and parks or going a hike, it'll save you money, carbon, and time. Plus, you can do many of these activities in times of the coronavirus crisis. We've made a list of travel-local ideas to inspire your next adventure!