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List Of Environmental Movements in USA : Timeline of the American environmental movement March toward Green America

The environmental movement had been successful instead of having multidisciplinary challenges. Because it was supposed to bring a tangible increase in daily life quality, it gifts Americans a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful environment. You will find a list of Environmental Movements in the USA here in this article & a timeline of the American environmental movement to read.

A healthy environment is required for securing a better future, and it needs to ensure by proper action and movement. With the reawakening of the modern-day environmental movement worldwide and its growth in the last decades of the twentieth century, Environmental movements are to preserve the environment for future generations and make life better for those already living. That targeted to reduce the impact of human centric activities on the earth and its various inhabitants.

For people to be involved in the environmental movement and act on current issues, they must know and skills to do so. Only spending time close to nature and an eco-friendly lifestyle is not enough for environmental safeguard. Instead, it is essential for the environmental movement (sometimes referred to as the ecology movement), including conservation and green politics. It is diversified with the philosophical, social, and political movement for addressing environmental issues.

List Of Environmental Movements in USA : The Brief Happening Of Environmental Movement in the United States:

List Of Environmental Movements in USA
List Of Environmental Movements in USA

The brief happening of Environmental movement in the United States.

At the beginning of the conservation movement of the 20th century, the contemporary environmental movement’s roots can be traced back to –

  • Murray Bookchin’s “Our Synthetic Environment.”
  • Paul R. Ehrlich’s “The Population Bomb.”
  • Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.”

American environmentalists have campaigned against –

  • Thermonuclear weapons and nuclear power plants in the 1960s and 1970s
  • Acid raining in the 1980s
  • Ozone layer decay and deforestation in the 1990s
  • Most recently, the effects of climate change and global warming.

The United States passed many bills of environmental legislation in the 70s, such as

  • “The Clean Water Act.”
  • “The Clean Air Act”
  • “The Endangered Species Act.”
  • “The National Environmental Policy Act.”

These are working as the foundations for current environmental standards.

Before go deeply the historical journey about the list of Environmental movements in USA,  lets dig into about “environmental movement”.

Environmental Movement :

“Without a movement, nothing starts

Without an action, nothing reveals

Without a march, nothing activates!”

The quote revealed a lot about the sacred movement towards the green revolution and created a revolutionary pathway for the green war in everyone’s mind.

The environmental movement is a roadmap towards a divine path of natural conservation. It becomes history when something revolutionary happens. It opens our eyes to think from different angles & direction. It takes us towards a different dimension about which we were never aware of before. It is a march for ecological consciousness to change the world to re-think green for good!

What is the Environmental Movement?

What is the Environmental Movement
What is the Environmental Movement

The environmental/ecological movement includes conservation and green politics. It is a diverse scientific, social, and political movement to address environmental issues. Environmentalists bring sustainable management of resources. They do so by bringing change in public policy and individual behavior. It recognizes humanity as a part of an ecosystem. The movement centered on ecology, health, and human rights.

It’s an international movement. It’s represented by a range of organizations, from the large to grassroots, and It also varies from country to country. The environmental movement is not often whole in its goals. The reason is its large membership, a variety of strong beliefs, and occasionally speculative nature. The movement also encompasses movements with a specific focus, such as the climate movement. The movement advocated by various stekholders like private citizens, professionals, religious devotees, politicians, scientists, nonprofit organizations and individual initiatives.

Who Started The Revolutionary Roadmap Towards The Environmental Movement?

When you talk about the environment, Rachel Carson will appear as the first inseparable name. Rachel Carson is the revolutionary scientist & the first green writer. She’s the author of “Silence Spring”.

There she tells a story about the toxic effect of DDT on the environment and human health. She wrote the book in 1962, which was way ahead of her time. She made people rethink their relationship with the natural world.

She was the person who felt that we all are part of nature which are connected deeply. Her mother nature towards the environment aware everyone sees the greener side. She was one of the finest biologist & conservationist writers who changed the world forever.

To activate her movement and to educate people through her influential book, she faced lots of backlashes. Besides struggling with her personal life & career direction, she faces threats from industries, corporations, bureaucrats, and so on.

Let’s See The Origins of The Environmental Movement

We began to see more & more environmental problems worldwide in the 50s, 60s & the 70s. At that timeline, all the natural resources were abundant. As with global economic growth, people all around the world started using natural resources aggressively.

They used to transform those resources into products. They were cutting down trees to create furniture, home requirements, papers, etc. In the process of energy production, they burnt down coal to produce electricity.

Thus emitting pollutants into the open sky became common. The most promising way to protect the environment was for the governments to step in and make laws. It was the only way to restrict the marketplace’s mistakes, which was considered a market failure.

During that period, all the economic books revealed all the environmental problems, all the environmental degradation & issues. The profit system caused it. It means all the businessmen, corporations, industries & investors had desires to make a high level of profit with the lowest possible cost.

They would create pollutants and dump those in rivers, oceans, sky, landfills & so on. That is why the market was characterized by pollution, which was called negative externalities. The solution to this may well lie in the Soviet Union regions. Because in Soviet regions the industries ran for fulfilling the demand of all the people and good for whole of the nation. That is why those Russian regions were known as environmental heaven as they have a low level of pollutions.

In the 70s, people started to look behind the iron curtain, and they were horrified to see the higher level of environmental problems. But there was far worse environmental cost accumulated by US & Western Europe. That was sort of a perplexing problem for a lot of people. And if you go to the 1960s, a large amount of young student movement started to protect the planet. Students’ revolution & student uprising at that time became a very fashionable trend. In the 60s antiwar movement started. About thousands of students were marching down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC. They all were carrying red flags & they have chairman Mao’s little red book. They knew capitalism is evil & destroying the planet & argue to get rid of capitalism.

Just after the war ended in Vietnam, all these young kids interestingly started to march! They were sort of radicalized, anti-free market, anti-capitalism, anti-profit system, and anti-private property rights, which kept them marching.

A more exciting thing started when they switched their Bible. Instead of holding up Chairman Mao’s little red book, they held up Rachel Carson’s little green book. That green book had much the same philosophy as the reason behind their movement.

The belief was capitalism did not care about the planet, and the incredible thing was that those young kids were marching for the green. That was the origin of the environmental movement for the whole period. It also called for the birth of Earth day.

The first earth day held on April 22nd in 1970 coincidently, or not that happens to be Lennon’s birthday! Many young kids were marching at that time; they thought it was a joke and in-your-face kind of thing. They were celebrating earth day on Lennon’s birthday because they knew that capitalism was destroying the environment.

In the 60s and 70s of the last century, the environmental movement has drawn its attention to pollution.  It successfully pressured Congress to pass bills that promote cleaner air and water.

In the late 70s, the movement alarmingly addressed environmental threats caused by the disposal of toxic waste. At the end of the century, environmental goals also included other worldwide problems, such as ozone layer decay and global warming.

Let’s have a look at the “Timeline of US environmental Movements history”

  • 1832– Hot Springs Reservation
  • 1864– Yosemite Valley
  • 1872– Yellowstone National Park
  • 1892– Sierra Club
  • 1916– National Park Service Organic Act
  • 1916– National Audubon Society
  • 1949– UN Scientific Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Resources
  • 1961– World Wildlife Foundation
  • 1964– Land and Water Conservation Act
  • 1964– National Wilderness Preservation System
  • 1968– National Trails System Act
  • 1968– National Wild and Scenic Rivers System/Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
  • 1969– National Environmental Policy Act
  • 1970– First Earth Day- 22 April
  • 1970– Clean Air Act
  • 1970– Environmental Protection Agency
  • 1971– Greenpeace
  • 1972– Clean Water Act
  • 1973– Endangered Species Act
  • 1980– Earth First
  • 1992– UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro
  • 2017- First National Clean Up Day

Now let’s have a look at the first powerful movements in the United States-

#World Wildlife Foundation (1961) Environmental Movement In USA:

List Of EnviWorld Wildlife Foundation
World Wildlife Foundation

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is an international, non-governmental organization, founded in 1961 in Switzerland. They started their work for wilderness preservation and lessened humanity’s footprint on the environment. It was named the World Wildlife Fund formerly, which is still its official name in Canada and the United States. Most of its offices are situated in Switzerland. Their mascot, or logo, is a Giant Panda.

Mission:

“Building a future in which people live in harmony with nature.”

About WWF:

It is the world’s most prominent independent wildlife preserving organization, and It has over 5 million supporters, working in more than 90 countries. WWF supports 15,000 conservation and environmental projects all over the globe. It is a charity based organization. About 90% of its fundraising money comes from the donations of private individuals and businesses.

The organization says its motto is “to halt and reverse the destruction of our natural environment”. A fair share of its work focuses on the preservation of three biomes of the world’s biodiversity:

  • forests
  • freshwater ecosystems
  • Oceans and coasts.

It also works for endangered species, pollution, and climate change. The organization operates on more than 1,200 field projects worldwide every year.

Origin:

The first urge for broader support was the Morges Manifesto. WWF signed in 1961 by 16 of the world’s leading conservationists, including –

  • biologist and African wildlife specialist Sir Julian Huxley
  • IUCN vice president Sir Peter Scott
  • Director-general of the British Nature Conservancy E. M. Nicholson.

Morges Manifesto stated that the expertise to protect the world environment existed, but there is no financial support. The decision was made to establish WWF as an international fundraising organization. It would enable working in collaboration with existing conservation groups. It also would bring substantial financial support to the conservation movement on a worldwide scale.

Let’s see an Interesting fact about WWF! What WWF is doing for the European wolf?

WWF is strengthening wolf populations in Europe, e.g., by helping them spread into suitable areas. This includes research operations to evaluate wolf populations. They also address the concerns of farmers and locals who feel threatened by the presence of wolves. WWF is working to protect the habitats and ecosystems on which the wolf depends.

Have you heard about the incredible journey of Slavc, the wolf who traveled 200 km to find his Juliet?

Interesting-fact-about-WWF

In 2011, Slavc began an epic 2,000 kilometer migration run across Europe from Slovenia to Italy via the Austrian Alps. Several months earlier, he had been attached with a collar that allowed his movements to be tracked down in incredible detail. The works of Hubert Potočnik, a biologist, made this possible.

#National Environmental Policy Act (1969) Environmental Movement In USA

In the 1960s, the US was experiencing an environmental revolution. In 1969 President Nixon created The Environmental Protection Agency. He signed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) into the legislature. Federal agencies must conduct a NEPA analysis to assess environmental impact. An example of NEPA analysis includes permits to mine coal, extract oil, and build pipelines.

The purposes of this Act are:

“To declare a national policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment-

To promote efforts that will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate man’s health and welfare.

To enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources necessary to the Nation

And To establish a Council on Environmental Quality”.

NEPA addresses both impacts from a single significant action. It also asses the cumulative effects of an action repeated across a landscape. NEPA proponents say the process is a crucial avenue for public participation. But critics say NEPA can delay projects and discourage investments. There are three levels of NEPA analysis:

  1. Categorical Exclusion (CATX)
  2. Environmental Assessment (EA)
  3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Among all three levels, the EIA is the most rigorous.

Categorical Exclusion (CATX):

Agencies can use a categorical exclusion when a proposed action resemblance a previous action. In those cases, agencies identify those type of activity – does not significantly harm the environment.

Environmental Assessment (EA):

During EA, agencies conduct Environmental Assessment when the effects of an action are uncertain unless the agency discovers significant environmental concerns. It provides a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). In about 1% of cases, an agency will prepare an environmental impact statement.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

Through project requirements on statement though projects requiring in EIAs are unusual. They attract more attention because of their costs, complexity, and prominence. The agency first conducts a scoping process to determine appropriate stakeholder involvement. A draft EIAs is then subject to public comment. The final EIA must incorporate and respond to the feedback. The agency then submits a record of decision (ROD) and implements the action. This process can take years.

Recently, the Trump administration has tried to simplify the NEPA process. The interior department, for example, has imposed time and page limits on NEPA analyses.

Trump’s white houses have also attempted to de-emphasize climate considerations in NEPA reviews. The courts have repeatedly required agencies to weigh those impacts.

#Clean Air Act (1970) Environmental Movement In USA :

Clean-Air-Act

What is the 1970 Clean Air Act?

The Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 was one of the major federal environmental laws. Later it amended to prevent air pollution, protect the ozone layer, and promote public health. The CAA gave power to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take effective action for fighting environmental pollution.

What was the aim of the Clean Air Act of 1970?

The CCA launched an ambitious set of federal programs to establish air quality goals. It aims to impose pollution control technology requirements on new and existing stationary sources and motor vehicles.

Who passed the Clean Air Act of 1970?

President Richard Nixon signed the Clean Air Act on December 30, 1970. He intended to foster a strong American economy and industry while improving human health and the environment.

What has been the major success of the Clean Air Act?

Experience with CCA shows that public health protection and building the economy can go side by side. Clean Air Act programs have lessen levels of six common pollutants –

  • particles
  • ozone
  • lead
  • carbon monoxide
  • nitrogen dioxide
  • sulfur dioxide
  • As well as many toxic pollutants.

Is the Clean Air Act successful?

The Clean Air Act has proven to be a remarkable success. Bush signed amendments that toughened emission standards. Those were about two hundred toxic substances, mostly were cancer-causing air pollutants.

The Clean Air Act has helped:

  • Reduce ground-level ozone, a dangerous ingredient of smog, by more than 25 percent since 1980
  • Cut down mercury emissions by 45 percent since 1990;
  • Reduce the prime pollutants that contribute towards acid rain. Those are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, reduced to 71 percent and 46 percent, respectively since 1980;
  • Phase out the production and use of chemicals that cause the hole in the ozone layer; and

Reduce the lead consumption of gasoline, which has cut lead air pollution by 92 percent since 1980.

#Greenpeace Environmental Movement (1971) In The United State

Greenpeace Environmental Movement 

The Greenpeace environmental movement is known worldwide. Now it has offices in more than 40 countries and has almost 3 million supporters. It is generally acknowledged that the date, September 15, 1971, marked the beginning of the international movement, which began in Canada. A ragtag group of 12 activists went out on a fishing trawler from Vancouver, British Columbia, to protest against US nuclear testing in Alaska. It had a humble beginning, however.

Purpose of Greenpeace environmental movement

It made an impression in drawing worldwide public attention to a host of environmental concerns, and they include commercial whaling, genetic modification of crops, global warming, and nuclear testing. Its mission statement disallows violence. But then again, its critics say that its campaigning tactics have triggered extremism.

History & origin of Greenpeace

The Quakers, ecologists, pacifists, journalists, and hippies started Greenpeace. They dreamed big, and it was an infectious one. In 1971 in Vancouver, the newly founded “Don’t Make a Wave Committee” chartered a ramshackle old fishing boat. They went out to oppose the testing of nuclear bombs by the US government in Amchitka, Alaska. It was the beginning of the international movement of Greenpeace. Within a few years, Greenpeace had spread to several countries. They also started a campaign on other environmental issues such as toxic wastes and commercial whaling.

In 1972 the US forsook the nuclear testing grounds at Amchitka Island, Alaska. Many other protests at test sites in the South Pacific followed the movement. It eventually led to the comprehensive “Nuclear Test Ban Treaty” adopted by the United Nations in 1996.

In the late 1970s, several different Greenpeace groups brought together and formed Greenpeace International. They oversee the goals and operations of the organization globally. The international profile of Greenpeace raised significantly during the 1980s. During that time, the French intelligence agency bombed the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland. It was the most famous of the ships operated by Greenpeace. The incident resulted in the killing of one of the crew members, the photographer Fernando Pereira.

Today, Greenpeace is an international organization that emphasizes global environmental campaigns. Greenpeace has nearly 3 million supporters worldwide and is based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It also has national as well as regional offices in 40 countries.

What has been its success, and why?

In 1982, years after the iconic Greenpeace Sea actions against commercial whaling, a moratorium was adopted by the International Whaling Commission. In 2002 there was a significant drive by pro-whaling in Japan and its supporters to re-introduce commercial whaling.  Greenpeace defeated it. They remain vigilant in defending the oceans by challenging wasteful and destructive fishing. They also campaigned to create a global network of marine reserves.

  • Greenpeace was one of the first environmental movements to plan a sustainable development scenario for climate change mitigation and ozone depletion. They played a significant role in raising public awareness of global warming in the 1990s. They also highlighted the effect of CFCs on the ozone layer in the Montreal Protocol. They developed a CFC-free refrigerator technology named “Greenfreeze“. They conducted mass production with the refrigerator industry. By the end of 2007, one-third of the world’s total output of refrigerators was followed by Green freeze technology.

The turning century saw an ever-increasing number of European retailers, food producers, and multinational companies’ subsidiaries. They guaranteed to remove genetically engineered components from products due to consumer pressure.

In 2008, six Greenpeace UK volunteers were accused of criminal damage by a UK Crown Court jury. The case centered on the contribution made toward climate change by burning fuel, mainly coal. The charges were introduced after six attempts to shut down the Kingsnorth coal-fired power station in Kent in 2007.

They did it by rescaling the exhaust chimney and painting the Prime Minister’s name down the side. The defendants pleaded ‘not guilty’ and depended upon the court to defend ‘lawful excuse’. They claimed they shut the power station down to defend the property of more excellent value from the global impacts of climate change. This landmark case is marked as the first victory of the ‘lawful excuse’ defense in Britain’s climate-change case.

In 2010 they created the following of a two months innovative campaign. It involved Facebook, Twitter, and other social media profiles. They made Nestlé agreed to stop purchasing palm oil from sources that destroyed Indonesian rainforests.

This followed a similar campaign against Unilever. Eventually, that palm oil company also accepted a groundbreaking deal from Greenpeace in 2012. And after ten years of continuous campaigning, Europe finally banned the trade of illegal timber. It was a great leap forward in the struggle to protect the world’s forests and climate.

Let’s have a look at the Key Events of Greenpeace

  • 1969: ‘Don’t Make A Wave Committee’ emerges in Vancouver, Canada. The organization’s first acts are blocking the Canadian border with Alaska to halt nuclear tests and later observance of criteria.
  • 1971: Group renamed itself ‘Greenpeace’.
  • 1972: David McTaggart successfully brings worldwide attention by dodging New Zealand and French navies to disrupt nuclear testing in the Pacific.
  • 1973: McTaggart savagely got beaten by French commandoes while disrupting nuclear tests again.
  • 1975–1979: McTaggart arranges Greenpeace organizations across Europe. This led up tothe formation of ‘Greenpeace International’ in 1979.
  • 1985: Rainbow Warrior got bombed by French Special Forces.
  • 1991: Greenpeace Support reaches a total of 4.8 million.
  • 2001: David McTaggart dies in a car crash in Italy.

#Clean Water Act (1972) Another Successful Environmental Movement In USA:

The Clean Water Act (CWA) was initially known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It adjusts the emission of pollutants into the nation’s surface waters. The industry could pollute lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands & coastal areas, and the law aim to combat this issue. The Act was passed in 1972, amended in 1977 and 1987. The administrative body of the CWA is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets –

  • Water quality standards
  • Handles enforcement
  • Helps state and local governments to develop their pollution control plans.

What was the Goal of The Clean Water Act?

The Act’s original goal was to eliminate the discharge of untreated wastewater from municipal and industrial sources. Thus make the American waterways safe for fishing and swimming. It needs to be noted, the use of surface water for drinking purposes is covered under separate legislation, the Safe Drinking Water Act. The federal government provided billions of dollars as grants to finance the sewage treatment facilities around the country. The CWA also required businesses to apply for federal permits to discharge pollutants into waterways. In this way, the Act reduces the number of discharges over time.

Pointing its credits:

The Clean Water Act has been credited for significantly lessening the amount of pollution that goes inside the nation’s waterways from “point sources.”

Those “Point sources” are municipal and industrial discharges. As of 1998, 60% of the American lakes, rivers, and shorelines were declared clean enough for swimming and fishing.

Jeff Glasser and Kenneth T. Walsh in U.S. News & World Report wrote that “In the years following the passage of the Clean Water Act, the EPA largely succeeded in stemming the ‘point source’ discharges of significant industrial and municipal offenders, whose pipes spewed chemicals directly into oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams.” He added, “It has become clear, however, that ‘point source’ pollution is only part of the problem.”

#Endangered Species Act(1973) Another Fruitful Environmental Movement In USA

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) issues a program for preserving ecosystems where all the threatened & endangered fish, wildlife & plants live. The 1973 ESA established federal action and encouraged the establishment of state programs.

Which President established the US Endangered Species Act of 1973?

Richard Nixon was the founder. He designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction. Economic growth and development untampered by adequate concern and conservation lead to such tragedy. The ESA was introduced into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973.

What are the lead federal agencies for implementing it?

ESA provides such services-

  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
  • The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service.

They ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize any listed species’ existence. It also provides so that their activities do not destruct or adversely modify such species’ critical habitat. ESA also prohibits the import, export, interstate, and foreign commerce of listed species.

What happens if you accidentally kill an endangered species?

The ESA is the government policy that determines how all the endangered species are regulated. You will have committed a serious crime punishable by significant fines and jail time if you violate it by killing an endangered animal.

Is the Endangered Species Act effective?

It’s instrumental. Passed with bipartisan support in 1973, the ESA is America’s most influential law to protect endangered species from extinction. Grizzly bears, eagles, and humpback whales bald are just a few of the 46 species which are now listed as recovered under the ESA.

#1992– UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro another rewarding Environmental Movement In USA

What summit met in Rio de Janeiro Brazil in 1992 and what was the result of that summit?

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), by name Earth Summit. Its’ conference held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (June 3–14, 1992). It aims to reconcile worldwide economic development with the protection of the environment.

Why was Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit 1992 held?

In June 1992, more than 100 heads of states met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the first International Earth Summit. It held for addressing urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic development at the global level.

What was the outcome of the Rio Summit?

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 20 to 22 June, 2012. It resulted in a prioritized political outcome document. Those documents contain clear and practical measures for implementing sustainable development.

The Rio summit produced conventions dealing with climate change, biodiversity, and forestry. It approved a list of development practices named the ”Agenda 21″. This summit gave the idea of sustainable development. It leads to the combining effort of economic growth with ecological responsibility.

The issues addressed included:

  • Systematic production pattern of toxic components. It has: lead in gasoline or other poisonous waste, including radioactive chemicals
  • Alternative sources of energy to substitute fossil fuels. We need to be aware; fossil fuel is directly linked to global climate change.
  • New reliance on public transportation systems. It would reduce vehicle emissions, city congestion, and health problems caused by polluted air and smoke.
  • The growing demand and limited supply of water.

Achievements & agreements:

  • A vital achievement of the summit was an agreement on the “Climate Change Convention”. This led to the “Kyoto Protocol” and the “Paris Agreement”.
  • Another agreement was not to carry out any movements on the lands of indigenous peoples. It would cause ecological degradation, or that would be culturally unsuitable.
  • The “Convention on Biological Diversity” was introduced to sign at the Earth Summit.
  • Twelve cities were also honored by the “Local Government Honors Award” for innovative local environmental programs. It included Sudbury in Canada for its ambitious program to –
  1. Retain environmental damage from the local mining industry
  2. Austin in the United States for its green building strategy
  3. Kitakyūshū in Japan for assimilating an international education and training element into its municipal pollution control program.

The Earth Summit resulted in the following documents:

  • “Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.”
  • “Agenda 21”
  • “Forest Principles”

Moreover, relevant legally binding agreements (Rio Convention) were opened for signature:

  • Convention on Biological Diversity
  • Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

What was the importance of the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit 1992?

The purpose of the conference was to

  • Rethink economic growth
  • Advance social equity and
  • Ensure environmental protection.

#First National Clean Up Day of 2017

First National Clean Up Day of 2017

The third Saturday of September is celebrated annually as “National Cleanup Day” in the United States. It encourages both organized and individual cleanup events and volunteering to keep the outdoors clean.

The inaugural National Cleanup Day held in 2017 had more than 225,000 volunteers. The 2018 event had over 1,500,000 volunteers. From the campaign, 14 million pounds of waste collected. It was held in conjunction with World Cleanup Day. National Cleanup Day partners include-

  • Earth Day
  • Keep America Beautiful
  • World Cleanup Day
  • Waterkeeper Alliance
  • National Parks Conservation Association
  • Junior Chamber International
  • Granite Gear
  • Fjallraven
  • Clean Trails

In April 2019, “Earth Day” partnered with National Clean Up Day. They promised to Keep America Beautiful for the inaugural Earth Day Clean Up. They had over 500,000 volunteers working to clean up trash and litter nationally.

Concluding Remark

Eeww…ww.. I know its long historical read about List Of Environmental Movements in USA, but I am pretty sure you got enough idea about the timeline of the American environmental movement.

By the end of the twentieth century, many environmentalists showed a new concern, the aim of sustainable development. It searched for long-term planning to integrate environmental goals with social and economic ones. Yet even as environmental organizations addressed global issues such as population growth, global warming, and fossil fuel resources’ exhaustion. The American public remained more concerned with more physical issues such as air and water pollution.

Indeed, the environmental movement had been a successful event because it had promised a substantial increase in everyday life quality. It gifts Americans a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful environment. Moreover, mobilizing popular support to combat more abstract and long-term ecological threats presented environmentalists with a challenge.

A visionary Naturalist Vinson Brown is the author of the excellent book named “Warriors of the Rainbow: Strange and Prophetic Indian Dreams”. He stated a bold & divine vision in his one tale of prophecy –

“The people of the world would join together to save the world from destruction.”

How Green Packaging Brings Sustainability?Gluing E-commerce Boom with Green Future of Dreams!!

Today, plastic pollution has become a world hazard. Every day we experience different scenes of animal deaths and sufferings in large numbers by social media. The present economic system is supporting this pollution in many ways. It’s not true that there is no other element against plastic.

To reduce pollution that made by plastic and other harmful elements, green packaging can be fruitful if appropriately used. Green packaging or eco friendly biodegradable packaging simply means supplying different products using eco-friendly envelops, bags, packets, boxes, and cartons made from recyclable matters like cardboards, papers, etc.

These can reduce carbon footprints because the elements can be recycled several times, which will not be pollutants.

Today, green packaging is gaining popularity all over the world. As climate change issues became, crucial, green or eco-friendly packaging is gaining its importance in many ways. Many multinational e-commerce along with many online based big companies introduced green packaging as a way to supply products to their customers.

Amazon and eBay are two of the companies which have introduced sustainable and green packaging. Although it hasn’t become a worldwide phenomenon yet, it can be a distinguished way to lower the carbon footprint of not only a country or region but also for the world. Pollution is the most significant suffering of the globe today, and green packaging can be one step forward to reduce it on a large scale.

Introductory Part of Green Packaging:

Reading about the adverse effects of plastics, I was just looking around me, seen vast amounts of plastic scattering everywhere in my room! Felt like scratching my arms with a mixture of anxiety & curiosity that, how it could be optimized or what could be the solution? And remember the old saying that there is always a false notion, negative & cheap vibes to be “plastic” or using materials made of it.

Plastic debris has become one of the significant Global Issues. As the global economy is rising the issue regarding plastic is creating more & more havoc in the fitness of the earth as well as the health of all the species living in this planet, including us – the Homo sapiens. About 700 marine species might go extinct due to plastic pollution (Researched by Plymouth University). Global industries are producing approximately 9.2 billion tons of plastic, and 90% of it is not even been recycled & reused!

The United States generates more plastic waste than any other country in the world. Still, they outsourced it to developing countries and became a top contributor to the ocean plastics crisis.

worst-plastic-offender
Worst Plastic Offender By country- source: climate desk
  • In 2016 U.S. generates an enormous amount of plastic waste than any other country globally, which is 42 million metric tons, or 286 pounds per person.
  • It also found that the U.S. is the third-largest contributor to plastic pollution in coastal areas.
  • Asian nations, including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, are the world’s plastic pollution problem creator.
  • Previous research has mostly looked at the direct sources of pollution, researchers argue, but not where the plastic originated.
  • US. often ships their waste abroad to lower-income countries that have inadequate recycling methods.
  • Worldwide, about 10 lac species are dying due to plastic pollution.
  • The microplastics are the leading cause of fatal human diseases, including Diabetes type-2, Hearth failure & Cancer.

The New Era Of Booming E-commerce!!Green Packaging May be the safeguard of the environment!!

Green Packaging May be the safeguard of the environment
The New Era Of Booming E-commerce!!Green Packaging May be the safeguard of the environment

E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing booming industries in the world. In 2019, the United States (U.S) online retail sales of physical goods amounted to 343.15 billion U.S. dollars and were projected to reach close to 476.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Apparel and accessories retail e-commerce in the United States is projected to generate 153.6 billion U.S. dollars in revenue by 2024.

E-commerce sales accounted for 9 % of all retail sales in the U.S; In 2016, Amazon was one of the leading e-retailer in the U.S with 46.66 billion U.S. dollars in sales of all kind of physical products in the U.S.

In 2020, Amazon reported a 29% increase in North American and an 18% increase worldwide. Now is the time to make ecommerce an integral part of their business operations. One thing’s certain: ecommerce will continue to grow at a rapid rate.

However, all this online shopping means much more shipping. While the median retail item is handled five times before it is bought, most products purchased online are handled up to twenty times before reaching to the consumer’s hands.

To protect all those products, online retailers resort to stack up packaging – think about those plastic bubble wrap, styrofoam, and massive cardboard boxes – most of which are not biodegradable & is not being recycling or reusing. All these plastics go straight to landfills & different water bodies, including ocean, threatening the heart of the environment & health of mankind. It is quite disappointing!

The Growing Problem of E-Commerce Waste

The Growing Problem of E-Commerce Waste 
The Growing Problem of E-Commerce Waste :Source: the sustainabilist

E-commerce waste is a growing problem of present times. All the fast uprising shopping, food delivery, and online purchasing have generated a pile of waste cardboard boxes, containers, plastic bags, and packaging waste. Innovative companies like Amazon are trying to solve this problem fast with proper R&D.

Increasing e-commerce waste has enabled companies to think out of the box. The problems are worse than ever,

  • Companies use repacking (plastic bag over cardboard packing) for more protection, which is zero consumable and biodegradable.
  • The United States alone produced 35.4 million tons of cardboard boxes in 2013, and the number is increasing rapidly.
  • Cardboard box companies influence plastic container companies to produce more unsustainable plastic each year.
  • A report from Oceana states that multinational technology company Amazon-produced 465 million pounds of plastic waste in 2018.
  • Every 70 minutes, one dumping truck dumps plastic waste in the ocean.

This problem has globally created an enormous amount of impact all over the world,

  • Increasing plastic waste has increased the global carbon footprint rapidly.
  • Plastic pollution kills millions of seabirds and sea creatures each year.
  • Plastic can reduce the oxygen production of natural algae.
  • Coral reefs can produce harmful pathogens if, come into contact with plastic.
  • Plastic contamination endangers food safety and quality, human health, seaside tourism, and impacts climate change.
  • Cardboard and plastic pollution will reduce soil fertility rapidly in the upcoming years.
  • Only 8.5 percent of used plastic was recycled in 2018, which makes this material unsustainable.
  • Plastic can harm humans too.

Here green packaging can play big role to encounter plastic pollution. Before explore how green packing can be the safeguard of the environment lets find what’s the meaning of green packaging?

What is Green or eco-friendly packaging?

Have you ever seen a package, only to realize it is 90% air when opening? Many online retailers are blamed for “over packaging” with the thought of protecting a small product inside.

Green packaging is the modern pathway of:

  • Achieving sustainable development goal & plan while enhancing the brand value
  • Focusing on alternative innovation on using natural, creative & biodegradable packaging rather than using non-biodegradable, single-use plastics and large cardboard boxes
  • Pushing back against the highly-disposable traditional shipment method
  • Increasing use of life cycle inventory and life cycle assessment to help guide the use of packaging
  • Lessening waste and prioritizing reusable or recyclable components with fewer toxic ingredients that reduce the environmental impact and ecological footprint.

Why is Green packaging – a necessity in this era, especially for online businesses?

Recently with the alarming scenario of Global Warming worldwide, the era begins with awakening—the movement to change towards the path of Sustainability. Globally environmental hazards & threats have been identified, and one of the biggest threats concerning everyone is “Plastic”. And if you go through, all the environmental act and laws regarding using plastic & packaging is quite wonderful, and Bangladesh is also going towards this noble environmental movement.

According to Nielsen’s press release, the study states: “55% of global online consumers across 60 countries say they are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact.

The propensity to buy socially responsible brands is strongest in Asia-Pacific (64 percent), Latin America (63 percent), and Middle East/Africa (63 percent). The numbers for North America and Europe are 42 and 40 percent, respectively.”

As consumers have become aware of their environmental impact, e-commerce businesses must step up their packaging to become eco-friendly. Upgrading packaging to green level will lead to powerful Brand value as such:

  • It decreases a business’ carbon footprint
  • It lowers the material usage & cost, logistics costs, shipment cost, and makes the package lighter.
  • It raises the brand value & reputation to customers
  • It “divenire” the brand into an active leading brand of environmental movement & SDP (Sustainable Development Plan)

As government bodies and customers of all levels are getting aware of their health & environmental impact and therefore it is viable that within five years their will be strict law enforcement regarding “Green Packaging” for every kinds of industries in Bangladesh. This would even create a huge economic shift as well as the shutdown of many industries, if they do not get alert & aware of the changing scenario to sustainability at this early stage.

Possible Solution for Green packaging : Eco-Friendly Packaging Alternatives with sources examples:

Green packaging is not necessarily like boring, brown, recycled cardboard, and it’s crucial to be cheaper than that of traditional methods. For many businesses today, the packaging is a way to express their brand & so innovative with eco-friendly packaging will add value. Many new materials copy plastics and other common packaging products, but businesses can think ideas to create reusable packaging that actually adds value to their customers. Here are some options for businesses that are seeking to upgrade to eco-friendly packaging.

Here some example of Green packaging materials-

  • Starch-based packing peanuts.
  • Biodegradable plastic.
  • Natural fabrics.
  • Paper & brown paper.
  • Reusable envelopes.
  • Corrugated packaging box.
  • Paper Bottles.
  • Bright Idea.
  • Newspaper egg carton.
  • Cardboard Balls.
  • Carton wine.
  • T-Shirt Subscription.
  • Reusable fabric-made bags.
  • Plantable Packaging.
  • Leaf plates.
  • Compostable Plates Made of Banana Leaves.
  • Bioplastic Jute poly bag or Jute Bag.

Lets brief every opportunity of green packaging and explore how it can brings sustainability in any level.

Starch-based packing peanuts:

Green Packaging-Starch-based packing peanuts
Green Packaging-Starch-based packing peanuts

Conventional packing peanuts are made of styrofoam, which can consume up to 500 years to biodegrade. Starch-based peanuts have the same protective durability as the traditional styrofoam version; only they can be dissolved in water within a few minutes, minimizing their environmental impact. Starch-based packing peanuts can be made from agricultural waste, as compared to polystyrene, which is made from petroleum. These foam pellets can be a fabulous option for shipping fragile goods that need crucial protection.

Biodegradable plastic:

Plastics are well known for sticking around for a long time. Biodegradable plastics can melt in sunlight and can be made from plant by-products, rather than petroleum. Although it might not be as cost-effective or enduring as regular plastic, biodegradable plastic can significantly lessen the waste produced by the packaging.

Natural fabrics:

Green-Packaging-Burlap-fabric
Green Packaging-Burlap fabric

It might not need much protection being double or triple-packaged beyond the original packaging if the item being sent is not fragile. Instead of wrapping products in cotton or burlap fabrics that might be able to protect the original package from bumps and scratches. When bought in bulk, this packaging option might have better cost-effectiveness than boxes and produces fewer toxins during production.

Paper & brown paper:

Paper and cardboard, the most common packaging materials, are already recyclable. Brown paper is bio-based, biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. Kraft paper is a natural, biodegradable and compostable substance.

Reusable envelopes:

Green Packaging-Reusable envelopes
Green Packaging-Reusable envelopes

So often, suppliers commonly create boxes that are way too large for the product inside, wasting space and materials. Not only it wastes material, but it also increases costs for the e-commerce business. Instead, creating thinner, smaller packaging – like an envelope – that fits the product more closely may reduce shipping costs and wasted cardboard. But better use a reusable envelope that customers can send back once they have received their item.

Bio plastic jute poly bag or Jute Bag:

Green Packaging-Bio plastic jute poly bag or Jute Bag
Green Packaging-Bio plastic jute poly bag or Jute Bag

 

Sonali Bag, a biodegradable and environment-friendly ‘poly bag’ made of jute, will be available in the Bangladeshi market within three months to replace harmful polythene bags.

Primarily, the size of the “Sonali Bag” would be 13inch in height and 12 inches in width. The bag would cost BD Taka 10 per piece. Sources at the Ministry of Textiles and Jute said government-run “Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC)”, designer and manufacturer of this bioplastic jute poly bag “Sonali Bag”, is likely to start supplying it to the local market in May or June. BJMC, which works under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, said the country might be able to earn substantial foreign exchange by exporting Sonali Bag after meeting the local demand. (Daily Sun, 2019)

Corrugated packaging box:

Green Packaging-Corrugated packaging box
Green Packaging-Corrugated packaging box

This is compostable and recyclable. As a biodegradable product, corrugated cardboard can be more sustainable than many other types of material. As a strong and robust packaging solution, corrugated cardboard boxes may also be used again and again – lowering costs and environmental impact.

Paper Bottles:

Green Packaging-Paper Bottles
Green Packaging-Paper Bottles: Source: ecologicbrands

Ecologic”- a Californian company came up with a genius idea to produce paper bottles from recyclable materials. Well, surprisingly, it works. The outer layers are made from recycled cardboards and newspapers, which hides a thin, plastic recycled liner inside. L’Oreal-owned Seed Phytonutrients, a company that makes organic bath and body products, is one of the companies using Ecologic’s innovation. Together they crafted a water-resistant paper bottle that could hold up to the pressures of a shower and ditched glue for a smart interlocking design that’s just as strong.

Bright Idea:

. Esther Li designed an eco-friendly light bulb packaging for a “GE Energy Efficient bulb”. Designed by Esther Li, United States

You’ll probably like this idea if you’ve ever thought certain products come with too much unnecessary packaging inside the box. Esther Li designed an eco-friendly light bulb packaging for a “GE Energy Efficient bulb”. It’s made from a single strip of recyclable cardboard and offers protection while displaying the bulb.

Newspaper egg carton:

Green Packaging-Newspaper egg carton
Green Packaging-Newspaper egg carton

Whereas many eco-friendly packaging ideas emphasize reducing materials, this innovation takes the concept one step ahead. Marian Obando came up with a fabulous way of creating a basic egg carton from one sheet of discarded newspaper.

Cardboard Balls:

Green Packaging-Cardboard Balls
Green Packaging-Cardboard Balls. Source: Unplug Design

Unplug Design”- Korean innovators thought up a brilliant idea, not only for the recyclable purpose for packaging but also for providing something fun for the children living in developing countries. It is called the “Dreamball”. Their idea is to turn a cylindrical aid package into a cardboard ball, including a soccer ball, baseball, and handball, etc. Patters printed on the sides make it easy to understand the instructions and fold the tube into the desired ball types.

Carton wine:

Green Packaging-Carton wine
Source: Yellow + Blue Wines

Yellow + Blue Wines (which equals green, in case you hadn’t figured) is one such company that combined a love of fine wine with a drive to becoming more environment-friendly and responsible when they came up with carton wine. Matthew Cain, founder of Y+B calculates that each box cuts the carbon footprint of the average bottle of wine in half.

T-Shirt Subscription:

Many companies today are offering T-Shirt subscription boxes, offering customers a brand-new T-shirt every month. But Zavvi introduced an innovative service called Threads, which neatly fits a top and a book inside one cardboard.

Reusable fabric-made bags:

Green Packaging-Reusable fabric-made bags
Green Packaging-Reusable fabric-made bags

Sainsbury’s now rolling out reusable fruit & vegetable bags (themselves made from recycled plastic bottles) – a step in the right direction. There’s a shopping chain in South Africa that has introduced the same thing. The change is coming.

Plantable Packaging:

Green Packaging-Plantable Packaging
Green Packaging-Plantable Packaging

Pangea Organics, which makes 100% plant-based beauty products, were already a step ahead to promote zero-waste. Then, they decided to take things one further and came up with a way to turn their packaging into trees. Yes, you read that right. They devised a way of including organic seeds, like basil and amaranth, into their boxes so that when the customers remove their product from the package, they can simply tear off the label, then soak the box in water and plant it in the earth.

Leaf plates:

Green Packaging-Leaf plates
Green Packaging-Leaf plates

The Leaf Republic has come up with a packaging idea that produces packs made from leaves. The lid is created from bioplastic or recycled plastic, while a three-layered natural bowl is made of leaves, water-proof leaf-made papers, and more leaves. It carries no synthetic additives, no coloring, no glue – and the bowl is biodegradable in just 28 days. They also make trays, bowls, and dip pots.

Peruvian Group Launch Compostable Plates Made of Banana Leaves:

Green-Packaging--Compostable-Plates-Made-of-Banana-Leaves
Peruvian Group Launch Compostable Plates Made of Banana Leaves

A group of young Peruvians launched a project. They called it ‘Bio Plant’ in order to reduce the usage of plastic. They created biodegradable dishes made from banana leaves to reduce environmental pollution caused by the massive disposal of plastic. This innovative product can decompose inside two months and wholly degraded naturally before the 60 days are over. The commonly used plates and containers made of polystyrene (styrofoam), on the other hand, can take up to 500 years, causing untold immense damage to the ecosystem of the oceans and wildlife on land.

Green Packaging: The USA and the UK What’s the law say?

Packaging, which outcomes in improved sustainability and reduces the harmful impact of plastics on the environment, is known as Green Packaging. The devastating use of single-use plastics on the environment made the concept of green packaging popular among consumers, retailers, foods, and consumer product companies.

Nowadays, consumers think about the consequences of their purchasing decisions as people are getting more and more aware of the environment and the future of the earth. The governments and the public are pressuring companies and industries to lean more towards green packaging all over the world. Companies and industries are also moving towards the concept of green packaging as products labeled as ‘eco-friendly’ are more appealing to consumers.

In the USA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) governs the legality of green claims by the companies and industries. In 2012, the most recent guidance until now about green claims was published in the USA. The Green Guides are not laws or regulations, and that is why not subject to federal, state, or local laws.

The Green Guides are published by the FTC in the form of notice to guide the companies to state what could be an unfair and deceptive act or practice considering green claims. The Green Guides apply to all forms of environmental marketing, including labeling, advertising, plus promotional materials.

Also general environmental claims, the Green Guides address carbon offsets, certifications, and seals of approval, compostable, degradable, free-of, non-toxic, ozone-safe and ozone-friendly,  refillable, recyclable, recycled content, renewable energy, renewable materials, and source reduction. The guides also address nontoxic, and “free-of” claims that can be relevant food safety claims as well. But the green guides do not address organic, sustainable, natural, or bio-based claims.

Though the UK is not a part of the European Union (EU) anymore before Brexit took place, the UK followed the EU’s command and control approach regarding packaging. There were some requirements which were needed to be fulfilled by the companies and industries to ensure the reduction in use of packaging materials. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive UK followed (94/62/EC) contained “essential requirements” to prevent the production of packaging waste and to increase the recycling of packaging materials. As the UK is not a part of the EU anymore, the UK needs to pass new laws regarding the packaging of products.

List of 15 Top Most Green Packaging Based E-Commerce Company

Big giant e-commerce company already start their journey to urging towards for green packaging to practice their social corporate responsibility. Here list and brief of 15 top most green packaging based e-commerce company-

  1. Amazon
  2. eBay
  3. Calvin Klein
  4. Toad&Co
  5. Reformation
  6. Asos
  7. Maggie Marilyn
  8. Loop
  9. Returnity
  10. Sharepack
  11. Coca-Cola’s Plantbottle
  12. Ecovative
  13. The Guardian
  14. Loliware
  15. Alter Eco

Amazon

Amazon Use Green Packaging
Amazon Use Green Packaging. Source:
amazon

Recently, many international and worldwide companies are eager to promote green and eco-friendly packaging in order to achieve a pollution-free future. Fortunately, Amazon is one of the global companies to use green packaging.

Since plastic and e-commerce pollution has become a crucial issue, many international companies and organizations took it seriously. As Amazon is one of the leading companies, it rearranged its marketing system to reshape it with a green packaging system. Besides this, the company has promoted many campaigns to advocate green earth, clean energy, and green lifestyle.

The initiatives taken by Amazon is appraisable in many respects. Since 2008, the company has reduced about 8,10,000 tons of packaging materials from their marketing supplies. It includes 1.4 billion shipping boxes in different sections.

Many other companies are following the example of Amazon as a big step forward to ensure a green future. Not only that, but Amazon has also introduced a new kind of algorithm that can decide the proper packaging for a specific product to deliver. This algorithm plans the reduction of over packaging of a product in a perfect way.

eBay

eBay promote Green Packaging
eBay promote Green Packaging

eBay recently launched eco-friendly and recyclable boxes, which are certified by Forest Stewardship Council for its green-packaging programs. According to eBay, each box gets to be used five times. This program could protect nearly 4,000 trees, save 2.4 million gallons of water and conserve enough electricity to power 49 homes for a year (The Custom Luxury Packaging Experts, “eBay Promotes Green Packaging with Eco Boxes”, 2012).

Calvin Klein 

This multi-million dollar fashion & trend company uses many different ways to ensure sustainable packaging. Their goals are to use 100% sustainable and ethically sourced packaging by 2025. 

 

Toad&Co 

In partnering with Limeloop, Toad&Co invented a recyclable solution that enables customers to use reusable vinyl packages instead of cardboard boxes.

 

PrAna

To make the packaging bit unique and consumer satisfaction, PrAna manufacturers their packaging boxes with soy-based ink and strips from the palm tree.Design and sustainability two-in-one. 

 

Amazon

The Indian Amazon division took steps to eliminate single-use plastic packaging in 2020. Their goal is to build an environmentally sustainable supply chain.

 

Reformation 

Reformation is the role model for newly uprising eco-friendly companies. Their vegetable bags are 100% compostable that doesn’t leave any dangerous substances behind. 

 

Asos

ASOS is an e-commerce brand that has put sustainable packaging as its priority policy and dedicated themselves to use and distribute recyclable packaging materials. 

 

Maggie Marilyn

Online shopping fashion and trend brands usually use more unsustainable paper bags than usual. But, New Zealand based womenswear brand Maggie Marilyn is focusing on developing compostable bags for distribution. 

 

Loop

Loop is one of the most influential companies that specialize in reusable packaging. They are the founders of Terracycle and UPS.

 

Returnity

This manufacturing brand operates a bit differently than other brands. They give their customers user-friendly instructions for returning delivered packages.

 

Sharepack 

The Sharepack is a project hosted in the Netherlands that enables customers to drop their food containers after receiving them after the delivery is finished. Like this, consumers can get sufficient credits, and restaurant owners can reuse the fallen vessel. 

 

Coca-Cola’s Plantbottle

 

Coca-Cola’s-Plantbottle
Coca-Cola’s-Plantbottle

Just like plastic and cardboard boxes, glass can also be harmful to the environment. But, Since 2009, Coca-Cola is trying to develop its environment-friendly plastic bottles.

 

Ecovative 

The Ecovative design has made an innovative packaging solution that uses horticultural products with mycelium, the fungi’ molecular structure masses. This design is 100 percent biodegradable. 

 

The Guardian 

One of the largest American newspaper sources, the Guardian, has chosen to use potato-starch-based or bioplast 300 malleable films to cover their newspaper. These materials are 100% biodegradable.  

 

Loliware

Seaweed is an excellent alternative to plastic that can be used in making cups. Loliware is a brand that is using seaweed to make edible cups that can replace unsustainable plastic cups. 

 

Alter Eco

Alter Eco builds compostable plastic vacuum-sealed pouches that are biodegradable. These pouches are named Gone 4 Good. 

 

Does Online Shopping Create More Food and Packaging Waste?

Standard packaging of materials is becoming more excessive. To maintain the safety of the delivered product, e-commerce businesses use more than one wrapping of plastic bubble wraps. Sometimes, the entire package can repack in another box.

Gillian Garside-Wight, packaging technology director, states Amazon packaging a total waste. Worlds biggest e-commerce company Amazon uses the standard-sized corrugated box delivered through either physical or drone. This corrugated box uses multiple layers of cardboard to complete.

 

Besides Amazon, big food delivery companies like Uber eats, Pizzahut, Doordash, Postmates, etc, use many types of packaging processes that include more use of plastic and cardboard boxes.

So there is no doubt that online shopping and food delivery services are the number one reason for more food and packaging waste.

 

The Expenses of Green Packaging: Is Green Packaging Expensive?

Expenses of Green Packaging
Expenses of Green Packaging

It is often thought that a green package is more expensive than the non-green one. Well, it is right in some senses. But the whole scenario is surprisingly different than the imagination of ordinary people. Although green packaging has its own cost, and at this time when plastic waste and pollution have become a common phenomenon, eco-friendly activities sound like expensive tasks to be done.

But reality says that green packaging can be accessible in its expenses. Let’s take the example of the Nest Collective Food company. This company says that using green or sustainable packaging can be truly money-saving if proper initiatives are taken.

Sometimes it’s often happened that buyers are not unhappy with the extra cost made by green packaging. Because nowadays, when clean air and water have become challenging to find, climate enthusiasts are eager to apply their efforts.

Lowering the size of packaging is another big deal in green maters. In the past, small things were packaged in big packets. It was very common that a tiny piece of sandwich of cake was covered by a big packet. Fortunately, many companies have introduced reduced packaging for foods and other products. For example, take the name of organic cereal and Breakfast Company. It is one of the pioneers of this excellent option.

Here often comes the issue of recycling. This excellent option often thought to be massively expensive, but it’s not. According to the marketing management of Alpha Packaging, recycle plastic packaging costs only 10% more than the new plastic packaging. So, it’s a matter of pleasure for eco-friendly groups that green packaging is not so expensive to perform. (www.newhope.com)

Green Packaging and Consumer Habit

Generally, big companies promote eco-friendly or green packaging, not only for the sake of the environment alone. Of course, it’s a big deal, but there is an economic cause as well. Companies always seek to reduce production, supply, and packaging cost at a certain level. And if the companies find the habit of the customers as the supporters of eco-friendly packaging, it can be a crucial point.

In order to promote proper green packaging, the public or the customer should be notified about it. They should be conscious of the continuous circle of their daily behavior. As a whole, they are not the culprits of the pollution issues, but the activities of mass people can’t be avoided. So, this issue is not ignorable.

Researches show that green packaging can be successful if it’s applied in mass markets properly. We all know that consumer behavior is a complex thing to deal with. It can often be noticed that people are ready to pay extra costs made by green or eco-friendly packaging. Also, it is seen that in the public sphere, there is a growing consciousness about pollution made by various economic products. But only consciousness is not enough here.

Various companies made different researches on public reacts of eco-friendly packaging. Commonly, it is believed that mass people are against the green or sustainable matters. But the reality is the opposite. Obviously, people admire green or environment-friendly things, but before introducing a product, proper research should be done. The same thing can be said about green packaging. Proper market research can make it possible on a large scale. (Orzan, Cruceru, Balacenau, Chivu, 2018, p- 9)

Some Cool FAQ’s About Green Packaging

1.What are the elements of eco-friendly bottles?

Ans: This kind of bottles are often made from a specific mixture of cardboard and old newspapers. It contains a thin layer of bioplastic inside.

2.Why recycled matters used in green packaging?

Ans: These things, like cardboards and papers, can be recycled about seven times. Plastic or PVC can’t be recycled. These materials are bio-degradable, that’s why not harmful for soil, air, or water.

3. The dissimilarity between recyclable and recycled?

Ans: A recycled matter means it has been recycled once or many times. On the other hand, a recyclable matter means it can be recycled to use again. Both elements are used in green or eco-friendly packaging.

4. Green bottles vs. plastic bottles- which is easy to use?

Ans: Green bottles can be fine to use as a simple plastic bottle. Different biodegradable elements are used here, which don’t contain pollutant agents.

5. Eco-friendly bags- how can be understood?

Ans: Beneath these bags, generally the number of recycles is written or printed. Thus it can be known.

6. Can glass or metal be a substitute for plastic?

Ans: Well, these can be recycled more than plastic, but the recycling of glass produces more carbon dioxide than plastic. So, these are not eco-friendly in this sense.

7. Is 100% green packaging possible?

Ans: Yes, it is. But many situations are related to this, like marketing policy, present economic situation and many other things. So, it needs time to introduce green packaging in every section of the present lifestyle.

8.If plastic management can be adequately maintained, is green packaging necessary?

Ans: Of course, required. The current situation of the oceans, rivers, and landfills shows that plastic management is nothing but a hoax. So, green packaging is necessary to get rid of plastic pollution in many sectors.

The Challenges And Opportunities of Adopting Green packaging :

Challenges And Opportunities of Adopting Green packaging
Challenges And Opportunities of Adopting Green packaging

Here are some of the challenges and opportunities that large and small e-commerce businesses are facing that are willing to adopt more sustainable packaging alternatives.

Small-Scale Businesses

A small e-commerce business may look like an individual’s craft store – selling only a few items a month. Small e-commerce stores looking to apply green packaging would be a great fit because smaller businesses deal with a much less variety of products, meaning they may just depend on a single packaging system. While a reusable package model might require some initial costs, depending on the provider, these options may tend to be cost-neutral – or even more cost-effective – for small businesses in the future. They also remove the waste of all kinds, a goal which is next to unachievable for any large company.

Large-Scale Businesses

For companies like Amazon, MercadoLibre, Alibaba, and even Daraz of Bangladesh, the difficulties & challenges of choosing sustainable packaging are two-fold.

First, these sites are made up of countless suppliers that are scattered around the country or even the world. All of them must comply with the same decision. Making a wholesale packaging switch can be a slow and painful process. Second, as these sites offer a massive range of products, they must find producers who can create packaging that is flexible to every item available on the website.

However, the environmental impact of introducing eco-friendly packaging for giant retailers is undeniable. These e-commerce retailers alone probably surpass all other businesses in their region in terms of packaging waste. Therefore, a large business could smoothen their transition to sustainable packaging by partnering with factories or a large corporation that uses green substances for traditional materials. Those producers will be able to modify to the needs of massive operations that ship out thousands, or even millions, of different products every day.

On the concluding remark, let’s have a look at the images and Re-think for a moment!

green-packaging-vs-plastic pollution

Around 60% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company that uses sustainable packaging. Alibaba in China found that 70% of respondents to a survey would be willing to pay 10% more to have their product in a greener packaging. As e-commerce grows worldwide, consumers have also become savvier and awarded, voting with their money for companies that support the causes that move them.

E-commerce companies should start caring for the environment if they want to provide the best possible service to their rapidly-growing clientele. It is challenging to achieve such a noble goal of Green Packaging for large scale e-businesses and need long run greener process planning & implementation. Therefore taking action on smaller steps and following step by step strategic decision in the long run will create capacity building for such industries with high brand value & reputation.

“These next generations enlightened Green E-Industries will be the role model of high value brand name who creates the pathway to greener future of sustainable civilization with the collective bond of science-technology-business-environment”.

Loss Of Biodiversity Solutions: Are we bringing our “Own” extinction?

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We cannot just solve the threats of human-induced climate change and loss of Biodiversity in isolation, and we need to either solve both or solve neither.
The web of life that sustains us is unraveling at an increasingly alarming rate due to human activities, with upwards of one million species now facing extinction cause loss of Biodiversity within the next few decades. Many of these include species we depend on for food and life-sustaining ecosystem services such as crop pollination, freshwater, and the oxygen in the air we breathe.

This article will precisely uphold the current Loss Of Biodiversity Solutions, why we are losing Biodiversity, few interesting Examples of Biodiversity, benefits Biodiversity gifting us, causes & impacts of biodiversity loss. Most importantly, the Solutions to biodiversity crises and How to prevent the loss of Biodiversity, and finally, the thoughts on Preserving Biodiversity & Save the Earth.

Welcome to the anthropogenic era – where human insanity of over exploitative nature invading planet’s Biodiversity. Biodiversity is all forms of life on earth. The mysterious connections of one species with another and different species within an ecosystem – are crucial for our survival. Genetic diversity & evolution determines how much a species could survive within a change in climate and habitat.

It gifts us ample oxygen, food, timber, and medicines. Ecosystem, habitat, and species are entirely different in multiple types of forests. For example, Tropical rainforests, northern boreal forests, and north arctic have completely different ecosystems & species diversity.

Anthropogenic activities like deforestation, mining, artificial agriculture, industrialization, urbanization, hunting, and illegal trafficking – hampering Biodiversity. Climate change, plastic pollution, massive natural disasters, and invasive species are responsible for biodiversity loss. It could result in food web disruption, ecosystem changes, species extinction, and even dead zones.

The solution could be policies & enforcement, conservation, and donations to environmental NGOs. Dominant Species varieties have been seen to be adapted naturally during habitat loss or ecosystem changes. Small efforts of individuals could be a collective power to preserve Biodiversity. Using AI like Environmental detective robot could aid in future biodiversity protection.

Mars colonization could relieve the earth by shifting the massive industries. Being a conscious human is the prerequisite for preserving Biodiversity and saving the planet.

Loss Of Biodiversity Solutions: Causes, Effects & Solutions For Biodiversity-

Loss Of Bio diversity solutions
Loss Of Bio diversity solutions: Collage of Biodiversity (Butler, 2019)

Think about the earth with – no trees, no birds, and no animals – just nothing!

But only us, few humans – “Homo Sapience”!

Can you imagine how lonely the earth could be for us?

The world is a lifeless desert, without the variety of species, genetics, and ecosystem variations? Can you imagine yourself waking up without any birds chirping? Can you imagine yourself and your children depend upon oxygen cylinders to breathe and live a little more! Can you imagine yourself depending on only artificial agriculture to feed your family?

Can you imagine existing on a planet with lots of spreading unknown viruses like Corona, SARS, and Ebola? Because you all already destroyed their home. And so they all jumping towards you & your family to survive. But your body doesn’t know how to resist or cope with those unknown viruses. You will still work to make money, but you don’t know how to live eco worthy or survive as “Life.” We all are reaching towards death – not slowly but abruptly!

Can you feel the lessons of the 2020 pandemic? Can you think we are reaching towards the “Sixth extinction”! That’s why Biodiversity matters! We all are intertwined and connected with sophisticated bondage.

So, what is Biodiversity? How are we losing our Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the richness of all kinds of life at the heart of the earth. There are millions of varieties of species and trillions of variation of individuals. All of them depend on sunlight & earthy minerals to survive. And they are connected mysteriously.

what is biodiversity-loss of biodiversity solutions
So, what is Biodiversity? How are we losing our Biodiversity?

It’s like, one cannot sustain without others. And this complex dynamic connection in a particular geographical area is called ecosystem – the bubbles of life. Imagine the massive dynamics of several ecosystem bubbles of the Planet and their exciting relationships. If one system dies, others get affected. And so are we!

When talking about Biodiversity and types of biodiversity, we can say -We, Humans, are life, and we are Biodiversity!

Biodiversity is the intelligent complex connections between –

  • Genetics of the same species,
  • Different species,
  • And ecosystems.

This Planet is driven by “love & connections,” not by separating oneself from others!

Let’s check a few interesting Examples of Biodiversity.

Biodiversity is rich in tropical rainforests, where the temperature is warm & moist. You can see strange varieties of flora & fauna in such a world. Do you ever heard about or seen the metallic sparkly green color “Orchid Bees” of rainforests? They buzzed around the “bucket orchid” of Mexico & southeastern Brazil. The male bees usually take glue-like substance from the bizarre bucket orchid as a perfume to attract females. While during their challenging activity, the male bee carries yellow rounded packet type pollen of orchid. They naturally involve in pollination while attracting females with their perfumes to date.

Examples of Biodiversity
Examples of Biodiversity

Interestingly, in the northern part, where the temperature is icy cold, there are boreal forest residents with entirely different species varieties. Boreal majestic woodland Caribou is a unique species that is now at the edge of “extinction.” They are disturbed due to habitat loss & fragmentation.

loss of biodiversity solutions-example-of-biodiversity
Loss of Biodiversity Solutions-Example-of-biodiversity

Northern Arctic is a sea-ice region. The polar bear is a unique species that walks through the sea-ice searching for the seal to haunt.

However, within only 70 years, the sea-ice is melting drastically due to climate change. (Netflix, 2020)

Due to warming, the summer comes here faster than usual. The polar bear gets less chance to haunt. Their cubs are growing underweight as they get less food. With the vanishing of sea-ice, the land is also changing. It becomes so harder for polar bears to survive with this harsh reality. They are invulnerable conditions as their population is decreasing drastically.

Loss-Of-Biodiversity-Solutions-Population-of-Polar-Bear-Is-Decreasing-Drastically
Loss Of Biodiversity : Population of Polar Bear Is Decreasing Drastically

Due to warming, the summer comes here faster than usual. The polar bear gets less chance to haunt. Their cubs are growing underweight as they get less food. With the vanishing of sea-ice, the land is also changing. It becomes so harder for polar bears to survive with this harsh reality. They are invulnerable conditions as their population is decreasing drastically.

Now, what are the unconditional benefits biodiversity gifting us?

Biodiversity is a massive dimension of a variety of life. Ironically, we don’t value free things. The enormous benefit we get from Biodiversity is – Free.

  • The forest that consumes vast amounts of carbon in exchange for the oxygen we breathe. They are the green belt against climate change. It’s free!

In 2019, trees captured about 37.1 billion tons of CO2 or around 30% of the annual carbon emissions. (Cross, 2019)

  • The mangrove forest and coral reefs protect our coast. Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh covers the whole coastal zone from natural threats like storms every year. Do we care for this selfless protection?
benefits of biodiversity
Benefits of Biodiversity: Sundarban the largest mangrove forest in the world. image source: Yo Nature
  • The more Enriched biodiversity, the more sustained & resilient the earth is for each species’ survival, including us. Do we care about this free connection between us?
  • Biodiversity gives us insurance for our resilience and survival on earth. But if we hamper the weave of genetic diversity or species or ecosystem diversity – our survival will be questioned.
  • The more diverse the pollinators, soil organisms & marine phytoplankton – the more enriched the food web. It results in more food for us and other species. Think about the buzzing bees collecting honey from your garden plants. Their Velcro body carries the pollen from female to male flowers. And the pollination happens, results in more flowers.

Bee Pollination provides 70% of the food we eat, which is economically valued billions of dollars. (Genetic Literacy Project, 2015)

  • A biodiverse forest brings us economical Timber. Mystery and strange forest plants bring us medicines.
  • About 80% of Medicines come from biodiversity. (Global Issues, 2018).

  • Simply being in nature, close to forest or eco-park – is de-stressing & recreational. We have taken all these unconditional benefits for granted. Do we care?

Think about, what are the Major cause & impacts of biodiversity loss? Any idea?

Anthropogenic Activities!

Imagine the multidimensional cost if we need to buy oxygen for breathing! Ironically we – the human, are attacking & threatening the biodiversity at this timeline of the Anthropogenic Era. Many species are endangered, and their population has reduced drastically. Many species are already extinct. Imagine, if there is no forest, we will be drowned by the carbon. If there’s no bee, we will not get a variety of food. And it will hamper our immunity significantly.

So, the aggressive insanity to disrupt biodiversity – the more extinction of Species – and the more chance of our end!

Our major curse has become “Us”! We all are collectively destroying our home – our planet. We are the primary culprit for the sin of Global Warming. The warming of the earth’s temperature is shifting the climate, and many species are intolerant to such high temperatures. Our exploitative hunting and habitat fragmentation is threatening other species. We are causing plastic pollution, noise pollution, deforestation, animal trafficking & trading, encouraging mining, artificial agriculture (like Jhum Cultivation), and polluting air-water-soil. And the anthropogenic sins are kept going.

Love has gone and lost somewhere. We are losing relationships with ourselves and with nature. The enrichment of biodiversity is in a way to fade! How terrible! Isn’t it?

Let’s watch out for the recent updates of the IUCN Red List of species Extinction. Click the link for more updates – iucnredlist.org.

Now, let’s explore the Other Causes& Impacts of Biodiversity loss-

The major causes of biodiversity loss are-

  • Climate change.
  • Pollution.
  • Plastic pollution also harms coral reefs.
  • Natural Disaster.
  • Introduction of exotic/invading species.
loss of bidiversity-red-list-of-extinct-species
Recent updates of the IUCN Red List of species Extinction

Climate Change Causes Loss Of Biodiversity :

Temperature rise itself affects biodiversity because each species has a specific temperature tolerance.

  • IPCC estimated only an average 4-degree Global temperature rise would result in significant Extinction of species
  • About average 2-degree global temperature rise will affect marine life. It will result in – Death of Major coral reefs with abrupt coral bleaching.
  • Forest, marine phytoplankton, and the surrounding ecosystem will die with an excess of CO2.  (California Academy of Sciences, 2014)

Due to climate change, the Arctic mountainous ice is melting faster. So, the Endemic beetle is going to the high elevation of the mountain to survive. The same thing is happening to the endemic bee population of Alpine rocky mountain of Colorado. Even in summertime, when native wildflowers are blooming & flourishing, the buzzing bumblebees do not seem anywhere to pollinate.

The Colorado bees can’t survive in such a warm temperature. So, they are going to the high elevation of the mountain to stay as it’s cooler. So Bees and flowers are lacking synchronicity. They are less often together at the same time. Bees are struggling to find food. Their population is declining. There would also be fewer chances of pollination to occur. And it will result in fewer plant species on which other Alpine Mammals depend. The mammal population will also be in threat due to less plant-based food.

It’s just a small scenario of Biodiversity loss. The actual impact is massive than you can imagine!

Pollution Occurred Biodiversity Loss

So, what’s happening with – Too much CO2? Just imagine the suffocating level! Already there are too few forests existing with too many tragic deforestation stories. Even plants have a capacity threshold to absorb CO2—the excess of CO2 results in dead plants.

“With high carbon dioxide, the pores do not open as wide. So plants are not able to keep themselves cool. It could cause the plants to become crispy critters and die when they were OK at lower carbon dioxide levels,” Cornish said. (DeMartini, 2018)

Plastic hurts biodiversity. Plastic pollution creates significant grave consequences to biodiversity, especially to marine life. Overtime, the plastic threw into the ocean becomes smaller particles of Microplastic.

Those Micro-plastic and plastic-debris are ingested by marine fishes & wildlife. (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2017).

So think about the sea-fish you’re eating could have plastic in it. And it would cause substantial health problems in us & other animals because micro-plastic would be transferred from species to species.

Plastic Pollution also harms coral reefs Which leads to Loss Of Biodiversity-

Biodiversity lossPlastic-also-harms-coral-reefs
Plastic-also-harms-coral-reefs:image source:RICHARD WHITCOMBE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

“In a survey of 159 coral reefs in the Asia–Pacific region, published in Science this year, researchers estimate there to be a staggering 11.1 billion plastic items entangled in the corals”(UN environment program, 2018) )

The shading mat of plastic debris ceases the oxygen & the access of light from the coral. And releases toxins that attract viruses & bacteria to invade the coral. And think about, if the coral is gone, the whole marine wildlife will lose their habitat & food for a living. The entire Marine ecosystem would be dead.

Phytoplankton is the lungs of the sea. They go through photosynthesis to absorb CO2 and provide us oxygen as a byproduct. Surprisingly, they offer us more oxygen than that of the total forest.

Loss of boidiversity:Phytoplankton Levels Dropping
Loss of boidiversity:Phytoplankton Levels Dropping. Credit : NASA

“Scientists believe that phytoplankton contribute between 50 to 85% of the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere.” (EarthSky, 2015)

Unfortunately, phytoplankton mistakenly eats plastic debris, and that blocks the photosynthesis process. It results in zero oxygen byproduct and phytoplankton death. That hampers the overall food web of the ocean as other marine wildlife depends on them. Ultimately it gives birth to many Dead Sea zone with massive biodiversity loss. It sounds threatening.

Natural Disaster Also leads to Loss of Biodiversity

Species like Island species, big size, high trophic level, and low reproductive & genetic variety species are susceptible. They are more vulnerable to extinction. Abrupt Natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, Tsunami, volcano, and meteoroid & asteroid hitting catastrophe, historically caused many mass extinction. Like, mammoths and dinosaurs have been extinct for natural disasters.

Introduction of exotic/invading species another reason to causes of Loss of Biodiversity

Alien species invasion – Invading plants like water hyacinth, Parthenium& Lantana threatens biodiversity & food security across the globe.

Water hyacinth invades other aquatic plants and threatens fish survival because –

Water-hyacinth-invading-species-another-reason-to-causes-of-Loss-of-Biodiversity
Water hyacinth-invading species another reason to causes of Loss of Biodiversity.
PC: homade.recipes
  • they overgrow into thick layers
  • shades other aquatic plants
  • takes all the nutrients
  • Their decaying depletes dissolved oxygen in the water.

Partheniumis a shrub of sunflower tribes pretty much poisonous to cattle & domestic animals.

Parthenium: invading species another reason to causes of Loss of Biodiversity
Parthenium: invading species another reason to causes of Loss of Biodiversity : photo credit: Queensland Government

Lantana is a monstrous flowering plant that re-grows like a ghost. EVEN, if it’s cut down, it’s toxic to herbivores. And it also deters the growth of other nearby plants.

Lantana: invading species another reason to causes of Loss of Biodiversity
Lantana: invading species another reason to causes of Loss of Biodiversity : photo credit: Adrienne Legault

Predator fish like Nile perch & African catfish eats small native fishes drastically. They’re usually used for economic purposes but push the ecological diversity in decline.

Predator fish like Nile perch occured loss of biodiversity
Predator fish like Nile perch & African catfish eats small native fishes drastically: Image: Nile perch (River Monsters, 2015)

The central government of India has banned African catfish in 2000 (Selvam, 2019).

African catfish
African catfish . Image source: Chronicle, 2016

Now, talking about solution & prevention! What could be the probable Solutions to biodiversity crises? How to prevent the loss of biodiversity?

Probable solution and prevention of Loss of biodiversity are-

  • Policies & Enforcement.
  • Evolutionary species adaptation.
  • Conservation.
  • Biodiversity protection at the Individual level.

Lets start to brief each of loss of biodiversity solutions-

Loss Of Biodiversity Solutions: Step1- Policies & Enforcement

Without Enforced Policies, we can’t protect and conserve our planet’s biodiversity. Policies could be formed at the local, regional, national, and international levels. When an issue arises, governments make policies based on economic factors. However, Economic factors are short term. But think about if our –

  • Rain forests are lost
  • People & animals starve of food
  • Food web hampers
  • Species starts to mass extinct
  • Oxygen levels drop
  • Suffocating CO2 rises
  • Major ecosystems are lost
  • Bees & insects are lost
  • All the Coral-reefs are gone
  • Mangrove forests diminish
  • Ocean becomes dead

If there continues to happen, our planet will become dead – very soon! And if our habitat is lost – we could be extinct, too! So, considering these long-terms factors should be a top priority while reforming any policies.

Policies are made using –

  • Primary data through field visit: There are professionals, scientists & volunteers who march through the forest or any ecosystem. They collect all the data like age, size & amounts of trees, animals, insects, and anything that comes their way.
  • Research studies, including lab experiments: Like making a small ecosystem to detect which species are invasive to the system.
  • Remote sensing of satellite image: It’s a potent tool that provides satellite images of the different planet’s areas in different timelines. In Ethiopia, a satellite image has found a surprising portion of reserved forests. All other regions have cleared around the forest. Investigators found that a specific area has been protected by religious bodies & priests for a prolonged time. And local people are dependent on that area for agricultural purposes and values nature as sacred. So local policies are made to encourage those people more to protect the area.

Resources and money are crucial to any policies to Enforce. Enforcement always made it happen in reality.

Loss Of Biodiversity Solutions: Step2-Evolutionary species adaptation

It’s a natural process. But it took thousands to hundreds of thousands of years to go through such an evolutionary process of natural selection. Species that are especially strong, adaptive, and genetically diverse can only go through these evolutionary changes.

Evolutionary species adaptation Tawny owls
Tawny owls in Scandinavia are shifting from one color phase to another as winters warm.(PC: MacEwen, n.d.)

Think about Northern Europe’s Gray Tawny Owl. But its brown color variant is flourishing today –

  • They are genetically strong
  • They can camouflage in the forest and be less attracted to predators.
Pitcher plant mosquito – Wyeomyiasmithii (Murray, 2016)
  • Pitcher plant mosquitos have evolved genetically to adapt to the warmer temperature. It’s a natural process where only the genetically evolved dominant species will survive. And the others will lose the battle of survival. (Ted-Ed, 2016)

Loss Of Biodiversity Solutions: Step3- Conservation

Conservation means crucial species protection. Professionals can use data from the IUCN Red list and other reliable sources. They can study on the data of which species are extinct, threatening, endangered, and vulnerable. Better the data, the better the result. Based on the data, they will identify which species need to conserve first. They could also decide with legislative bodies to make policies & raise funds accordingly.

Donate to Environmental organizations: Donate local & international Environmental NGOs like WWF (Worlds wildlife fund).

Loss Of Biodiversity Solutions: Step3- Biodiversity protection at the Individual level

Your small individual effort could become a collective power to preserve biodiversity. Only becoming aware of your small steps that could harm the biodiversity – could save a lot.

  • You can reuse your old clothes by sewing and darning them.
  • You can choose to buy sustainable food. You can repair your old washing machines, batteries, mobile phones, and other electronics and reuse them.
  • Even you can sell them or donate them to recycling companies.
  • You can also give your organic garbage to compost companies to use in agriculture.
  • Some plastic recycling companies give cash in exchange for providing plastic bottles. But buying less plastic materials is a sage decision to save our planet in the long run.
  • Minimalism is an immense effort at the individual level. You could be minimalist by merely buying a few clothes, stuff, clothes, materials, and so on. It would save your money and the environment as well.

You might think your tiny steps would not make any significant changes. But you can consult what sustainable things you’re doing with your neighbors, friends, and the local community. You can even use social media to raise awareness. Spreading knowledge will make everyone aware of participating in collective efforts to save local biodiversity.

You can even form a local biodiversity club to spread your knowledge, raising awareness, cleaning streets- lakes- wetlands. You can also involve your community in many recycling projects. You can form a group of environmental activists to plant trees or make a small park to preserve local biodiversity.

You can become a science citizen and inspire others. You can even make small projects of counting existing plants & animals of a small area. These data are essential to make other local and even national policies.

So, you can choose to become a powerful Individual or environmental activist, or science citizen. Or, you can choose to become “nothing”!

So, what’s wrong with Day Dreaming the future solution, right?

Using AI To Prevent Loss of Biodiversity – is it Possible?

Use AI or Robot for prevent Loss of biodiversity
Imagine robot Wall-E as an environmental activist & detective!(Meijer, n.d.):

Yes! You think it right about the associate cost of using AI. The cost would be huge! And using Robots and AI is almost impossible. It might seem so fictional. But actually, nothing is impossible!

Robots could be excellent at doing “repetitive works” and “works which are hazardous to humans.” It could also be used as Forest or Marine protector to record all the clips, photos & data, which is a very tedious job for a human. For say, in a forest- a threshold amount of cutting trees are allowed. And it would not harm the biodiversity. And if anyone crosses that limit, the Robot will start Red alert siren to stop them and notify the authority.

Moreover, did you ever heard about the arctic marine wildlife photographer? Their job is so life-threatening as they need to submerge under icy water to capture images & other data. Imagine using a scuba-diver robot to do such tedious activities with less error.

See, 2020 is already gone! We need to think about a more compelling future. If Elon Mask could create Rocket, making Robot is not impossible.

Think about Mars colonization which might be the solutions of Loss Of Biodiversity

Mars colonization which might be the solutions of Loss Of Biodiversity: Elon Musk Announces SpaceX Plans to Begin Mars Colonization by 2022 (Lynch, 2017)

Have you heard about Elon Mask’s visionary project on Mars colonization design and plan? So, why can’t we think about establishing and shifting all the massive industry on Mars? Why not think about freeing our home planet from all that chaos, pollution, and considerable damages? Our planet Earth is a much more suitable habitat for all living Biodiversity, including us. If you can set your steps on Moon or Mars, you will see how beautiful our Earth is! It’s a significant loss because we can’t see heaven on Earth – which is just THERE! Can’t we make our Earth a bit more livable? Yes, if we want, we can change!

Finally, let’s be a Conscious Human, Preserve Biodiversity & Save the Earth

Rise as a Superhuman

Rise as a Conscious being

Rise as Life

Be the love – flowing with the weave of Biodiversity

Being a conscious human is the solution to all problems. Conscious, aware, alert & empathic human being is the evolution from being primates to human. Conscious human is the definition of superhuman. Mindful of your every step and move is a necessity in today’s world. Because a conscious human can’t be greedy on his act while establishing new urban cities, technologies & industries, he would be alert before doing any harm, pollution or destruction of his neighboring species, habitats & nature.

A conscious human would not incorporate himself into Global warming. A conscious human would be visionary for bringing a sustainable future. A conscious human would be aware of maintaining the invisible weave of Biodiversity.

Unfortunately, human evolution is moving downwards. It’s a shame as a Human – if you are not the evolution of your past generation. Suppose humans can’t evolve into conscious beings – if they continue to harm nature & wildlife.  You never know under such insanity – humans could be under the threat of Sixth Extinction. Throughout the whole article I am just trying to open your mind about the loss of biodiversity solutions, hope you enjoyed lot if than please share it and stay tune with EcoWowLife!!

 

Basics of an Eco School Concept- The Green Healthy Sustainable School For Green Future!!

1

Today the traditional school system is lack of bringing sustainable future. The conventional schooling only certifies students with intellectual theories. It’s not helping students to enhance creative possibilities & imaginary thinking process. It’s also not providing a loving & joyful environment for learning.

To create a new mindset & new sustainable generation, we have to adopt the greener curriculum of the Eco school system. Eco School is a simple, comprehensive & collective way to achieve environmental sustainability goals. It aims to the personal & professional development of the youth.

Eco School is a solution to the green education system to transform the youth into power and more advance. The traditional education system follows a closed system; on the other hand, the Eco school curriculum is an open system giving applied knowledge. Policy & practices need urgent implementation of a green curriculum in every school.

Basics Of An Eco School Concept- Small steps towards a green future

“You can not solve a problem with the same mindset that created it”- Albert Einstien.

 “Education is the most powerful weapon that can change the world”- Nelson Mandela.

 “Education is about making the child grow with an uncluttered intelligence. An intelligence that is not identified and entangled in religion, doctrine, or prejudice will naturally lead to the ultimate blossoming of the individual.” – Sadhguru

 Think! Could you realize & feel what these intellectuals tried to say?

Today’s world demands change as we face a different array of problems, whether it is about the economy, technology, health, or the environment. On which sector you go, “bringing sustainability” in every aspect has become crucial. We can no longer depend on our traditional system. To solve or fit into the new problems, we have to create a new mindset to create a new future, a new world of sustainability. To create a new mindset & new generation, we have to adopt the greener curriculum of the Eco school system.  The major goal of such education is to raise a flexible child in a joyful environment. The kids will be grown up as-

  • creative
  • innovative
  • adaptive
  • independent learner
  • capable of generating new imagination/concept/idea
  • thoughtful about the theories, concept & thinking process
  • capable of problem-solving
  • Physically & mentally healthy, joyful & happy.

“The system, structure & concept of our traditional school are providing knowledge to activate & adapt in industrial society which is good at providing knowledge in different areas but are not modern & innovative. They need to shift their purpose of creating a sustainable future” – Jennifer Seydel.

Now let’s check out: what is Eco-School?

Basics Of An Eco School Concept
Basics Of An Eco School Concept

Eco School is a simple, comprehensive & collective way to achieve environmental sustainability goals. It aims to personal & professional development of the youth for a better environment & better future. Eco School program concept was first created in 1992 in the UN conference on Environment & development. The conference identified the idea of protecting our planet. Its intention was to engage today’s youth to protect the climate & Environment of the future. Their principal aim was to set the vision for eco-schooling. Today 49,000 schools in 64 counties take part to anticipate in eco-school. Passionate young people like school students, teachers, staff, and parents are the eco-school target group. The program is based on the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals to transform our world.

In this way, the community can be benefited by having environmental management policies of their school. The program is an ideal way for schools to embark on a meaningful path towards improving the school & the local community’s environment.

But now question arises, how does an eco-school program work?

Sustainable Development Goal for Eco School
Sustainable Development Goal for Eco School. Source:ecoschools.global

The eco-school program consists of three structural elements

  1. The seven-step framework
  2. The eco-school themes
  3. The assessment of the green flag

a) The seven-step framework: This includes an eco-committee. Here the students carrying out an elaborative 7 step program. Those will be explained in the next section.

b) The eco-school themes: These themes give more structure to the 7 step framework.

eco school theme
eco school theme:Source:ecoschools.global

c).The assessment of the green flag: After a minimum of 2 years of this program implementation with the 7 step framework & structural performance, the school can apply for an award of a green flag

Let’s have an illustrative look on the step by step “seven-step framework” and how it works.

  • Step 1. Eco school committee: First, you need to establish an eco-school committee consisting of students, parents, teachers, school staff & residents’ committee to support the program.
How eco school works step 1
How eco school works step 1
  • Step 2. Environmental review: After that, you need the identification of the environmental issues of your surrounding school community. Then you can review how you can improve those specific resources to protect the environment. Remember always, protecting the environment means protecting yourself & the future. We need to focus on one or two eco themes.

 

  • Step 3. Action plan: It includes discussion on findings, consult, decide on an eco-theme, and exchange ideas. And then finally draw a detailed action plan based on the team and get to work.
How-eco-school-works-step-2-Action-plan
Example illustrations of Action plan

 

  • Step 4. Monitor & evaluate: As we work, we monitor our progress that is a crucial step for our improvement. We can also assess how much our target met.
How-Eco-School-Works-Monitor-&-evaluate-step
Figure: Monitor & evaluate

 

  • Step 5. Link to the curriculum: With the right support from your teacher plan on curriculum lessons so that we can proceed to seek & learn further knowledge on the related topic, we met the target and learned skills to implement our action plans.

 

  • Step 6. Inform & Involve: Slowly, you can get the whole school, neighborhood and maybe entire town involved for your project to implement.
How eco school works-Eco Code
Figure: Illustrations of Eco code
  • Step 7: Eco code: Finally, you can drop an eco-code. This can be a moto talk, song drawing that represents our schools’ commitment to the environment. After we are gone through the seven steps, we can get an award. But the real prize is the everyday joy to have a clean environment.
How-eco-school-works-Illustrations-of-Eco-awards
How eco school works: Illustrations of Eco awards

Now you’re going to ask yourself, why get involved?

Through eco schooling, you will be able to create a more sustainable, less costly and more responsible school environment. It will lead to change in the future, and you’ll also have leadership opportunities.

But how can you get involved?

You can actively involve being a part of the Eco council. Your division work on a project around one of the ten eco-school themes for one of your classes. There are also lots of opportunities for students to take on leadership roles. Students will also be able to make positive changes not only on campus but also in the community.

So, what are the practicing areas of Eco/green schools?

  • Facilities & operations management designed to decrease the environmental impact & decrease the budget
  • Health & wellbeing enhanced by incorporating experts who can work & learn in school
  • Education for sustainability culture & curriculum

Let’s have a look at some lights of best practices happening in Eco-Schools worldwide. Also, observe its advantages for the core of modernization of creating a green future:

  1. Chicago public school (CPS) is a unique public-private partnership school. They are tearing up the old crumbling asphalt surrounding the schools. They are also taking the worn-out playgrounds. They are replacing them with outdoor classrooms, rain gardens, tracts and all sorts of opportunities designed to manage storm water in the flood-prone neighborhood and bring green school.

 

  1. Also, Net zero elementary school is opened in the US. The building is using renewable sources. They are producing more energy than its consumption recently. Thus contributing to less greenhouse gas to the atmosphere during operations. Every year, school districts in the US spend approximately $100 billion on maintenance, service & capital projects. They defer an additional roughly $ 50 billion. Imagine if 13,588 public school districts passed policies that required sustainable facilities design, operation & management. Imagine if all the children & workers every day attended & involve in work experience in the building. That’s how it’s possible to live lightly on the planet.
Net zero elementary school is opened in the US
Net zero elementary school is opened in the US (source: Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
  1. The environmental health issue of children is prevalent by these eco-schools. Blue valley schools have a comprehensive environmental health program. It ensures clean, breathable air in and around the school. In this way, the students have to decrease operating costs. They become less prone to asthma-related absences. It enables more academic improvement status.

 

  1. In the NYC department of education has created a small health wellness & learning center. It’s called “Green Bronx Machine.” It’s the place where children are learning how to grow food & nourish their bodies.

 

  1. Greendale Schools has a health clinic in their school. It facilitates free medical, dental & mental services at school. It also benefits the community, as well.

 

  1. Encinitas Union school district in California who thrown out STEM programs. (i.e. STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics- in an interdisciplinary and applied approach). They adopt & implementing a DREAMS program. It entails design, research, engineering, art, math science. Here they form student research team who works with experts. They collect & analyses the data. Afterwards, they report to the Board of Education about the recommendation on how those systems & schools could improve further. They design the new concept based on the gap & current issues uncovered in the audit. This way, they resolve to achieve their DREAMS.

 

  1. In Maplewood Richmond Heights where students are growing all the lettuce used in their cafeteria. They are learning about the food web & ecosystem through urban chicken & urban bee. They become entomologists of the upper canopy of their school tree. They’re climbing trees & learning about maths & physics.

 

  1. Another center for sustainable future is Lenawee Intermediate School District in Michigan tech academy. The students learn biology, chemistry & agriculture science. They are working alongside Michigan Tech Extension Bureau producing canola. Turning the canola into biodiesel. Taking the agriculture waste & turning into ethanol, which is used to fuel the district’s bus fleet. How amazing it is!

 

  1. Green School, Dream school of Indonesia, is an international school. The school aims to create a green structure & curriculum. Their goal is to achieve a sustainable future generation. The school is made up of bamboo and has its recycling center for the surrounding community. They generate their own energy needs. They also grow their organic food for their lunches. They aim to create mindful, flexible, active & thoughtful generations – to achieve a sustainable future. They focus on a holistic academic approach from kindergarten to high school in three areas: thematic, proficiency & experiential. Let’s have a look:
Green School, Dream school of Indonesia
Green School, Dream School of Indonesia. Source:Green School/bali

Eco School is a way, a solution to the green education system to transform the youth into power and more advance. The traditional education system follows a closed system. Eco school curriculum is an open system giving applied knowledge. They envisioned the sustainable blossoming of future generations with vast possibilities, and the system creates the Sustainable schooling from kindergarten to higher-level graduates. They are more innovative & qualitative than a traditional school system. They aim to improve the achievement gap that traditional school owns.

In this case, policies & practices need urgent implementation of a green curriculum in every school. It would lead to the betterment of the Environment and create a new, better future generation. Discussion with school staff, teachers, and principals are crucial to make it happen on the community level as soon as possible.

 So, what you’re waiting for? Start your green journey, Live green, think green not tomorrow, but today!

If you like this article and feeling inspired, then you can leave a comment & stay tune to EcoWowLife. Have a nice day!

#Most Prominent List Of Environmental Movements, History, Action and Outcome that Change The World!!

The environmental movement is a collective action that started when civilization began to go upwards; the people everywhere began to think of the climate change. However, the list of environmental movements shows the history of different regions.

Many environmentalist groups have faced some challenging situations, and the fact didn’t remain limited within nature; some political and social issues got included in the movement.

Environmental Movement is a march to protect the environment from every level of toxicity & destruction. It’s a green flag to raise public ecological consciousness to save our home planet. The movement centered on ecology, health, and human rights.

More briefly, this movement is a combined action that began when civilization started to improve. People from every region began to think about the damage caused to the Industrial Revolution or climate change.  

So, an environmental movement focuses on these core components-

  • The protection of natural elements.
  • Saving wild animals from extinction.
  • Oppose any human organization that directly damages nature.
  • Protestation against the already existing rules that go against nature.

These components are a few out of many rules that environmentalists try to achieve through environmental movements. 

Environmental movements were not easy. Many environmentalists and social groups faced difficulties. In some cases, many political organizations got included in these movements. 

In this write-up, I collectively organized the list of the environmental movement in one place. Thus, you can easily explore the history or timeline of the environmental movements and their ecological outcome, obstacle, and success ratio.

So stay tuned and enjoy the journey of how the environmental movement helps to shapes the world more green and clean.

Lets kickoff!!

How the Environmental Movement Started and who was the First to Recognize the Roadmap Towards Environmental Movement?

Many people understood the necessity of protecting the ecosystem and being conservative towards nature; people also shared knowledge thousands of years ago. 

You can explore both Indian mythology and Greek history to find the push to protect our planet; so, let’s find out when it began and who started the movements.

The former American president Nixon formed EPA along with Congress in 1970.

That was about environmental protection in ancient times, but what about the modern environmental movement and who started the recent one? The former American president Nixon formed EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) along with Congress in 1970.

Rachael Carson, and Her book “Silent Spring” shows the American wildlife and the pesticide’s effects on the ecosystem; some treat it as a modern movement.

Silent Spring is a book published in 1962 in California, the USA; by Rachel Carson. Rachel Carson is the first inseparable name who starts the revolutionary journey to march the environmental movement. The book shows the American wildlife and the pesticide’s effects on the ecosystem; some treat it as a modern movement.

The first environmentalist who launched such a movement in the USA in 1970, and his name is Gaylord Nelsonhe operated his team from Washington DC. The campaign started when the nation witnessed the oil spill and its side-effects on the earth; the activists have blocked roads.

A similar movement started in Russia simultaneously; therefore, you may conclude as the global environmental movements started between the 1960s and 1970. 

At present, the way we live creates vise versa relations to our nature. Continuously we are shifting or distancing from nature. In this consumerism era, science has invented many branches only for individual betterment, which eventually became terrible for our environment; that led many people to participate in environmental pollution prevention.

 

However, you will see that most activists are public figures (student leaders, politicians, critical religious persons, writers, and industrialists) because they have a significant influence over people.

List of environmental movement : Let’s See the Historical Timeline and Origins of Environmental Movement 

The concept slowly started to build with the global modernization and industrial revolution; the pre-movement actions already begun within the 15th-17th century. Though the initiatives started in the USA and Europe, later the wings spread worldwide as education reached everywhere.

Let’s have a brief discussion on the timeline of environmental movement history and their origins to clarify them.

Time Place of Movement Significant Incident
Around 2000 years ago Asian areas, including India and China; also advanced Peru. The people in that region started to understand the importance of the natural elements, and they focused on soil preservation because their economy was based on agriculture.
In the 14th century Roman Civilization The locals noticed air and water pollution and took the initiatives to prevent them.
In the middle ofthe 16th century In Europe Pollution caused during the industrial revolution led people towards being more conscious about the environment.
In the early 19th century Europe and the USA The contemporary environmental movement started; it included in liberalism (a political program), and the target was to protect the countryside and wildlife.
In 1914 Europe and Oceania The first National Park was established, and the purpose was biodiversity conservation.
In 1923 In New Zealand, The Royal Forest & Birds Preservation Society started its journey to protect the ecological balance.
In the initial 1960s. In Europe, The Green Political Movement began, and many organizations started their activities under those parties for protecting the environment.
Between the 1970s and 1980s. Tasmania, Australia, Indonesia, Europe, and the USA Many accidents and natural calamities occurred due to pollution and modern revolutionary acts; that led people to start regional environmental movements.
—- The developing countries or 3rd world areas The environmentalist parties started fighting for a green economy; their purposes were to establish grass-roots democracy, fighting poverty, and getting human rights.
In 1973 India (the rural areas of UP), The Chipko Movement took place where the women also protested against deforestation.
In the last 2-decades of the 20th century. In the American and European regions.

The environmentalist political parties continually got successful, and the non-government organizations created a good impression on the public.

After 2000, The occurrence started in Germany Many organizations were divided; that’s why some parties’ leaders thought to be combined to spread the International platform activities.

 

 

In the 21st century, the World Environment Summit started its programs; the essential persons focused on conservation, pollution, preservation, and war effects besides financial investments, tourism, and trades; nearly 180 countries participate in that.

List of 6 Most Environmental Movement of History that shaken the world:

Most of these movements happened in the 19th century. These movements enabled people to act and prevent further destruction of nature. 

List of 6 Most  of History that shook the world
List of 6 Most  of History that shook the world
  1. The Chipko Movement in 1973
  2. Climate Strike of 2019
  3. Green Movements, Late 19th Century
  4. Anti Nuclear Movements in America, 1970-1980
  5. The Earth Day Movement of 1970
  6. Danish Environmental Movement in 1969

The Chipko Movement in 1973:

The Chipko Movement in 1973
The Chipko Movement in 1973-Source: Wikipedia

The Chipko movement is also known as the women’s movement in India. Rural women in India, who are entirely dependent on agricultural cultivation, livestock management, and household works, lost everything in natural calamities such as floods, soil erosion, and landslides. Deforestation on a massive scale led to this inhuman situation. 

To prevent deforestation, women gathered and started the Chipko movement in 1973. This movement was able to stop deforestation and changed the natural state of women in society. The Chipko movement started in Uttar Pradesh’s Chamoli district (now Uttarakhand) and spread to India’s other districts in no time. 

Climate Strike of 2019

Climate Strike Movement in 2019
Climate Strike Movement in 2019

The climate strike is a series of environmental movements that occurred recently worldwide. Major protests began in early 2019 and took place on important dates and recurring through weekly groupings. Among some events, Greta Thunberg’s “Fridays for Futures” protest inspired millions of school students worldwide, which resulted in skipping class and protest to call for climate action. 

Extinction Rebellion is also an independent group that protested in the climate strike. Their actions led to civil disobedience and created urgency in policy conversations surrounding environmental development. 

Green Movements, Late 19th Century

Green Movements held in Late 19th Century
Green Movements held in Late 19th Century

What is the green movement? Well, the green movement is a series of movements that occurred during the late 19th century. Active environmentalists influenced people all over the world to support greenery. 

These movements aimed to make the world a better place where animals can live alongside humans, no deforestation and growing more trees to prevent soil erosion. 

Furthermore, the green movement targeted energy sources and clean water supplies. 

Anti Nuclear Movements in America, 1970-1980

Anti Nuclear Movement
Anti Nuclear Movement (Wikipedia-)

The anti-nuclear movement of the USA is also a part of environmental movements. More than 80 anti-nuclear groups directly oppose all types of nuclear energy. These non-government organizations have delayed the installation of new nuclear plants and compelled the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to enforce more effective safety regulations for nuclear power plants. 

Inspired by these movements, other countries also did the same anti-nuclear movements. 

The Earth Day Movement of 1970

The Earth Day Movement of 1970
The Earth Day Movement of 1970

The first earth day was on 22 April 1970. On that day, over 20 million people stood together and took the streets across the United States to protest against environmental destruction. The cause was oil spilled from Santa Barbara in the USA waters. People understand the devastating effects of oil in the water. The excellence of that blue marble pictured from space compared bleakly with the unfavorable situation of the Earth that they knew from the ground.

The Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson led this campaign which was authorized from a temporary office in Washington DC. This movement was mostly conducted by college students. However, the festivities were free for everyone.  

The Earth day movement also happened at the same time as the civil rights movement. 

Danish Environmental Movement in 1969

Danish Environmental Movement in 1969
Danish Environmental Movement in 1969. Image Source: environmentandsociety.com

NOAH is a Denmark environmental organization that was established on 9 March 1969. The establishment day of NOAH was quite crucial for the environmental movements later on. 

Copenhagen University students, connected initially to natural-science and studies, thought their university lacked environmental perspectives in research and general politics. With the previously existing student organization NOA, the student’s council invited many former activists, politicians, professors, and journalists. Former activists remember that more than one thousand people took part in the day, which consisted of lectures, films, and shows on the pollution of land, water, and air.

The main activities were scheduled in a big auditorium. However, the organizers had something different in mind. They wanted the audience to feel how natural destruction can change the future of humans’ living conditions. To achieve that, organizers filled the hallway with garbage, and an artificial beach was created. 

When the audience was seated in the auditorium, organizers closed the doors from outside and ignited the garbage; the room filled with black smoke rapidly. They make the show more realistic by scattering realistic polluted water in the crowd, animating a dead goldfish, and a lot of noise. 

NOAH establishment day was more than an environmental movement. It was an act of returning the destruction that we are causing every day to nature.

List of 3 Most Important Environmental Movement In History-

List of 3 Most Important Environmental Movement In History
List of 3 Most Important Environmental Movement In History

Many environmental movements were held globally; some were regional, and others were international, but many of them have created a history that everyone will remember. 

Let’s know about 3-most important environmental movements in History; each of them is global & large.

3 Important environmental movements in History are-

  • Conservation Movement. 
  • Green Movement.
  • Climate Movement

Let’s brief these three important historical environmental movements-

Conservation Movement-

You can also consider it as nature conservation that is also known as a political, environmental, and social activity where everybody can spontaneously participate. However, the purpose was to protect natural elements (fisheries, water, forestry, and soil); it started in the 19th century.

The movement started in the USA, which deliberately expanded to the outer world later; it even reached the Indian jungles.

Green Movement-

When people hear about it they often ask what green movement is and who started it for a particular purpose. It began in the late 19th century, and the people active were the environmentalists who think a lot of other creatures and their lives besides humankind.

This movement’s primary objective was to make the planet a better place to live, where creatures can stay along with the world’s prosperity; moreover, it targeted the energy sources and clean water supply. 

Climate Movement- 

The movement developed in recent times, the initial stage of the 21st century; Copenhagen’s activities focused on the climate. It works on different arising issues due to climate change; moreover, another section functions for various social scopes.

Later, it collaborated with the United Nations and took the organization to an international level; its largest event was held on 21 September 2014, in New York with 4,00,000 activists.

Now it’s time to discuss the most successful environmental movement in history lets begin

5 Most Successful Environmental Movements in the History

5 Most Successful Environmental Movements in the History
5 Most Successful Environmental Movements in the History:Back to Nature Movement,Early Movement in the USA,Green Political Movement,Chipko Movement,Green Party Movement.

Unnumbered environmental activities took place in the world, but each of them couldn’t be successful; let’s see 5-successful movements in history:

  • Back to Nature Movement 
  • Early Movement in the USA
  • Green Political Movement 
  • Chipko Movement 
  • Green Party Movement 

Back to Nature or Back to the Land movement wasagri cultural activities; it depicts self-sufficiency, autonomy, social, and land reform. On the other hand, the USA’s early movement was a revolution; John Muir and Henry David Thoreau contributed a lot. 

Moreover, everything got a new direction after setting up the Sierra Club; the rest of the 3-movements are also regional and international successful activities.

However, many laws and acts like Clean Water, Clean Air, Ozone Gas Protection, etc. are also successful ones during recent times besides the organizations and parties’ positive results.

A Timeline View of American (the USA) Environmental Movement

Timeline Environmental Movement
1832 Hot Spring Reservations established.
1864 Yosemite Valley’s opening.
The longest-running environmental activity. From the 1st Earth Day to school strike in the USA.
1st March 1872 Yellowstone National Park Act
1916 National Park Service Organic Act
In May 1900 Lacey Act waspassed to protect wildlife and prevent deforestation.
In July 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act started its journey to protect the native birds.
1949 UN Scientific Conference on Conservation &Utilization of resources.
In 1955 Air Pollution Control Act prevented air contamination after the smog incident in Los Angeles.
1961 World Wildlife Foundation
On 11 February 1968, 1300 workers of the sanitation industry went on strike to protest racism; it was an environmental justice movement.
1969 National Environmental Policy Act
1970 Clean Air Act
1972 Clean Water Act
1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro
2017 First National Clean up Day

Many other strikes and peaceful movements for the environment and justice, but this list of environmental movements is what you can’t escape.

5-Top Most Environmental Movement in the USA

Let’s see the top-5 environmental movements in USA for environmental betterment that deserve to be mentioned.

5-Top Most Environmental Movement in the USA
5-Top Most Environmental Movement in the USA. Environmental Justice Movement (in 1980),Rachael Carson’s Movement (in 1962),John Muir’s Movement (in 1903)Green Environment Movement (between 1830-1840),Community Right-to-know Act(1986)

 

  • Environmental Justice Movement (in 1980)
  • Rachael Carson’s Movement (in 1962)
  • John Muir’s Movement (in 1903)
  • Green Environment Movement (between 1830-1840)
  • Community Right-to-know Act(1986)

The first one mentioned in the list of environmental movements is one of the most significant activities; it started in 1982after the then-president decided to bring 6000 trucks of soil with a toxic substance.

Moreover, another issue that came up was racism among people; the communities with black persons and the minorities were looked down upon. So, the purpose was to preserve the soil and essential natural items besides ensuring the minor communities’ safety.

The movement took a lot of time to succeed; the law passed in the 1st stage of the 21st century when George W. Bush was the American president, and he took notice. Thus, the government started to treat the people equally and took the necessary actions to protect the people living near industries.

List of Top Most Environmental Movement in Africa

Maybe the actions started slightly late in the African area, but it also participated and became a part of environmental movements; let’s see the top-5 movements in Africa:

List of Top Most Environmental Movement in Africa
List of Top Most Environmental Movement in Africa:The Movement for Ogoni people(1990),Green Belt Movement (1977),The Conservation Movement (1820-1830),Ecology Movement (during the mid 19th century),Environmental Health Movement (in the initial 20th century)
  • The Movement for Ogoni people(1990)
  • Green Belt Movement (1977)
  • The Conservation Movement (1820-1830)
  • Ecology Movement (during the mid 19th century)
  • Environmental Health Movement (in the initial 20th century)

The 1st one in the list is MOSOP (Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People); 11-groups work for a total population of0.7 million people living in Nigeria. The purpose was to provide social security to the indigenous people living there; it was a successful one.

The movement started after a 3-weeks lasting blow-out that caused massive pollution during the 1970s; later, the Federations got affiliations from the UN Organizations, and it won the right livelihood awards.

You all know that Kenya is an integral part of the bigger Africa; so, it’s essential to know about Kenya’s topmost environmental movement.

Green belt movement mentioned in the 2nd position is the most significant activity held in Nairobi, Kenya; it was a movement for environment conservation & social development.

Professor Wangari Mathai started it with the National Women Council and planted 51,000 trees in 1977; according to the 2003 report, the motto was to make people aware of self-determination, environment, poverty, human rights, &equity.

The act included women to make them active, educated, and conscious besides using them in the reforestation program.

List Of Top Most Environmental Movements in India

India has witnessed so many movements from the previous century to protect the environment because they have unknowingly polluted the surroundings; moreover, the awareness started to grow after a longer time than the other global areas.

List Of Top Most Environmental Movements in India
List Of Top Most Environmental Movements in India:Bishnoi Movement (Jodhpur) (in 1700),Appiko Movement (another important activism)(1983),Jungle Bachao Movement (To prevent deforestation) (1982),Silent Valley Movement (Probably in UP) (1973),Tehri Dam Conflict (the most violent one) (the 1980s-1990s)
  • Bishnoi Movement (Jodhpur) (in 1700)
  • Appiko Movement (another important activism)(1983)
  • Jungle Bachao Movement (To prevent deforestation) (1982)
  • Silent Valley Movement (Probably in UP) (1973)
  • Tehri Dam Conflict (the most violent one) (the 1980s-1990s)

Bishnoi Movement was the first environmentalist activity in the Indian territory (Jodhpur, Rajasthan); it was a social, religious movement besides the environmental issue. The activities started from the 14th century for the non-violent nature worshipper group, which later continued.

Anyway, the area became slightly restricted after 363 people were killed from the Bishnoi community during the protest against deforestation; it didn’t impact the Indian constitution.

List Of Top Most Environmental Movements in the Middle East 

The Middle East is another vital part of the world that is connected globally to all continental areas; let’s see the environmental movements that took place there:

List Of Top Most Environmental Movements in the Middle East 
List Of Top Most Environmental Movements in the Middle East:The Conservationists Movement(the 1800s),Setting the United Arab Emirates Wildlife Society & NGOs (2001),Trans-boundary Conservation & Peace Building (2013)Regional Treaties of Middle East (in the 1970s)Post-war Conservation (after 2000s).
  • The Conservationists Movement(the 1800s)
  • Setting the United Arab Emirates Wildlife Society & NGOs (2001)
  • Trans-boundary Conservation & Peace Building (2013)
  • Regional Treaties of Middle East (in the 1970s)
  • Post-war Conservation (after 2000s)

You can see that most movements & activism are based on conservations because the food habit, wars, & hostile environment make the place a challenging to live for both human & other creatures.

Amir Hossein Khaleghi was one of the most prominent conservationists of the middle-east; the NGOs face many difficulties to make people aware of the wildlife’s necessity; only the boundary and regional agreements saw the light of success.

5-Top List of Environmental Movements in Australia

If you want to know the list of environmental movements, you must include the Australian ones; let’s check the list:

5-Top List of Environmental Movements in Australia
5-Top List of Environmental Movements in Australia : The land care Movement (1986),The Anti-liter Movement (1964),The Rise of Green Movement(the 1860s)Anti-nuclear Movement (1972-73),Major Government Action (2009)
  • The land care Movement (1986)
  • The Anti-liter Movement (1964)
  • The Rise of Green Movement(the 1860s)
  • Anti-nuclear Movement (1972-73)
  • Major Government Action (2009)

The Land care movement’s purpose was to provide the wildlife a better space and prevent soil erosion; the green & anti-nuclear was also an international platform. Moreover, the anti-nuclear movement opposed uranium mining; the Friends of Earth & Australian Conservation Foundation was involved in the activism.

Top 5 List of Environmental Movements in Canada

The early awareness built up from the 18th century, but it took a lot of time to spread and take a strong position; let’s have the list:

Top 5 List of Environmental Movements in Canada
Top 5 List of Environmental Movements in Canada : National & Provincial Parks Set up. (after the 1860s),The Enlargement of Environmentalism (in the early 1900s),Conservation Movement (19th century),Economy over Environment (1980),Youth Movement in Canada (2019)
  • National & Provincial Parks Set up. (after the 1860s)
  • The Enlargement of Environmentalism (in the early 1900s)
  • Conservation Movement (19th century)
  • Economy over Environment (1980)
  • Youth Movement in Canada (2019)

Each of them has specific purposes; all of them are useful and successful; however, the Australian groups preserved the natural elements; the last one, “Youth Movement” has been a recent activism, after 2000.

5 List of Environmental Movements in the UK

The UK has always been advanced in environmental movements since the Victorian era or 18th century; so, the nation has witnessed much activisms for our nature, and let’s see the list:

  • Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (1824)
  • The Amenity Movement (between the 1930s-1940s)
  • Voluntary Movements by the National Trust (1926)
  • Protecting Nature’s Balance (1988)
  • Environmental Direct Action Movement (1991)

The last one in the list is one of the recent movements, launched in 1991 by the Earth First group; that was the most prominent activism in the modern era, and other groups also joined.

Moreover, people from various societies participated in the whole process, and the utmost purpose was to protest against the excessive usage of nuclear energy.

Top 5 List of Environmental Movements in Germany

Germany is one of the most civilized European countries; therefore, have a look at the topmost movements for the environment in that area:

  • The Early Environment Movement (in the 19th century)
  • Reduce Carbon Emission (2015)
  • The German Environmental Movement (middle of 19th century)
  • The German Green Youth Movement (1994)
  • German Anti-Nuclear Movement (the 1960s-1970s)

Germany has been the most prosperous country in environmental activisms; therefore, it’s one of the cleanest countries in the whole of Europe. However, you can mark the 3rd and 4th movements as the biggest and most successful ones over the years.

If you want to know more about the environmental movements in the 21st century, you should choose the Green Youth Movement. Students boycott classes and participate in the activities with various placards; they proved that the young generation is very conscious.

What Are the Environmental Movement Goals?

No matter what motto or purposes you have to start a movement for the environment, the fundamental requirement remains the same; they are:

  • The movements protect the Earth from soil erosion, water, air pollution, keeping balance in the ecology, etc.
  • Some activities held to ensure the wildlife’s safety and maintain biodiversity because each creation contributes a lot to nature.

Some are considered social, environmental movements because the leaders want to sort out various social issues besides protecting nature; that’s why many political personalities also involve themselves.

You often heard the terms “Radical Environmental Movement”, lets find out what’s the meaning of and what’s the relationship between the radical environmental movement and the environmental movement. Lets explore the topics.

What Is the Meaning of the Radical Environmental Movement?

The radical environmental movement is an initial step towards conserving nature, and the word refers to a molecule or tiny thing. On the other hand, the environmental movement means that it’s starting something big; many leaders have gathered people to do that.

Philosophy, religion, politics, and other segments are related to it; radical environmental movement is the branch of the worldwide more significant step.

The movement began as leaderless activity; that is to protect the mother earth, and the activists have always worked to keep balance in the ecosystem. The first organized group for a partial environmental movement was formed in the initial 1970s; its name is Green peace.

The group first confronted the whaling ships and nuclear weapons; it opposed the usage of such items because they could damage the environment, which would be irrecoverable. Moreover, the weapons and ships can excrete highly radioactive molecules; that can be harmful to humans.

Environmentalism, Environmentalist, and the environmental movement are closely related together. Let’s clarify the Environmentalism topic with a definition along with a list of famous Environmentalist.

What Is the Meaning of Environmentalism: Explain Briefly

While you are acquiring the environmental movement list, you should also know what environmentalism is; it’s the primary stage of the activisms. The term refers to an ideology or philosophy that depicts environmental awareness and inspires one to be protective of nature.

People have understood the necessity and took many steps when they felt that the current situation might be harmful to the planet and their health; many social, religious, ecological & political interests are also connected with environmentalism.

Environmentalism, Environmentalist, and the environmental movement are closely related together. Let’s clarify the Environmentalism topic with a definition along with a list of famous Environmentalist.

See the List of 15 Famous Environmentalists Past and Present

  1. John Muir (1838-1914) was a naturalist & a writer.
  2. Rachael Carson (1907-1964) was the founder of the modern environmental movement.
  3. Edward Abbey (1927-1989) was an author and Monkeywrenching who contributed a lot.
  4. Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) was a famous author and ecologist.
  5. Julia Butterfly Hills (1974-) is one of the famous and alive environmentalists now.
  6. Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was an activist who was also a philosopher besides being a writer.
  7. Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was a conservationist & politician.
  8. Gifford Pinchot (1865-1946) was a famous forester & conservationist.
  9. Chico Mendes (1944-1988) was a famous activist who worked for Brazil.
  10. Wangari Mathai (1940-2011) was a political activist beside an environmental movement.
  11. Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005) was an activist & environmentalist.
  12. David Brower (1912-2000) was a pioneer activist in the environmental movement.
  13. Jan Gehl is an influencer of environmental movements.
  14. Greta Thunberg is one of the best future leaders of environmental activities.
  15. Paul Hawken is an intellectual climate leader.

Final Thoughts on List of Environmental Movements in World

Knowing the list of environmental movement is not enough nowadays; therefore, the article is useful because it allows you to know each detail of various historical environment activities.

However, you can take it as an inspiring speech that can lead you towards being eco conscious and do something green for our planet; moreover, you can understand the backgrounds of any movement that occurred and carry it as a peaceful one.

You should also contribute to the movements or propose revolutionary acts to protect our nature as an eco conscious social person.

Environmental movements are still happening in the 21st century. Even in this COVID-19 pandemic, environmentalists are working hard to carry out their duty and responsibilities. So, the list of the environmental movement is never finished and will continue. 

Still, you can gain some crucial knowledge about historical environmental movements in the world through this article. Who knows, maybe you may be inspired to oppose whale hunting in the North Pacific Ocean, disposal of plastic bags, and save trees of Nigeria (The highest deforestation country). 

And finally, for people to be involved in the environmental movement and act on current issues, they must know and skills to do so. Only spending time close to nature and an eco-friendly lifestyle is not enough for environmental safeguard. Instead, it is essential for the environmental movement (sometimes referred to as the ecology movement), including conservation and green politics. It is diversified with the philosophical, social, and political movement for addressing environmental issues.

Even without doing anything or trying to live eco-friendly, you still can contribute by taking a pledge to protect the environment. 

Why Green Living Matter in 2023? The Ultimate Guide Of Green Lifestyle!!

Green living matters in 20th century, switching to an eco-friendly lifestyle individually and living a simple and sustainable life through the society that will guide us to combat climate change effect. That’s why the individual choice of green and simple lifestyle will be matter in the coming days. Our combined personal green lifestyle practice and realization will be significant steps to save nature and our future; that practice will be the ultimate guide of our Green Lifestyle.

As city dwellers, if we look around, we will find everybody is in a rush towards meet the own personal target, and in our surroundings, there are places with very little space for plants and trees. That’s why the natural environment is destroying, creating an adverse level of pollution, which ultimately causes increasing in human suffering.

But it’s not a simple scenario. The so-called modern lifestyle has increased technological effectiveness, but demonic industries made us some kind out of nature beings. In brief, we don’t know how a disastrous future is waiting for us.

How to promote and live an eco-friendly lifestyle in 2023

There are 5 ways to promote and live an eco-friendly lifestyle in 2023 that can help you lead a better life. So, let’s see what are the sustainable ways of living environmentally friendly.

1. Adopt and follow small changes in daily life
2. Save water and electricity energy in our home
3. Plant more trees in your area and prevent deforestation
4. Buy more energy-efficient utilities and products for your home
5. Try to recycle organic and non-organic waste in your home

What is Green Living? Is it Just Simpler version of Green Lifestyle Or Its means a lot?

What is Green Living? Is it Just Simpler version of Green Lifestyle Or Its means a lot?
What is Green Living? Is it Just Simpler version of Green Lifestyle Or Its means a lot?

Green living is a different approach to a lifestyle based on a complete system. Green living is a lifestyle choice where an individual chooses to be environmentally friendly. Such options try to balance individual lifestyle, culture & communities with the Earth’s natural resources, habitats, and biodiversity.

If you only think of keeping the environment safe by reducing pollution, then you are wrong. It actually refers to a holistic form of living based on natural wellbeing. Green living or green lifestyle has some similar terms like sustainable living, zero-waste lifestyle, eco-living, and self-sufficient living.

However, all these green lifestyle don’t refer to the same meaning. Currently, our lifestyle is based on extreme consumerism based on a hedonistic view of life. In this view, humankind needs to swallow down all the resources of nature. Unfortunately, modern lifestyle deals with machines, pollution, egoistic lifestyle, calamities, and disasters.

On the other hand, green living combined with minimalism, altruism, alternative energy usage, living naturally, and understanding the environment a holistic approach. It’s not easy in the current lifestyle pattern, but well adaptation can reduce the difficulties. Recently, an eco-friendly lifestyle is becoming embraced by individuals around the world than ever. Scientists say that the climate change situation can be handled at a large scale if green living is adopted

So, what is green Living? As a gist, it’s not that complicated. It deals with simple Living by reducing the waste of animal and plant diversity and abating natural resources’ extensive usage. But it is profound in meaning, having its philosophy and approach.

It includes every aspect of our lives; food, clothes, house design, workplace, outlook towards nature, energy consumption, occupation systems, and biodiversity. It is a philosophy that deals with nature and its inhabitants in a holistic way. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that Green Living is a kind of sustainable preference for our food, travel, marketing, and economy with a sustainable way to lead it.

Now, identify the hack between Living vs Lifestyle, is it same in manner?

Living vs Lifestyle: Are They Same?

It’s an astonishing fact that sometimes easy questions can’t be answered in easy ways. Maybe it’s caused by our way of thinking. For example, the term ‘lifestyle’ can be a perfect question.

What is a lifestyle?

Are living and lifestyle always the same? Answering these is not that simple.

Let’s start with Living.

It means to add proper value to a particular life. We don’t live without any direction. Even the most reckless person has a minimum path, though unconscious. Living is an outlook that is working practically to lead someone towards specific goals. In brief, Living is a continuity that has to be completed with particular means.

On the other hand, lifestyle describes something entirely different. In this term, some sort of collectivity exists. It also has philosophical sides, which are different from Living. Famous psychoanalyst Alfred Adler first used it as a cultural phenomenon.

A single human being creates his lifestyle by his behavior, imagination, memory, thinking, opinion, knowledge, and belief system. All these things synthetically make a lifestyle.

The sense of lifestyle is broader than living in many perspectives. From one standpoint, lifestyle describes how Living can be perfect or fruitful. On the other hand, sharpening the way of Living can lead one towards a proper lifestyle. (acrwebsite.org). They don’t mean the same thing but are intimately connected.

On the contrary, the standard of Living leads to another direction. It means something socioeconomic state- like quantity of affluence, food supply, energy consumption rate, and class relation. As a result, it’s also very different from lifestyle, though having similarities. The living standard is the collective form of lifestyle.

Some Green Lifestyle or Living Philosophy that are Closely Accompanying to Green Living

Some Green Lifestyle or Living Philosophy that are Closely Accompanying to Green Living
Some Green Lifestyle or Living Philosophy that are Closely Accompanying to Green Living

Green living deals with a natural and monistic way of life. As a result, some closely related issues come as outputs of this thing. In the following topics, we will know about them comfortably and interestingly. These will enrich our thought about nature and its way.

There are some Green lifestyle and Living philosophy that are closely associated with Green Living such as-

  • Sustainable Living.
  • Zero Waste lifestyle.
  • Carbon Free Lifestyle- Carbon Footprint.
  • Self-Sufficient Life.
  • Net Zero Lifestyle.
  • Minimalism Lifestyle.
  • Off-grid lifestyle.
  • Eco friendly Lifestyle.

If you want to understand the real myth or philosophy of green living and want to adopt in your lifestyle, we must need to know those green lifestyle ideology. Here I am trying to get the glimpse of idea about those lifestyle-

Lets start-

What is Sustainable Living and How it Associated with Green Living?

What is Sustainable Living and How it Associated with Green Living?
What is Sustainable Living and How it Associated with Green Living?

If you notice your everyday activities, you will find an exciting thing. After using any natural resource, you don’t think of renewing or replacing it. It is not entirely your fault. Our present way of personal and social life is based on rapid consumerism. It works on gaining profits, so it has no time to think of it. But nature returns its vast output as fatal calamities. So, our lifestyle should be sustainable.

Sustainable Living means a lifestyle with a moral consciousness towards our surroundings and environment. It mainly includes reducing burdens on nature and waste of natural resources. But it has broader meanings. We know that individuals and society are dependent on natural resources. We use abundant resources in industrial ways today to consume. Thus, consumerism has become today’s way of life.

Sustainable Living is a way of getting back from consumerism. It includes minimal energy usage, reducing pollution, abating dependence on artificial foods and clothing, and so on. You can say this as simple Living with a nature-based philosophy.

What Is Zero Waste Lifestyle? 

What Is Zero Waste Lifestyle?
What Is Zero Waste Lifestyle?

Concentrate on today’s scenario. Our lifestyle is fully based on a complex system that works on total unconsciousness towards nature and its process.

As a result, we are getting more reckless. Wastage has become the other name of our way of being. Sea beaches are full of plastic wastes. Marine lives are in great danger because of our unlimited wants. We are also unconscious that our lifestyle is creating a demonic future. To confront this, a zero-waste lifestyle is inevitable.

You can mistake this philosophy by meaning it as recycling and reusing something. But the reality is different. It is not a single process, but a whole systematic approach. It deals with changing our present systems to redesign our production, consumption, and acting lifestyle to reduce wastage up to zero percent.

According to Zero-Waste International Alliance or ZWIA, it includes a systematic and accountable way for shaping the present mode of resource consumption to lessen the wastage at the smaller level.

Experts say that adopting Zero Waste Lifestyle can lower the cost of today’s’ waste management at a surprising stage.

Recently, ‘waste management’ has become very popular as a term. Politicians and policymakers often use it to provoke the mass. According to today’s scenario, waste should be huge in number so that traditional policymakers can make many promises to shape public life better. It sounds funny, but the fact remains the same. Without changing our lifestyle, only fancy policies will be a wastage of paper.

A zero-waste lifestyle proposes an entire way to reshape our thinking on how we live. We, as members of different communities, make waste after using consumer products. Zero waste deals with reducing waste quantity by various means. It says that a huge number of recycling can use matters if the proper way is applied. As a result, throwing waste into landfills and the ocean can be controlled to level zero.

Many people think that a zero-waste lifestyle is simply a way of recycling the wastes we leave every day. But it has a deeper meaning. It advocates an entirely different life approach that is not dependent on present consumerism, which promotes a production and distribution system based on throwing wastes into landfills and incinerators.

What is Carbon Free Lifestyle?- Carbon Footprint:

We know that our present energy system is mostly based on fossil fuels like coal, gas, or petroleum. Engines in factories and vehicles produce a large amount of Carbon Dioxide and Methane, which are very dangerous for the earth’s climate.

It hampers the Ozone layer; thus, ultra-violate rays and other radioactive waves are becoming the causes of the extinction of valuable biodiversity. To reduce the emission of carbon, measurement is necessary.

Carbon Footprint is a way of measuring pollution scientifically made by carbon.

So, what is Carbon Footprint?

Scientists  and environmentalist measure this by calculating the emission of total carbon produced by a person, community, or a whole population. It is also called the Carbon Dioxide equivalent. This calculating can’t be 100% exact in every aspect. But an average ratio can be found to deal with the size of pollution.

Carbon footprint is measured by-

  • Carbon footprint is measured by carbon emission by any community, country, or region; worldculturenetwork.com.
  • Carbon footprint is measured by carbon emission by any community, country, or region; worldculturenetwork.com.
  • Carbon footprint is measured by carbon emission by any community, country, or region; worldculturenetwork.com.

Carbon Footprint is a very influential ideology to gain proper knowledge about pollution and its adequate solution. Similar philosophy are available; water footprint and land footprint are also significant in environmental issues.

What is the Philosophy of Self-Sufficient Life?

What is the Philosophy of Self-Sufficient Life?
What is the Philosophy of Self-Sufficient Life?

Just pause for a second. Think about how you and your family members or relatives live. Indeed, you would conclude that they are very much dependent on market goods in everyday life.

Even nowadays, village people also depend on consumer products too much. As a result, the sense of sufficiency among them is decreasing day by day. But the world can’t fulfill the greed of every man. So, practicing sufficiency is very necessary.

It is not easy to describe the self-sufficient life accurately. But its characteristics can be traced. Self-sufficiency means lowering dependency on others in a possible way. But it is not enough to assert it, because it has philosophical sides. It includes today’s thought process, world view, and economic outlook. Today’s consumerism encourages us to be more and more dependent.

As a result, we become addicted—ongoing policymaking systems uplift this addiction. Self-sufficiency is a thought which helps us to get rid of this addiction.

There are many ways to maintain self-sufficiency, those areas growing one’s food, reducing dependency on grocery & economic market, having simplicity in lifestyle. Few more are like living life free of monetary debts, lessening dependence on artificial foods, making community, plus refusing some ultra-modern aspects of today’s life are some examples of a self-sufficient life.

What is Net Zero Lifestyle? “Net Zero Emission”  is another New forms of green carbonless lifestyle:

What is Net Zero Lifestyle? Net Zero Emission is another New forms of green carbonless lifestyle
Net Zero deals with a whole system emitting zero pollution agents; image:source:researchgate.net

From recent scientific researches, we can easily understand that reducing carbon dioxide is necessary to save our climate. It increases global temperature, which causes green-house effects. Many environmental policies have taken seriously to lower the rate of carbon dioxide. Net-zero is one of the guidelines which has become a serious subject.

As a theme, net-zero is exciting and straightforward.

It means balancing the rate of carbon dioxide to keep it in a minimal amount. It deals with the withdrawal of carbon dioxide from the environment by various means.

Think comparatively. A stopcock is open, and water is emitting from it to fill up a glass. So, the water tank is becoming empty. You should fill up the tank to get water again. The net-zero policy works like this way.

The emission of carbon dioxide can be reduced by absorbing it before getting out and sent to the underground. Or, it can be purified and reserved for the sector where carbon dioxide is needed.

But its application varies in many ways. And sometimes, it’s hard to apply it everywhere. For example, airplanes can’t introduce the net-zero system. But industries and company can use it to achieve proper sustainable development.

What is “Minimalism Lifestyle” Really mean?

Look around your room. You must have a closet to keep your clothes there. If you count, you will find that there are more shirts or pants than your primary need. Maybe it’s not a fault at all. Today’s world view teaches us that consuming at a maximum scale is the way to happiness. But it increases the number of unhappy people at last. So, we should think alternatively to be our own.

At this point, minimalism can help us in various ways. Maybe you can think that it’s an art movement, so what’s the big deal? Well, it says that the reduction of complexity from our lives is the best way to achieve happiness. But it doesn’t suggest you become a Buddhist monk. It recommends living a simple life having minimum and important things around you.

But it includes a basic philosophical side, though it seems simple. It asserts living a life free from the overdose of commercial domination, reducing the slavery of consumerism, and being one’s own in the right way.

From the beginning of modernity, elders of the society taught us to consume more to gain more. This view leads us to unconditional competition against not only nature but also ourselves. Present world politics, economy, and state systems are sponsoring it for their benefits. But the real beneficiaries are worsening the global state day by day. So, minimalism is a necessary answer to shape our lifestyle again.

Meaning of “Off-Grid Lifestyle”:

Meaning-of-Off-Grid-Lifestyle
A typical off-grid lifestyle house; Source: tinyhousetalk.com

If you notice your living system carefully, you will find that the authorities of these days made your lives very complicated by increasing dependency on a large scale. You can’t imagine a single thing that can be produced by an expensive industrial process. But it’s not the answer to all of your questions because consuming can’t make one immortal.

So, our lifestyle should be appropriately arranged to solve problems. Many alternate lifestyles have been proposed to change the present system. ‘Off-the-Grid’ or ‘Off-Grid-Lifestyle’ is one of them.

Generally, off-grid means stopping the usage of industrial electricity from producing domestic energy. But it has a broader meaning. It includes reducing redundant things and helps to cut out extravagant so called demand in life, lowering living costs, to abandon the usage of luxury products, and shortening the wrong ways of our outlook.

There are many ways to lead an off-grid lifestyle. Making one’s water supply, producing house electricity by solar panel, introducing a new sanitation system, creating new ways to save food without a refrigerator, and leading a green way of life can be examples of this lifestyle.

Short brief of Eco Friendly Lifestyle:

Eco Friendly lifestyle simply means living in a way that is not harmful to the environment. It includes using nature-friendly products, reducing air, water, and soil pollution through living and keeping the ecosystem proper by not harming it.

Is Eco Friendly Lifestyle essential?

In one sense, yes, it is. It can be said as the key concept to save our planet. Our modern lifestyle, based on unlimited consumerism, is making the earth a demonic place. If the present situation of pollution continues, our future generation will found themselves amid an apocalyptic death cult. Only changing our lifestyle in an eco-friendly way can help us.

Eco Friendly Lifestyle is not very hard to achieve, but it needs a totalistic process. Giving up using eco-harmful products, thought green, try to raise your baby eco friendly way,  reducing industrial processes, shortening fossil fuel usage, and increasing sustainable power sources can be accepted as an Eco Lifestyle.

What is the meaning of “Go Green”

What is the meaning of Go Green
What is the meaning of Go Green

Go Green is a slogan that was introduced to reduce pollution by taking environment-friendly steps in our daily lives. But its original depth of meaning lies in its theme. It’s not merely some steps to take. It can be described as a way of living. Its horizon includes recycling as a part of production, abating rude consumerism by living near nature, and reducing unbridled use of natural resources.

Now its time emphasis the topics, how these lifestyle concept interconnect with green living.

Lets deep dive!!

Does Green Living and Sustainable Living  same in meaning? Difference between Green Living VS Sustainable Living

Green Living is not a new concept. Mankind has been practicing green living for centuries. But not everyone was aware of its necessity or benefits. Today, the world is facing many natural consequences that force us to take the green living concept into account. Sustainable Living is more prevalent within the scientific community because it promises futuristic developments.

Green Living and sustainable Living might sound just the same thing. From a viewpoint, they are. But actually, they have some differences, enough to consider them as separate concepts. The first difference is green living is a way of achieving sustainable living. The sustainable living concept allows us to reuse and recycle things that we generally dispose of. Green Living teaches the same principle, but not as profound as sustainable living.

Another difference is sustainable living emphasizes on future, and green living represents the present situation. Many of the green products are used in a sustainable living concept. But all green products are not sustainable. Although green living is a lot more widespread inactivity, and anyone can apply them, sustainable living may sometimes require technical knowledge to apply successfully.

What’s the difference between Green living vs Sustainable Living vs Zero Waste Lifestyle?

You may think that why zero waste is relevant to green living?

Think carefully. Green Living tells us to live according to the way of nature.

It advocates to give up manufactured consumer products. Not only that, it incorporates a kind of alternative life philosophy to arrange the total system in a new way. A zero-waste lifestyle recommends a system that will reduce waste by reshaping our current production, distribution, and consuming system. The field of green living is broader than the zero-waste lifestyle.

But they have similarities too. Both deal with a cleaner environment, which will prevent pollution by managing our way of living. And they both advocates changes to adapt to build parallel systems for our living spaces. They oppose the present situation based on reckless consumerism, which doesn’t care about our environment and biodiversity.

Now, come to the point of sustainable living. Of course, it’s not similar to zero waste. Also, it has depth in meaning. Like green living, sustainable living promotes a healthy lifestyle, including introducing sustainable systems to reduce waste and pollution.

Again, it promotes a healthy way of life based on a completely different power consumption method, preventing misuse and increasing longevity. In this sense, zero waste can be a part of sustainable living.

All three of these lifestyle are eco-friendly.

Green Living advocates a lifestyle of synthesis among nature and living beings in which a healthy balance should be reserved. Without preserving the ecosystem properly, this ambition can’t be appropriately fulfilled.

Sustainable Living promotes a lifestyle in which the longevity of resource usage is encouraged.

On the other hand, a zero-waste lifestyle recommends a systematic way of production and consumption in which wastage would be reduced on a large scale. Both these are designed to create a safeguard for nature. Eco-friendliness is a crucial concept in all these three lifestyles. 

Green Living Examples: How You Can Cope with Green Living Lifestyle?

Green Living Examples
Green Living Examples: How You Can Cope with Green Living Lifestyle

Here are some of the actionable tips and ways you can achieve green living:

  1. Green living should start with nourishing your body. Using essential oils rather than cosmetic oils should be the first and foremost way of starting green living.
  2. Every year, companies produce millions of bottled waters. Plastic is bad for Mother Nature: use natural ways to purify your water.
  3. The best, though, comes when hearing about green living is reducing waste. Use materials that can be reused and recycled.
  4. One of the easiest ways of having a green living is to conserve natural energy by reducing gas and oil usage. Use only what is necessary.
  5. Use green transportation such as bicycles, other pedestal transports, electrically powered transports, etc., to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
  6. Eat organic foods, fresh foods grown from your farms. It may give you some extra cash too.
  7. Use chemical-free goods.
  8. Use greenways to take care of yourselves. Give up prosthetic or cosmetic means and apply herbal products.
  9. Grow a consciousness among others about green living so that others can enjoy its benefits.
  10. Invest in green projects like carbon offsets and other similar projects.
  11. Continue to educate yourself so that others can find motivation from you.
  12. Support your local green business and help them grow.
  13. Use Condensed Natural Gas or CNG instead of petrol or diesel as it emits less greenhouse gas.

Why Living Green is Important? Importance of Green Lifestyle:

Today’s scenario of the world easily tells us the importance of Green Living. In one sense, we, the inhabitants of this planet, have no other choice rather than going green. The present problem for the environment is not pollution, but the system of pollution. Going for Green lifestyle is necessary to change the situation. Importance of Green Lifestyle is many such as-

  • Reducing Air Pollution.
  • Lowering Water Pollution.
  • Economic Wellbeing.
  • Stopping Land Pollution.
  • Climate Change Issues.

#Reducing Air Pollution:

Green-living-Reducing-Air-Pollution
Green-living-Reducing-Air-Pollution

Nowadays, new respiratory diseases have spread on a large scale in many parts of the world. Even advanced medicine can’t cure these diseases. It’s simple; only medicine can’t save civilization. Our whole future will be in danger if we don’t change our lifestyle.

To reduce air pollution, going green is necessary indeed.  We should change our way of living life based on fossil fuel energy and massive industrialization to get fresh air. Again, wildlife is in great danger because of this pollution. And large scale air pollution is creating new hazards. Going green can be an answer to reduce air pollution. In this theme, alternative energy consumption can solve the power shortage and save biodiversity in many respects.

#Lowering Water Pollution:

Green Living- Lowering Water Pollution
Going green can be a perfect answer to stop water pollution; source: nrdc.org

Maximum of today’s industries throw their wastes into rivers and significant water sources. Experts say that it’s not the fault of the industries. Modern industries are designed to manage their waste like this. The result is in front of us, and the world is in a crisis of drinking water. Only reducing waste throwing is not enough. Going green can be a perfect answer to stop water pollution.

So, how can it lower water pollution? Well, Renewable and sustainable source can be used to produce energy in industries and water transports.  And power consumption should be consistent with the ecosystem. Thus water can be saved as the life source of living beings.

#Economic Wellbeing:

Big industries often throw a large number of water wastes or effluents. By solving this, going green can reduce not only pollution but also the expense of industrial processes. Thus, going green can be an excellent example of eco-friendliness and economic profit. The problem of water waste can be handled by renewable energy plants and production systems which use a sustainable method. Thus, a massively expensive waste management system can be altered, and it will be profitable economically.

#Stopping Land Pollution:

Land Pollution can be lowered by going green
Land Pollution can be lowered by going green; Source: toppr.com

We often say that underground water is pure and safe. But recently, land pollution is making it false. Industrial waste, incredibly toxic chemicals thrown into brownfields, is creating massive damage to our lands. As a result, the land is getting poisonous, and agriculture is in great danger. Going green is necessary to stop land pollution.

#Climate Change Issues:

Nowadays, the earth’s temperature is increasing at an alarming rate. Sea level is going up, and polar ice is melting. Many parts of the world are facing unusual calamities caused by climate change. Still, world leaders are promoting heavy industries and fossil fuel energy as a permanent solution. Going green is an inevitable answer to today’s question.

Now its time to discuss the benefits of the green living-

What’s The benefit of Green Living? Here Some outstanding Benefits of Living Green lifestyle:

Here are some benefits which will come if going green is adapted.

  1. Health Benefits.
  2. Increasing the Betterment of Life.
  3. Fulfilling the Goal of Sustainable World.
  4. Shortening Big Budget Management.
  5. New Developed Areas.

#Health Benefits:

Going green will reduce pollution on a large scale. Recently, the public health situation is getting worse all over the world. Much of these occurred due to air and water pollution. Going green will reduce health causalities on a large scale if applied. Thus, Go Green can be a purpose to save humanity in real sense.

For example, think about transportation. Instead of using fossil fuel-based transport, green living promotes sustainable energy-based vehicles. If it is mainly introduced, pollution will be reduced, which is a prime cause of heath causalities.

#Increasing the Betterment of Life:

Our current thought process on living is based on luxury based consumerism. It promises material wellbeing, but the fact is something completely different. Crude materialism made the world full of conflicts and the flow of cash. Going green promotes simplicity based on nature-based humanism and eco-holism. For a better lifestyle, going green is beneficial.

#Fulfilling the Goal of Sustainable World:

Recently, experts say that our present resources will be finished if we consume these at this rate. But we don’t have to wait that long, the crisis of resources is creating huge problems in many parts of the world. Forests are being cut down, and indigenous lives are in great danger. In the name of civilization, we are leaving this planet unworthy of living. Going green can save us by protecting nature along with us.

#Shortening Big Budget Management:

If you are a man/woman from a middle-class family, you will find that your personal, family, and community life is somehow getting more expensive gradually. It’s not because of your growing need, honestly. Today’s lifestyle provokes you so that your blind consumerism can be established everywhere. This is like fashion today. Going green promotes simple living along with a nature-friendly outlook. It rejects bind consumerism as a lifestyle. If it is appropriately maintained, living costs will be lowered at a surprising scale.

#New Developed Areas:

If going green is adopted at a large scale, new areas will be developed for sustainable power, green farming, green accommodation, and other eco-friendly processes. Newly developed areas can be established with a green living community system. In this way, dependence on the present demolishing system can be reduced to make a better world.

Impact of Going Green: Reason To go green

Green living has a huge positive impact in varies sector such as-

  • Environmental Impact
  • Socio-Economic Impact
  • Impact on Mental and Physical Health
  • Impact on Education Sector
  • Impact on Parenting and family Ethics
  • Impact on individual lifestyle.

If you want to know more the impact of going green please explore here.

Does Green Living Save your Money? Some Actionable Green Tips That Can Help You Save Your Money

Some Actionable Green Tips That Can Help You Save Your Money
Some Actionable Green Tips That Can Help You Save Your Money

Many people think that leading a Green lifestyle is more expensive than the way they are living now.

Well, this is not a matter of truth or fault.

Our existing outlook is grown up in such a way that makes us think like this. Green living is cheap if you want. Here are some actionable ways that can help you to cope with green lifestyle along with save your budget drastically-

  1. Lowering Extra Demand is a Part of It.
  2. Consciousness about Using Resources.
  3. Making Different Food Choice.
  4. Rechargeable Battery.
  5. Using Second or Third-Hand Products.
  6. Domestic Cleaning with a Greener Way.
  7. Using eco-friendly products.
  8. Going Paperless.
  9. Grow your Own food.
  10. Organic Food preservation.
  11. Going Paperless.
  12. Save money by fixing.

Lowering Extra Demand is a Part of It: Going green promotes giving up unnecessary products in personal, family, and community lives. We often maximize our demands of products without any reason, only for habit. For example, excess use of electricity and water can be placed here. Green living promotes an alternate system of commodity consumption. It’s good for the economy.

Consciousness about Using Resources: Freshwater is an everyday need in our lifestyle. We need it everywhere, drinking, washing, cooking, bathing, and cleaning. Going green creates a sense of consciousness about creatively using limited resources. Water recycling can be an excellent example of going green. Again, it includes a kind of modesty in using resources. Rather than wasting water, we can reuse water by creating a green purifying system in many ways.

Making Different Food Choice: Many people say that adopting green living is difficult in food consumption. Their indication is towards grocery products that are manufactured in a greenway. Well, there is a simple way. Reducing grocery products can be an excellent answer. Green products, especially vegetables, crops, and fruits, can be bought directly from the farmers. Farmers don’t include shop rent or taxes into product value.

Rechargeable Battery: Generally, we prefer disposable batteries to use energy. This material emits harmful elements into the environment, like lead and mercury. Instead of this, a rechargeable battery can be an excellent source of energy. By using this, energy consumption costs can be lowered at a profitable rate.

Using Second or Third-Hand Products:  reen living as a way to save money can be done personally. It sounds awkward, but it’s true. Instead of leaving old products and buying new ones, one can collect second or third-hand products. This practice can be a perfect way to save money.

Domestic Cleaning with a Greener Way: We often use expensive products to clean our dishes, pavements, walls, and kitchens. Instead, using vinegar and baking soda can be proved more effective. Not only that, it is a money-saving way which can shorten the cleaning cost unbelievably.

Now you might think how to adopt this green living philosophy within your daily lifestyle. Its not hard to achieve, just need to follow some tips and way to incorporate. Here i show you some cool tips for green living-

Some Actionable Cool tips for Green Living-

  1. Always Think Green.
  2. Set your own time, mindset, resolution of green lifestyle and finally practices and make it habit.
  3. Avoid Plastic.
  4. Avoid Vampire power.
  5. Go for eco-friendly Cloth washing.
  6. Organic Gardening.
  7. Recycling.
  8. Make habit to use natural ecofriendly sustainable product.
  9. Emphasis on renewable energy sources.
  10. Raise your baby ecofriendly way or go for eco-parenting.
  11. Get rid of Diapers.
  12. Sustainable Green Practices you can adapt Daily in your life.
  13. Reduce Food Waste.
  14. Emphasis on Home Made Materials.
  15. Go for Cycling.
  16. Adopt Greening office idea.
  17. Using Second or Third-Hand Products.
  18. Domestic Cleaning with a Greener Way.
  19. Go for eco camping.

Some Cool Facts about Green Living: Facts that inspire You to adapt Green Living 

Here are some cool and fun facts about green living and why it is necessary.

  • Aluminum can be recycled forever, and recycling one aluminum can save enough energy to power your TV for three hours.
  • Papers used only by the American companies can encircle the earth three times.
  • If the New York Times can go paperless only on Sunday, around 75000 trees can be saved.
  • Nearly 1 million sea creatures can be saved if the plastic is not produced.
  • The oldest tree is about 4600 years old.
  • A modern-day glass takes as long as four millenniums to decompose.
  • Recycling a tin can may just save up to 74% of the energy that is used to produce a new tin can.
  • Turning a thermostat down by 1 degree can save up to 8% of energy.
  • Human-made forests have already covered up some of the ozone layer holes that roughly sized about the USA’s size.
  • If you can recycle 1 ton of paper pulp, you can save enough energy to power your house for 1.5 years.

Some Outstanding Green Technologies which can force you to rethink about green lifestyle:

Technological growth on different sections to comfort the human lifestyle is at a remarkable speed than ever. The grace of technology also enlightens green living. Let us now look at some of the techniques that are available to support the green lifestyle.

Here I discuses some Outstanding Green Technologies such as-

  1. Solar roof tiles.
  2. Smartflower.
  3. Living wall.
  4. Vertical gardens.
  5. Edible alternatives.
  6. Tesla solar roof and Tesla powerwall.
  7. Tesla electric Car.

#Solar roof tiles:

Green-Technologies-solar-roof-tiles
Green Technologies solar roof tiles.Source:interestingengineering.com

Solar power is a sustainable and pollution-free way of getting electricity for homes. Over the years of progression, solar panels can serve as a reliable source of electricity. A more promising technology driving the principles of the solar panel is the solar roof.

Instead of panels, the roof tiles can serve as power generating units for a house. So, no extra spending with almost zero percent of pollution can power your home is a fantastic green living technology.

#Smartflower:

Green-Technologies-Smartflower
Green-Technologies-Smartflower.Source:thepatent.news

Smartflower is a substitution of solar panels and solar roof tiles. Yes, it is a flower made with PV cells that draws power from the sun and convert it to electricity. It is called a smart flower because, like flowers, it opens its operation only when the solar radiation is around. It remains inactive at night, and users can easily install it in their backyard or garden. It is portable and efficient.

image source: greenleafips

#Living wall: Living wall does not have a life of its own. But it supports life for others. A living wall contains a garden, and the concept arose from rooftop gardens. Instead of only rooftops, gardens can now be at the walls of your building. Many living walls are already established around the globe, and a famous one is situated in London. The living wall is also known as ‘the urban jungle’.

#Vertical gardens: With the increment of the human population, the land is becoming scarce — the land required producing foods the shortening. Vertical gardening is a promising solution to this problem, growing a garden using vertical space in a place. The place can be an open place or a building, which can solve accommodation problems and food supply.

#Edible alternatives: Plastic is useful for humans only, not for nature rigid. Instead, it creates numerous problems for other creatures. A possible option of plastic can be edible alternatives. These alternative bodies are just as healthy as plastic but can be dissolved in nature or eaten by other creatures.

Future of Green Living

No doubt that green living is a necessary step to take for our survival. Scientists today are concentrating on how existing technologies can be developed as eco-friendly technologies. We already know about various technologies existing today that serve as eco-friendly systems. Let us now look at the key aspects which hold a brighter future for green living.

Energy is considered the most important and valuable aspect of green technology. No doubt that the world will soon face scarcity if we continue to use fossil fuels. Fortunately, the energy sector worldwide is focusing more on the development of alternative fuels and energy sources.

Today, many companies and service providers are taking necessary measurements and putting substantial efforts into meeting social-related needs with sustainable solutions that may have used today and in the future without harming natural balance. For example, car wash businesses are trying to use more efficient wash systems that will allow them to recycle used water and reduce wastage.

Many private and government-owned companies in all manufacturing and industrial sectors are trying to adopt solutions geared towards reducing waste with minimal pollution by changing how products are manufactured and consumed by end-users. Some of the ideas to do so are:

  • Introducing practices that reduce waste.
  • Recycling waste.
  • Purchasing remanufactured products like equipment and parts.
  • Accepting green product alternatives.
  • Adopting green policies in the product and service sectors.

Many chemical companies are finding ways to adopt green chemistry. Green chemistry is mainly the use of eco-friendly compounds. Another subsection of this is nanotechnology, which is already introduced to mass production, and it offers excellent potential.

A significant percentage of the world’s total waste is caused by the use of plastics that are not recyclable or non-degradable. Ending the cycle of using manufactured products that are not eco-friendly is a keen focus on green technology today. Manufacturers are now introducing many alternative products that can be fully reused, recycled, or reclaimed.

How Green Investment affects the economy and Environment :

Green investment refers to investing in personal sources of power, such as investing in solar panels. For the government, it can be an investment in other projects alongside power generation. We already know how green investment affects the environment from above, so we will be discussing the economic effects.

Green investments allow a family to have their source of power rather than relying on others investing in a solar panel to reduce the expenses of a family they can use elsewhere. This may allow the family to uplift their economic condition. Moreover, it is an eco-friendly method of producing power, with almost zero percent carbon emission.

From the Industrial view, green investment also holds promising potential. Many green technologies for producing power costs much less than traditional fuel-based techniques. Moreover, these technologies can be very eco-friendly as pollution-free production is a key concern for them. Although many of these technologies are under inspection, some of them have already seen the light of production and soon they are expected to spread among bigger nations.

Top 15 Green Countries In The World:

Here is a ranking of green living countries according to the latest surveys of the 2020 Environmental Performance Index. Climate change, Air quality, Sanitation & drinking water, Biodiversity & habitat, Ecosystem services, Water resources, Pollution emissions, Waste management- based on all of these parameters, the countries listed below have been declared as Green country-

  1. Sweden
  2. Switzerland
  3. Finland
  4. Japan
  5. Norway
  6. Denmark
  7. Netherlands
  8. Australia
  9. Germany
  10. Canada
  11. New Zealand
  12. United Kingdom
  13. Austria
  14. Singapore
  15. Republic of Korea

Sweden: Sweden is ranked as the number one green living country in the world. This Scandinavian country is a perfect country to live a healthy and green life.

Switzerland: The Swiss Federation is a small country in the central European region. Switzerland ranks as the second-best at green living.

Finland: Finland is ranked third place for green living. This nordic country of Europe has a long hereditary of green living.

Japan: Although many people belives that Japan is the most successful at green living, this Asian island country comes at number four.

Norway: Another Scandinavian country made it in the list of greenest countries in the world.

Denmark: When your neighboring countries make it at the top of the list, you also got to try it. So Denmark makes it to the sixth number position in the list.

Netherlands: The Dutch are always prosperous people. They make it to number seventh on the list.

Australia: The continent of Australia is mostly occupied by the Commonwealth of Australia, which is at number 8th in our list.

Germany: Though devastated by two world wars, german people sure know how to get back up. They made it to the 9th position in the world’s greenest country in terms of living.

Canada: This North American country has an enthusiasm for green living rather than its neighboring countries, which gives them the 10th position on our list.

New Zealand: This Australian country is just behind its neighbor Australia which is in number 11th position.

United Kingdom: Although many of the UK’s colonies hold a higher position in the ranking, the British people struggle to get into the top ten by inch. They are ranked at number 12.

Austria: This culturally rich country holds the position of number 13th on our list.

Singapore: Having obtained independence in 1965, Singapore holds a magnificent example of prosperity. This marvelous metropolis is at number 14th on our list.

Republic of Korea: South Korea is at a relatively high position than its rival country, North Korea, in green living. They hold the 15th position on our list.

Although the USA is not in our top 15 countries to practice green living, it still has an impressive overall rank in green living.

Besides, many of the green ideas were invented in the USA and one of the biggest green living promoters.

Top TEDx Talk conference on Green Living :8 Top most TEDx Talk video of Green Lifestyle

Recently, Green Living has become a world phenomenon. Pollution and climate change issues have been a topic of high tension among conscious people. If our modern lifestyle weren’t changed, a negatively changed world would be destructive to us.

You may have seen TEDx talk shows on YouTube. Here famous men and women discuss hot issues and current topics related to science, politics, outlooks, lifestyle, artificial intelligence, etc. Many of its shows were taking place on green living. These show a green living, sustainable lifestyle, natural way of life, and eco-friendly strategies that have been explored with different perspectives. Persons from many varieties of expertise have shared their views on a greener world and our way of gaining it.

#1.Green Lifestyle TEDx Talk Video : Tips for a Green Lifestyle | Haley Higdon

In this TEDx talk video, Haley Hegdon describes the necessity of Green Living in an exciting creative way. At present, going green is not easy. Because the current lifestyle is based on dumping the garbage. So, Haley started thinking of recycling waste materials. Thus zero waste was introduced to her. She promotes minimalism and an eco-friendly living style.

#2.Green Lifestyle TEDx Talk Video : My path to green living: Michael Roy

Michael Roy describes his path of Green Living in this video. He spent many years in Cambodia. There he saw a typical village that was almost self-sufficient. That oriental way of life changed his outlook profoundly. He began to think about green living and renewable energy consumption. His view is holistic and synthesis-based.

#3.Green Lifestyle TEDx Talk Video: Ryan Lupberger

People praise green living, but often they don’t by green and eco-friendly products. In this video, Ryan Lupberger discusses the problems of trading eco-living products. Instead of marketing as an eco-friendly product, companies should preach the products’ longevity and sustainable quality.  Researches show that this can bring success

#4.Green Living TEDx Talk Video: Allan Savory

For want of proper usage, many fertile parts of the globe are becoming desert. As a result, the rate of Carbon Dioxide in the air is increasing. But this problem can be solved in a very creative way. Famous ecologist Allan Savory describes an authentic way to save the grasslands from desertification. This is good not only for the green environment but can bring a holistic approach to wellbeing.

#4.Going Green TEDx Talk Video: Bryn Davidson

Green building is an outstanding feature of Green Living as a concept. It’s not only about using a solar panel on the rooftops or using renewable energy in houses. It’s more than that. Bryan Davidson describes green building using a totalistic view of lifestyle and ecosystem.

#5.Going Green TEDx Talk Video: Lauren Singer

The zero-waste lifestyle is not about only changing nature into green everywhere. It also includes changing ourselves by adopting some habits which help to reduce wastage. It should be one in a comprehensive way of planning and works. Lauren Singer describes these with her style. She is living a zero-waste lifestyle for many years.

#6.Going Green TEDx Talk Video: Jackson Carpenter

The carbon footprint is a very central theme in the idea of Green Living. By reducing our carbon footprint, we can make our planet more livable in many ways. But it needs a long term process with scientific understanding. Jackson Carpenter described here the means of cutting the Carbon Footprint up to 60%.

#7.Going Green TEDx Talk Video: Jason McLennan

Jason McLennan, architect, and environmentalist described Living Building for a living future as a method of Green Living. In his view, nature is not only the best healer but also the best philosopher as well.

#8.Going Green TEDx Talk Video: Lindsey Kindrat

Green buildings are made or designed based on environmental wellbeing and living a green way of life. It needs research on ecology, biodiversity, climate, geology, and ethology as well. Lindsey Kindart, a famous ecologist, described the possibilities and functionalities of green buildings in her way.

Wrap up of Green Living:

After discussing some significant aspects of green living or green lifestyle, I am pretty sure you might have different thoughts about green living.

I am hopeful and feel that helps you to rethink the philosophy about the necessity of green living concepts.

But this is not always true. That is why researchers are still studying green living. But all in all, this concept of changing the world is not bad, after all. Many people are getting the results they were promised to have, without negative consequences.

So, the world may just see better days if the planet’s inhabitants adopt a green lifestyle. But the question is, how long will it take to rebuild the earth?

Well, just like a baby needs to feed every day to grow, green living is almost the same sort of thing. The practice of green lifestyle must be continued to preserve nature for our survival. It is said that sustainability is the key to a better future. Green living is an ideal way to gain sustainability. So, time demands to act now and give this idea thought for the future of the earth, mankind, and all its inhabitants. We must preserve our home as the supreme being.

Resources:

7+Worst Pandemics in history & how we overcome those

Throughout history, infectious disease and worst pandemics in the history has killed more human beings than any other cause. In recent times The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. This is a breakthrough event. As human civilizations bloomed, so did infectious disease. Civilizations demand proximity to large numbers of people living with each other and domestic animals. This provided the fertile breeding grounds for the disease, often with poor sanitation and nutrition. And new overseas trading routes spread the new infections far and wide, creating the first global pandemics.

Let’s go deeper into the field of world’s breakthrough event – and take time to read through about Outbreak, Epidemics, and Pandemic.

A Glimpse Of Idea On The Outbreak, Epidemics, And Pandemics:

As human civilizations bloomed, so did infectious disease. Civilizations demand proximity to large numbers of people living with each other and domestic animals. This provided the fertile breeding grounds for the disease, often with poor sanitation and nutrition. And the new overseas exchange routes spread the novel infections far and wide, which create the first global pandemics.

In recent times The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. This is a breakthrough event.

We have used this word pandemic around the world, but you might notice that some of us mixing up three important words & those are: Outbreak, Epidemic, and Pandemic.

Simply put, the difference between these three expansions of disease spread is a matter of scale.

Outbreak- It’s small but unusual.

By following diseases over time and geography, epidemiologists learn to estimate how many cases of illness should generally happen within a defined period, place, and population. An outbreak is a visible, often small, increase over the estimated number of cases.

An outbreak occurs with a sudden rise in the number of cases of a disease. An outbreak may happen in a community or geographical area or may affect numerous countries. It may generally last for a few days or maybe a week, or even for some years.

Some of the outbreaks are expected to occur each year, such as influenza. Sometimes a particular case of an infectious disease may be measured as an outbreak. This may be accurate if the disease is rare (e.g., foodborne botulism) or has severe public health implications (e.g., bioterrorism agents such as anthrax).

Take an example of an unusual spike in the number of children with diarrhea of a daycare. In this case, one or two sick kids might be usual in a typical week, but if 15 children in daycare got to catch with diarrhea all at a time, that is an outbreak.

When a new disease appears, outbreaks are more noticeable since the estimated number of illnesses caused by that disease was zero. Take the example of the cluster of pneumonia cases that sprung up unpredictably among market-goers in Wuhan, China. The Public health officials know the spike in pneumonia cases there established an outbreak of a new type of coronavirus, then named as SARS-CoV-2.

Epidemic- It’s greater and spreading.

An epidemic is an outbreak that spread over a larger geographic area, and an epidemic happens when an infectious disease spreads quickly to many people. When people in places outside of Wuhan started testing positive for infection with SARS-CoV-2 (which causes the disease known as COVID-19), epidemiologists recognized that the outbreak was spreading, a possible indication that containment efforts came too late or insufficient. This was not unpredicted, given that no treatment or vaccine is available yet. But widespread cases of COVID-19 across China recognized that the Wuhan outbreak had grown to an epidemic.

Pandemic-It’s International and without any control.

In the most standard logic, once an epidemic spreads to multiple countries or regions of the world, it is measured as a pandemic. Some epidemiologists classify a condition that a pandemic only once the disease is constant in some of the newly affected regions via local transmission.

To illustrate, a sick traveler with COVID-19 who returns to the U.S. from China doesn’t make a pandemic, but once they infect a few family members or friends, there’s some debate. If new local outbreaks ensue, epidemiologists will agree that efforts to control global spread have failed and refer to the emerging situation as a pandemic.

History of Pandemics

As humans have extended across the world, this supports to spread of infectious diseases. Even outbreaks are nearly frequent in this modern era, though every outbreak does not reach the pandemic level as the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has.

This table shows history’s most deadly pandemics, from the Antonine Plague to the current COVID-19 event.

Timeline of worst pandemics in history:

Pandemic Name Time period Approximately Death Toll
Antonine Plague 165-180 5M
Japanese smallpox epidemic 735-737 1M
Plague of Justinian 541-542 30-50M
Black Death 1347-1351 200M
New World Smallpox Outbreak 1520 – onwards 56M
Great Plague of London 1665 100,000
Italian plague 1629-1631 1M
Cholera Pandemics 1-6 1817-1923 1M+
Third Plague 1885 12M (China and India)
Yellow Fever Late 1800s 100,000-150,000 (U.S.)
Russian Flu 1889-1890 1M
Spanish Flu 1918-1919 40-50M
Asian Flu 1957-1958 1.1M
Hong Kong Flu 1968-1970 1M
HIV/AIDS 1981-present 25-35M
Swine Flu 2009-2010 200,000
SARS 2002-2003 770
Ebola 2014-2016 11,000
MERS 2015-Present 850
COVID-19 2019-Present 1.7M Dec12,2020 (still tolling)
Source: visualcapitalist.com

 

7 of the worst pandemics in history & the end story

For many years scientists and medical researchers have differed over the exact definition of a pandemic; the confusion was whether it was a pandemic or an epidemic. Still, everyone agrees one thing, and that is, the word describes the widespread occurrence of disease over what might generally be expected in a different geographical area.
Plague, cholera, smallpox, and influenza are some of the most ruthless killers in human history. Besides, these diseases’ outbreaks across international borders are accurately defined as Pandemic, mostly smallpox, which has taken away between 300-500 million people in its 12,000-year survival throughout history.
Here’s how 7 of the world’s worst pandemics finally ended.

List of & worst pandemics in History:

  1. ANTONINE PLAGUE (165-180 AD).
  2. BLACK DEATH (1347-1351).
  3. SMALLPOX (1520- continue).
  4. CHOLERA (1817-1923).
  5. Spanish Flu (1918-1920).
  6. AIDS (1981-present day).
  7. H1N1 Swine Flu (2009-2010).

1. ANTONINE PLAGUE (165-180 AD) — Loss of Life was Incredible

ANTONINE PLAGUE (165-180 AD) — Loss of Life was Incredible
Antonine Plague is also known as the Plague of Galen.source:learning-history.com

Antonine Plague is also known as the Plague of Galen. This ancient pandemic affected mainly Asia Minor, Egypt, Greece, and Italy and has been either Smallpox or Measles. However, the actual cause is still unidentified. This mysterious disease was carried to Rome by soldiers returning from Mesopotamia around 165AD; unintentionally, they helped spread a disease that would kill over 5 million people and destroy the Roman army.
With the death of Marcus Aurelius, the Antonine plague also died down. Upon its wake, 10% of Rome’s population perished. But it did not end all in 180. Just nine years after it died down, it suddenly reappeared and continued to collect lives up until 270.

2 BLACK DEATH (1347-1351) — The Discovery of Quarantine

BLACK DEATH pandemic (1347-1351) The Discovery of Quarantine
Pieter Bruegel the Elder depicted the Black Death this way in his 1562 painting “The Triumph of Death.”source:http://georgebishopjr.com/

The plague never went away, and when it repeated 800 years later, it was killed with reckless abandon. The Black Death, which occurred in Europe in 1347, took an astonishing 200 million lives in just four years.
To find the way of stopping the disease, people still had no scientific understanding of contagion, says Mockaitis, but they identified that it had something related to proximity. That’s why intelligent thinker officials in the Venetian-controlled port city of Ragusa declared newly arrived sailors in isolation until they prove them fit & fine to back inland.

First of all, sailors had to stay on their ships for 30 days, which became known in Venetian law as a Trentino. As time passed, the Venetians prolonged the forced isolation to 40 days or quarantine, the word quarantine’s origin, and the beginning of its practice in the Western world.
“That affected,” says Mockaitis.

3 SMALLPOX (1520- continue) —A European Disease Results the New World

SMALLPOX Pandemic(1520- continue)A European Disease Results the New World
Dr. Edward Jenner (1749-1823) tested his first vaccination counter to smallpox on James Phipps (a boy of eight) May 14, 1796 Source:gettyimages.com

Smallpox was occurred as endemic to Europe, Arabia, and Asia for centuries. This persistent menace killed three out of ten people it infected and left the rest with pockmarked scars. Nevertheless, the death rate in the Old World paled in comparison to the destruction wrought on inherent people in the New World when the smallpox virus arrived in the 15th century with the first European travelers.
This virus cut them down by the tens of millions, as the indigenous peoples of our modern-day, the United States, and Mexico had zero natural immunity to smallpox.
Mockaitis says, “There hasn’t been a kill off in human history to match what happened in the American 90 to 95 percent of the indigenous population extinct over a century.” and “Mexico goes from eleven million people pre-conquest to one million.”

Then Centuries later, the virus of smallpox turned the first epidemic to be ended by a vaccine. In the later part of the 18th-century, Dr. Edward Jenner, a British doctor, revealed that milkmaids infected with a milder virus called cowpox seemed immune to smallpox. He legendarily inoculated his gardener’s 9-year-old son with cowpox and then exposed him to the smallpox virus with no ill effect.

Dr. Edward Jenner wrote in 1801, “The annihilation of smallpox is the most terrible scourge of the human species, must be the result of this practice.”
He was finally right. It took almost two more centuries, but in 1980 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that smallpox had been entirely eradicated from the face of the Earth.

4 CHOLERA (1817-1923)—The Success Story of Public Health Research

CHOLERA-Pandemic image
In 1848, a Comment on London water supply during the cholera reappearance was ‘Water! Water! Everywhere; And not a drop to drink’ and 1849. Cartoon from “Punch”, London, 1849, with a mis-quote from Coleridge “Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner”. Wood engraving. Source:.alamy.com/

Cholera devastated England, killing tens of thousands in the early- to the mid-19th century. The day’s prevailing scientific theory believed that the disease was spread by foul air, which was known as a “miasma.” However, a British doctor named John Snow assumed that the mysterious illness, which killed its victims within days of the first symptoms, lurked in London’s drinking water.

Snow acted like a scientific Sherlock Holmes, observed hospital records and morgue reports to track devastating outbreaks’ exact locations. He generated a geographic chart of cholera deaths over ten days. He initiated a cluster of 500 fatal infections adjacent to the Broad Street pump, a renowned city well for it’s drinking water.
Snow wrote, “As soon as I became familiar with the situation and range of this irruption (sic) of cholera, I assumed some contamination of the water of the much-frequented street-pump in Broad Street.”
With diligent effort, Snow succeeded to convince local officials to take away the pump handle on the Broad Street drinking well, rendering it unusable the infections dried up, it’s work magically. Snow’s work didn’t cure cholera overnight; then again, it eventually led to a global effort to develop urban sanitation and protect drinking water from contamination.

While cholera has mostly been eliminated in developed countries, it’s still a persistent killer in third-world countries where they lack adequate sewage treatment and access to clean drinking water.

5 Spanish Flu (1918-1920) — Actually, it did not originate in Spain

Spanish Flu pandemic image
Soldiers from Fort Riley, Kansas, ill with Spanish flu at a hospital ward at Camp Funston. Source:.wikipedia.org

Spanish Flu victimized an estimated 500 million people from the South Seas to the North Pole. One-fifth of those died, with some native communities pushed to the brink of extinction. The Flu’s spread and lethality were boosted by soldiers’ cramped conditions and poor wartime nutrition that many people were suffering during World War I.

Though the name Spanish Flu, the disease probably did not begin in Spain. Instead, Spain was a neutral nation during the war and did not impose severe censorship of its press, freely publishing early counts of the illness. That is why; people misleadingly believed the sickness was specific to Spain, and the name Spanish Flu stuck.

In 1919, the flu pandemic was ended, as those infected either died or developed their strong immunity. And almost 90 years later, in 2008, researchers declared they’d discovered what made the 1918 flu so lethal: A cluster of three genes enabled the virus to deteriorate a victim’s bronchial tubes & lungs and then clear the way for bacterial pneumonia.

6 AIDS (1981-present day) — It’s both Pandemic and epidemic

AIDS-pandemic-image
AIDS became a global pandemic in the 1980s and continues as an epidemic in certain parts of the world.Source:safety4sea.com

We’re still battling with The HIV/AIDS pandemic, while medicine has made great strides, making HIV in many ways a chronic form that can manage in many countries, the end of the Pandemic quite a long way to go. In 1981 HIV/AIDS originated in Cameroon and was first recognized as a disease, while the earliest known case is believed to be in the Congo in 1959. AIDS had caught at least 60 million people, and 25 million had died in 2011.
Today its effect varies widely across the world—while in 2008, an estimated 1.2 million Americans had HIV, Sub-Saharan Africa alone was home to 22.9 million cases, with one in five adults are infected. About 38 million people were supposed to have HIV in 2018.

Estimation stated that AIDS had taken 35 million lives since it was first identified. The virus HIV causes AIDS, likely developed from a chimpanzee virus, then transferred to humans in West Africa in the 1920s. The virus, through its way around the globe and AIDS, was Pandemic by the late 20th century. About 64% of the projected 40 million living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) live in sub-Saharan Africa.

For decades, the disease had no recognized cure, but medication advanced in the 1990s allows people with the disease to experience an average life span with consistent treatment. Even more boosting, two people have been cured of HIV in early 2020.

7 H1N1 Swine Flu (2009-2010) — Key symptoms of swine flu in swine

H1N1 Swine Flu image
Key symptoms of swine flu in swine. Source:verywellhealth.com

In 2009 swine flu pandemic was caused by a new strain of H1N1 that originated in Mexico before spread out to the rest of the world. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within one year, the virus-infected as many as 1.4 billion people worldwide and killed between 151,700 and 575,400 people.

The CDC reported that the 2009 flu pandemic mainly affected children and young adults, and 80% of the deaths were in people younger than 65. That was strange, considering that most flu viruses, including those that cause seasonal Flu, cause the maximum percentage of deaths in people ages 65 and older. However, in the swine flu, older people appeared to have already built up sufficient immunity to the group of viruses that H1N1 belongs to, so weren’t affected as much. A vaccine for the H1N1 virus that caused the swine flu is now being included in the annual flu vaccine.

Covid-19 shows how vulnerable we are

The world was introduced to a novel coronavirus—SARS-CoV-2—a pathogen that causes COVID-19 in late December 2019. Just two months later, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak to a pandemic, meaning the virus had spread across numerous countries and infected many people.

Covid-pandemic-image
Covid-pandemic-source:wikipedia

The COVID-19 pandemic is in its primary stages, and it is impossible to predict its future impact. This post and infographic are meant to provide historical context, and Covid-19 shows us how vulnerable we are – and how we can escape similar pandemics in the future.
People worldwide have become more aware of the best practices during this coronavirus pandemic, staring from careful hand-washing to social distancing. Countries across the globe accounted for mandatory stay-at-home measures, closing all offices, schools, businesses, and public places. Dozens of companies and many more independent researchers began working on tests, finding treatments, and vaccines. The eagerness for the human race to survive the pandemic became the primary concern in the world.
The consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic is unpredictable at the time of this writing. But we can learn from pandemics in history to define our best courses. These are our teachers – the Spanish flu, the AIDS pandemic, and more.

Flourished human civilizations & disease spreading

We arrived at where we began, increasing global connections and exchanges as a driving force behind all the pandemics. From the small hunting culture and gathering tribes to the metropolis, humanity’s dependence on one another has also generated disease opportunities to spread widely.
The blooming of urbanization in the developing world brings more and more rural residents into denser neighborhoods. At the same time, population growth puts enormous pressure on the earth’s resources. At the same time, the air movement of human passengers nearly doubled in the past decade. These functional trends are having an intense impact on the spread of infectious diseases.
The leading organizations and governments worldwide are asked to exercise social distancing to help ease the rate of infection, and the digital world is becoming a blessing for people to continue the connections and commerce like never before.

Common FAQs and facts about coronavirus (covid 19) Pandemic:

Common FAQs and facts about coronavirus
Common FAQs and facts about coronavirus

01 Is the coronavirus disease a pandemic?

COVID-19 can be considered as a pandemic. The reason is the rapid increase in the number of cases outside China over the past 2 weeks that has affected an increasing number of countries.

 02 What is the difference between the coronavirus and the influenza virus?

The speed of transmission is an essential point of difference between the two viruses. Influenza has a shorter median incubation period- the time from infection to appearance of symptoms and a shorter serial interval- the time between successive cases than the COVID-19 virus. The serial range for the COVID-19 virus is projected to be 5-6 days. In contrast, in the influenza virus, the serial interval is three days. Then we can say that influenza can spread faster than COVID-19.

Additionally, transmission in the first 3-5 days of illness, or potentially pre-symptomatic transmission –transmission of the virus before the appearance of symptoms is a significant driver of influenza transmission. In other cases, while we are informing that several people can shed COVID-19 virus 24-48 hours earlier to symptom onset, currently, this does not appear to be a significant driver of transmission.

 03 How do viruses get their name?

Based on their genetic structure, viruses are named to facilitate the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines, and medicines. Virologists and the wider scientific forum initiate this, so basically, viruses are named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

04 The pandemic originated in Spain

No one believes the so-called “Spanish flu” originated in Spain.

The Pandemic likely entitled this nickname because of World War I, which was in full swing at this period. The powerful controlling countries involved in the war were keen to avoid exposing against their enemies, so reports of the Flu’s extent were repressed in Germany, France, Austria, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. By contrast. Neutral Spain had no interest in keeping the Flu under wraps. That created the wrong impression that Spain was bearing the brunt of the disease.

Though hypotheses have suggested, East Asia, Europe, and even Kansas, the Flu’s geographic origin is questioned.

05 The first wave of the pandemic was most lethal

The initial wave of deaths from the Pandemic in the first half of 1918 was comparatively low.

It was in the second wave; from October through December of that year recorded the highest death rates. And the third wave in the spring of 1919 was more lethal than the first but less so than the second.

Scientists now consider that the marked increase in deaths in the second wave was caused by conditions that favored the spread of a deadlier strain. People with mild cases stayed home, but those with severe cases were often crowded together in hospitals and camps, increasing the transmission of a more lethal form of the virus.

06 How long will the coronavirus pandemic last?

A pandemic defiantly will not be a short, sharp event. Actually, a pandemic may come in several waves over 12 months or more—this is typical of influenza pandemics. Yet we don’t know how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last, but we should be ready to have the coronavirus in some way in our lives for the next 9 to 12 months. It might be less, or it might be longer.

07 How can countries respond to a pandemic?

When an outbreak of disease reaches to pandemic levels, as COVID-19- there is typically a move away from outbreak containment, which centers on preventing transmission, to outbreak mitigation, which focuses on slowing and reducing the adverse effects of transfer. We should expect to face a mixture of containment and mitigation measures used by different countries around the world at a different time.

08 What causes a pandemic?

Several factors can cause pandemics. For example, in some cases, a new strain or subtype of virus that first emerged in animal’s catches humans and then becomes readily transmissible between humans. In other instances, an existing disease-causing agent mutates, increasing its infectiousness.

09 How do pandemics end?

Pandemics usually slow and come to an end on their own. However, the process may be speeded up through effective preventive strategies, such as improved personal hygiene or a vaccine’s progress. Some pandemics, though, occur in waves, such that decreased disease activity may be followed by another period of high disease prevalence, thus prolonging the outbreak.

Reference:

Neoliberalism and Climate Change: How It became the enemy of the Environment?

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Neoliberalism and climate change are connected; actually, they make vice versa relationship, which isn’t good enough. How slowly Neoliberalism climate change become the enemy of the environment? 

In this write-up, I open the discussion about How climate issues became mere business deals with this Neoliberalism dogma and how it’s manipulating the climate issues.

Politicians often say that nothing is more valuable than liberty. But in the name of freedom, many things are being taken away from the people of the world. Nature is one of them. In the late 70s, a new political, economic doctrine named Neoliberalism was brought out by the world leaders. In this Neoliberalism, government and public actions were made limited to the betterment of the big corporations and businesses. Sometimes it sounds good, but it has hazardous sequences. In the public sphere, big companies began to interfere in the climate sector. These corporations don’t care about the globe and its environment. Sometimes, research and scientific explorations are also manipulated for using the limited resources of nature again and again. As a result, climate change has become a harsh reality in the present era. The ordinary people are blamed for the current pollution situation. But the whole picture is made by several phenomena, and Neoliberalism is one of them. As a doctrine, it promotes rugged individualism, and its style of argument ignores social processes. Only individuals can make the earth greener. Joint activities of human society can bring productive output. 

To make the planet better again, humankind must get rid of profit-centric approaches and sheer individual betterment.

Let’s deep dive into the article and explore how climate issues became mere business deals in this phenomenon.

How Neoliberalism Began :

How-Neoliberalism-Began
Regan and Thatcher; two of the neoliberal leaders; source: thedailybeast.com

‘Neoliberalism’ is perhaps the most praised and most condemned term in international politics and economy. It’s fascinating that this single word defines many ideas, not a single one. 

Suppose we define Neoliberalism as an international policy based on a free market. In that case, its journey began in the 1980s. 

But the idea is not that new. As a commonly used term, it became popular in the 1930s in the UK and the USA. 

In the mid of the 20th century, it was similar to some revival of 19th-century economic liberalism. 

In the ’80s, the term became a synonym for freeing trade, removing barriers from big business’, cutting taxes from big corporations, privatizing industries, shortening subsidies from agriculture, loosen business law, and so on. 

US President Ronald Regan and British prime minister Margaret Thatcher were two world promoters of Neoliberalism. In the 80’s China, Deng Xiaoping was the pioneer to introduce it in communist China. (Hervey 2005, p 46)

Today, the World Bank and World Trade Organization are two of the global phenomena which regulate Neoliberalism.

Neoliberalism, profit centrism and its outlook towards nature :

Neoliberalism, profit centrism and its outlook towards nature
For profit centrism, neoliberalism is damaging the earth’s climate; source : adaloures.pt

Although neoliberalism sounds like cutting the claws of politics and liberating trade and business, it is deeply political in its inner meaning. It pretends to be softening the bonds of regulations. Still, trade laws fixed by big business’ corporations are one of its powers. By neoliberalism, world superpowers began to attack third-world countries’ economies by forcing them to change their policies. As a result, governments of the developing countries have to surrender to the multinational business companies.

Neoliberalism created an entirely new world system that often disobeys the sovereignty of other countries. When the activities of big businesses are operated, only profit centrism is considered. So, among many policies, the environmental policy of the host countries is avoided. For example, think about the fossil fuel business. Big petroleum companies make treaties with governments, force upon to hand over the local markets and climate safety. Along with the economy, the climate of the host country ruins at a large scale. (Heynen, McCarthy, Prudham, Robbins 2007, p 15)

Neoliberal economic policies don’t care about climate change :

Neoliberal economic policies dont care about climate change
Economic policies determined by market profit are damaging the environment; source: eartheclips.com

We know that economic growth can’t come without any cost. A robust economy needs the best resources to perform. Globalization made the world easier to gain resources from any part of the world. This has also created a problematic era for the local community and indigenous people. Resources in a different part of the world are getting out of the reach of developing nations. Big companies often work as pressure groups to manipulate government economic policies. (Everett, Ishwaran, Ansaloni, Rubin, 2010, p 24)

These pressure groups often don’t bother with environmental laws. Not only that, but they also have lobbyists to speak for them. Government interest groups show that sharing resources is a better option rather than to save the environment. Let’s take an example. Tengratila gas field in Sunamganj, Bangladesh, experienced a fatal blast in 2005, when a Canadian company, NIKO was exploring natural gas. Neoliberal economic policies don’t care about climate change at all.

Neoliberalism and the Third World Agriculture :

Neoliberalism and the Third World Agriculture
For the agriculture of the third world, Neoliberalism is proved full of calamities; source: medium.com

Neoliberalism has a direct effect on the agriculture sectors of several countries, especially third world countries. From the ‘Berg report’ of the world bank, we learned that Neoliberalism was a key factor for unstable pricing in agro-commodities, especially rice in the west African markets from 2007 till now. 

The market was so unpredictable that it saw a 203% peak spike, averaging 150%, and went down to baseline after a short delay. But it did not bring any advantage to the farmers, the producers. Although Australia is not a third world country, a similar pattern was observed there. In the end, the farmers became ‘price takers’ rather than ‘price makers.’ Not only that, Neoliberalism caused changes in food sovereignty in many West African countries. The difference was so significant that those countries’ governments had to research for years to introduce new policies in the agricultural sectors; some are still struggling. 

Neoliberalism also brought problems in exporting commodities as some of the first world countries overproduce in such manners that importers have little bargaining options. 

Neoliberalism and The GMO: the dark side of organic industries :

Neoliberalism and The GMO: the dark side of organic industries
Genetically modified organism is one of the greatest problems of neoliberal industries; countercurrents.com

The Genetically modified organism or GMO was introduced to bring about positive changes in human lives. But thoughts of neoliberalism have perverted this concept. Now, GMOs have become a weapon for neoliberalism.

Monsanto is widely accepted as a notorious organization to have adopted the policy. It is said that the company is deliberately creating GMOs that are contaminating the environment, immoral as a business company, and poisonous for the consumers. Speculations are spread that the company is politically backed us, which are known as strong supporters of neoliberalism.

The policy is strictly business-oriented, and profit is the only concern. Sure their system made them climb a few extra steps in the stock market run, but it is every bit evil as it both immoral and unethical.

There are other examples of such company which are backed by neoliberalism. But since it is so well established, others will take their place if companies like Monsanto are sued.

Neoliberalism emphasizes Climate change and refugee problems :

Neoliberalism emphasizes mass production, huge profit, significant growth for companies. It is not concerned about any other things, not even the fate of humanity or the earth. 

Neoliberalism emphasizes Climate change and refugee problems
Climate change will be the prime cause to create huge refugees in future; helprefugees.com

This is a silent cause of climate change. Research shows that the burden of 70% carbon emission since the late ’80s falls for only a hundred companies worldwide. Carbon and other gases that are responsible for climate change are mostly emitting from modern production procedures. Not only that, but supporters of neoliberalism are also restricting eco-friendly measures for the sake of their business and profits as they mostly restrict the practices of neoliberalism passively.                    

Neoliberalism is truly retro-active for refugee problems. That means they are not supporting the refugee system, not even concerned about eliminating it. When needed, the supporters work as so-called philanthropists, but not doing enough to reduce the problems.

Neoliberalism climate change : Can Individualism Fight Natural Disasters?

Neoliberalism climate change Can Individualism Fight Natural Disasters?
Individualism can’t fight; it can only make things worst about climate change; ensia.com

Individualism has little to do with climate change. The role of the individual to fight climate change is even smaller. Some scholars believe it is a con idea for neoliberal supporters. Scientists agree that disasters are more frequent from the 60s than ever, just after modern production procedures are well established. Carbon emission, pollution are factors for occurring these disasters.
When individualism is not the cause behind them, rather mass production is; how is individualism supposed to fight them alone?
Also, the countermeasures to lessen climate change are restricted by neoliberalism in many cases; in other cases, they are not followed. Individualism can con the general public or satisfy the neoliberalists but does not do any good in climate change.

Neoliberalism and privatization: Privatizing the wildlife is probably one of the worst outcomes of neoliberalism:

Anyone can ask what the limit of private property in general is. It varies in many ways. Neoliberalism has opened a completely different stage for privatizing the things that were thought to be public properties. This unique way triggered new degrees of climate change and ecological damage. 

Neoliberalism and privatization
Privatizing the wildlife is probably one of the worst outcomes of neoliberalism; tnwf.org

Let’s think about the case of the dominant nation of the world. From the 19th century, US policy was to remove indigenous people from their land. Settlers took these lands and began to capture the wild lives, mines, and water sources. 

And neoliberalism started a new wave of privatization, which made a question mark on public ownership. 

In the state of Montana, private hunting has become a crucial phenomenon for eco-workers and wildlife saviors. State and national policies help this hunting to promote money earning industries. Not only that, but the limit of private ranching has also been widened on a large scale. The policymakers of the US don’t bother about the ecology and climate at all.

Not only wildlife but water has also become an excellent factor for the neoliberal playground. From the 1970s, water supply began to become a private commodity in the UK and the USA. The traditional view of public property can’t work here in the water sector as a social phenomenon. In the 80s British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher gave all of the water management to private sectors. When she was asked about the social sequences, she replied that there was no such thing named society!

Neoliberalism and carbon footprint:

We often hear that the whole human race is responsible for the dangerous effects of climate change. Well, it sounds excellent and accountable. But the total truth is not that simple. Today, liberal thinkers promote the ultimate freedom of humankind. Still, the earth state seems to be against human liberty in any respect.
When neoliberalism began, it promoted rapid privatization and shortening of government spending on public welfare. As a result, healthcare, economic safeguard, and education sector experienced hindrance.

Here an interesting thing happened. Although the pioneers of neoliberalism promote the shortening of state power, they also demand subsidies from governments.

For example, the US government provides support for the research of fossil fuel technology. This incident shows that without market centrism, it has no ethics at all.
So, it can be understood easily that blaming the whole human race is a policy taken by neoliberalism actors.

In 2018, China and the USA became top countries that produce massive Carbon Dioxide by the industrial process. Yet, the developed countries haven’t changed their policy of gaining economic profits without replacing neoliberalism; it’s tough to reduce carbon emissions collectively.

What is Green Liberalism: Is it Possible alternative order of neoliberalism?

Can neoliberalism get rid of absolute property, right? Can a state be liberal on politics and eco-friendly on the economy? Isn’t it possible that politics and the economy will fight against each other if it’s done?

Green Liberalism
Marcel Wissenburg founder of green liberalism, thinks that green earth is possible with a liberal view; wissenburg.ni

Green liberalism deals with practicing liberalism with a climate-concern way of behaving politically and economically. Marcel Wissenburg, thinks that environmental issues should not be placed under profit-making by means of economy. A question can be asked whether a proper environment-friendly economy can be run under liberalism or not. The answer is not that easy. And it’s not the matter of only the environment—our lifestyle, outlook towards animal and plant lives, indigenous people and consumption system. Society has to be enabled to work here. Only the state and economy can’t make worse things better.

Final thought :

From the dawn of civilization, humankind faced many distinct types of difficulties. Human nature has been adapting different ideas and their applications to solve problems. Thus, human societies have evolved from cave dwellers to modern city dwellers.

Although we the human beings ruling the world, we are also responsible for many disasters on the planet. Humankind creates doctrines, but doctrines become traps that make human lives miserable. Not only is that sometimes traditions designed to achieve a foolish profit, which takes away millions of lives. In this article, we shall experience how doctrines like Neoliberalism oppress people with good-looking disguises.

Society, economy, and states are significant examples of human activities in different senses. Interestingly, human beings run these organizations, but we somehow believe that these run automatically by the rules of some invisible hands. In the name of free trade and business, demonic industries capture human activities of social, economic, and political categories. These are being taken way in the name of liberating the individual.
This individualism, in the name of neoliberalism, is making the environment unworthy of living.
Again, neoliberalism climate change is taking away nature out of the reach of ordinary people. Without empowering society with a holistic view of the nature-centric way, humankind’s future can’t be saved.

References

  • Heynen, McCarthy, Prudham, Robbins (2007); Neoliberal Environments: False promises and unnatural consequences
  • Nelson (2017); Neoliberal environments: Crisis, counterrevolution, and the nature of value
  • McCarthy, Prudham (2003) Neoliberal nature and the nature of neoliberalism
  • Rebecca Lave (2012); Neoliberalism and the production of environmental knowledge
  • Harvey (2005); History of Neoliberalism
  • Toke (2000); Green Politics and Neoliberalism
  • Jones, Miller, Montoya, Zhang, Barrero (2017) What is Negotiated? The Effects of Neoliberal Capitalism on Farmers
  • Adams (?); Sleeping with the enemy? Biodiversity conservation, corporations and the green economy
  • globalpolicy.org
  • indiegogo.com

New Hope!!Bioplastic jute poly bag-The next big thing! Scientist Invents Biodegradable Plastic bag from jute!!

3

Jute out the polyethylene!!! Isn’t it sound interesting? Yes, Sonali bag is the breakthrough!
Bangladeshi Scientist Invents Bioplastic jute poly bag Made From Jute!!
In an age where plastic and artificial products are rampant in everyday use, scientists and modern-day innovators have been on edge trying to find an alternative. While developed nations have spent millions of dollars in research and formulation of such a material, a revolutionary finding in Bangladesh has taken the world by storm.

The Sonali bags- bags made off of jute polymers, are 100 percent biodegradable and capable of your everyday polyethylene bags for a more eco-friendly and responsible lifestyle.
The bioplastic jute bags are entirely recyclable. After buried in soil, within three months, it started the decomposition process.
Yes! You read it right. Shopping plastic bags made off of Jute.
Let’s dive deeper into this surprising discovery- from finding out how it came into being and the possibilities of eco-friendly, Biodegradable green packaging, and the challenges this innovation faces.

Bioplastic jute poly bag- The Plastic Bag that Decomposes

Bioplastic jute poly bag The Plastic Bag that Decomposes
Bioplastic jute poly bag The Plastic Bag that Decomposes. SOURCE: Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka Tribune

 

In this era of sustainable development and green technology, why should even the smallest things in life lag behind? We already have pioneers leading the concept of making every part of our lives eco-friendly.

If we want to lead an eco-friendly life, we need to cover every small aspect, from dress to even our bags.  Because everything is interrelated, would you spend 100 dollars on healthy food and then save 1 dollar by not going for a biodegradable plastic bag?

WAIT?

What? Biodegradable and Plastic?

Yes, you read it right. Every minute, around one million artificial bags are being used the world over, and in Europe, these bags are created 3.4 million tons in a year. Everyday European use around 500 plastic bags for a year that takes 100s of years to decay and defiles the earth and debilitating many living organisms.

Also, the circumstance is no better at home. Regardless of getting banned in 2002, polythene has figured out how to stay in the Bangladeshi markets as makers, wholesalers, providers, and buyers keep utilizing polythene bags aimlessly. While the administration offices guarantee the supported use originates from an absence of awareness and choices, specialists guarantee the genuine explanation is an absence of the boycott’s requirement.

Well, a fantastic option has shown up, and it has been created in no created country; however, here in our Bangladesh. Sonali bags are a biodegradable bioplastic option compared to plastic bags, especially polythene bags, produced in Bangladesh by Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan. Bangladeshi researcher-developed jute poly bag employing jute cellulose that is bio-degradable and bio-plastic, which is an alternative for the traditional poly bag. It will play a substantial role in the ecosystem, air, soil, and sea contamination and the chance to preserve the goodwill of Bangladeshi Jute in the international market.

Significance of Bioplastic jute poly bag (Sonali Bags)

The waste generated from polyethylene bags and products because of inconsiderate practice and careless disposal of waste has become a significant ecological and health risk. The artificial recycling industry in Bangladesh consists of only 200 companies claiming to be collecting and recycling about 70% of the plastic waste created in the country.

Unluckily the remaining 30% still sums to about 17,000 tonnes per annum. A majority of this waste gets trapped in the sewers of the major cities. Stuck in the pipes and drains, especially of capital Dhaka and the second-largest city Chittagong, this plastic waste has caused the drainage systems to clog repeatedly.

UN-Habitat states that Dhaka is the world’s most crowded city, with 44,500 people active in each square kilometer. More are added every day, specifically from coastal areas, as people are forced out of their homes due to sea-level rise and increased salinity intrusion, concerns of climate change.

This is where comparably, the effectiveness of Sonali bags and their biodegradable properties genuinely shine.

Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan, currently acting as the Chief Scientific Officer at Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation, took six years to accomplish the process. His challenging work has opened fresh out of the box new roads for Jute, also known as the golden fiber. Despite being biodegradable, the polymer is water and air resistant.

Simultaneously, its texture is nearly equivalent to polythene bags. Specialists said across-the-board advertising and accessibility of Sonali Bag will help lessen the utilization of hurtful polythene bags, advance environment-friendly packaging, definitely cut import of biodegradable bags and polythene bags, and bring in huge foreign currency from exports.

Likewise, the administration will urge private business visionaries to create jute bags to fulfill the immense need at home and abroad. Jute poly bag is an ingenious just as a value-added item that assists with gaining market share.

Economies of scale help through large scale manufacturing and limiting overhead expenses to expand benefit. Then again, information on exporting diversified jute products (JDP) in the global market will assist with keeping up supply chain proficiency. In conclusion, the accessible crude materials underway popular will likewise assist with increasing monetary scale in items and activities lastly to gain market share of the overall industry.

Polyethylene bags are the most well-known plastic bags that are produced using unrefined petroleum and gaseous petrol. Both oil and gas are nonrenewable sources, implying that they are in limited stock. Despite what might be expected, Jute is natural and renewable as needed to ensure fresh air and environment. 

There are a couple of options of plastic poly bags that is, Jute, cotton, canvas, non-woven, and bamboo bags, which are a more secure option in contrast to plastic bags, yet all do not comfort as a plastic bag being used for bringing fluids and wrapping wet foods. Be that as it may, Bangladeshi researchers have found a polybag substitute and similar quality in ideal time. The promising news is that scientists had already been able to produce bioplastic jute poly bag from algae have a substantially positive impact, rather than corn uses to create bio-plastic.

Who Invent The Bioplastic Jute Poly Bag “Sonali Bag”?? – The Bangladeshi mind behind it

Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan Invent The Bioplastic Jute Poly Sonali Bag
Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan Invent The Bioplastic Jute Poly Sonali Bag

Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan is a Bangladeshi researcher who has been researching since 1990 to make and use Jute’s business uses and potential outcomes. As indicated by the science-based research database, Scopus, he is viewed as the leading researcher in Jute’s study around the world.

He is now filling in as the Chief Biological Advisor of Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC). Among his numerous disclosures are Sonali bag, jutin, head protectors, and tiles, all of which are produced using Jute.

Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan developed Jute’s made composite in 2009, which is known as Jutin. He used to blend Jute in with polymer for the creation of jutin. In 2016, he made non-hazardous proteins as an option in contrast to destructive formalin for the human body. As of late, he has made an environment-friendly Sonali bag from Jute, which is currently being industrially made. He likewise developed various basic things with Jute

The Jute Polymer Is the Main Component of Sonali bag :

The bag is made of off Jute polymer, and it has a comparative quality of polythene bag that is 100% eco-friendly, recyclable, and will be amalgamated with soil inside 3 – 4 months.

The Jute Polymer Is the Main Component of Sonali bag
The Jute Polymer Is the Main Component of Sonali bag. source: textiletoday

Principle compound ingredients are Jute cellulose, Synthetic polymer as a binder (biodegradable), and Cross-linker for concoction response. Jute holds about 72% – 75% cellulose, and a half – 55% could be extricated. The bag looks like a polyethylene bag but isn’t. Strength is also one and a half times more than a polyethylene bag, 100% eco-friendly, sustainable, recyclable, and will be interspersed with soil within only 3-4 months where polyethylene took even 200 years. Used colors are also food grade.

  • Jute cellulose
  • Synthetic polymer as binder (biodegradable)
  • Cross-linker for chemical reaction

For delivering the polymer, the first cellulose is extricated from jute fiber. The cellulose experiences surface modification to prompt water dissolvability. At that point, it is mixed with a biodegradable binder and dissolved in warm water to make a sticky solution. 

At long last, the polymer arrangement is poured into a casting tray and permitted to air dry at 40 degrees Celsius and 40 percent relative moistness. The biodegradable sheets are then freed from the casting tray, and the bags are made by conventional sealing.

Challenges Ahead Of Bioplastic Jute Poly Bag “Sonali Bag”

So what’s holding us back from using Sonali Bags then?

The item is yet to be industrially possible with its expense of generation at present twofold that of polythene. This outcome in a higher selling cost. It is one and a half times gradually costly to deliver jute polymer bags than polythene bags; expenses could be diminished if generation was scaled-up. 

Challenges Ahead Of Bioplastic Jute Poly Bag
Challenges Ahead Of Bioplastic Jute Poly Bag

As the item is recently innovated and still in the production phase, the details of usefulness, customer acceptance, quality of the product, and final production capacities to meet demand are not yet tried. One of the immense difficulties is lacking information to gauge and figure future versatility. In the future, the research could be led on client acknowledgment and ecological viability of recently contributed poly bags and on the most proficient method to get the inclusion of SMEs in the bioplastic industry to reinforce the outright preferred position. In contrast, massive ventures and research required contrasted with the traditional plastic industry. In the ordinary plastic industry, numerous SMEs are associated with creation and advertising; however, SME’s contribution is a significant test in the bioplastic industry. 

Since numerous past developments couldn’t support in the market on account of the substantial expense, it is a significant test for this ‘Jute Poly Bag’ to keep the value sensible and plausible for the mass individuals. The designer of this bag, Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan, is expecting when it goes into large-scale manufacturing, the cost will be within reach of individuals. The principle crude material that implies Jute is accessible in Bangladesh, and that is why he trusts that the price will be sensible. The price will rely upon factors like-

•           Availability and cost of crude materials

•           Cost of apparatuses

•           Process cost

•           Bank advance and different offices from govt. and so on.

Possibilities Ahead Of Sonali Bag:

Now that we have the technicalities covered let’s look at the immense opportunities ahead for Sonali bags.

The Strength of Bangladesh, one of the utmost Jute producing countries globally, farmers are well skilled in producing high-quality Jute. The newly created jute poly bag is a value-added product that will help increase the global market share. We also found that the core players are PLA producing countries, but making PLA (Ploy lactide acid, Corn starch) is costly.

That’s why many start-up companies were not capable of sustaining in the long run in the past. Still, some organizations are producing & marketing worldwide by getting help from the government and environmentalists.

There are monopolistic markets for Jute poly bags and insignificant risk of a substitute and trading power of suppliers and consumers through the competitive study. That will not affect any more due to world demand and supply, which is still a far way to get equilibrium.

Bangladesh has sufficient knowledge in exporting jute & readymade garments worldwide for a long time, especially in the European Union, where she gets duty-free export opportunities mostly in all products.

Experts suggest focusing on the EU to get cost leadership in the known markets at an initial phase. Experts also suggest concentrating on the Asian market, especially in India and China through this market will be competitive in the near future due to corn starch production resources’ availability.

There is forecasted that China will be a leader in Asia as well as the world market in producing corn starch. Most of the currently planned volume production facilities are being implemented in Thailand, India, and China, and over 1/3 quarters of bioplastics will be produced in Asia by 2022. Branding and marketing through international media and more participation in international trade fair demonstrate the benefits and usefulness.

Final thought of Bioplastic jute poly bag “sonali bag”

This is an astounding achievement, and the possibilities of its environmental impact and its economic impact are endless. Bangladesh truly has the opportunity to capitalize on this invention and incentivize the use of Sonali bags and while marketing an eco-friendly product.

The global packaging industry is an industry the concerned authorities might consider looking at. Bangladesh was one of the pioneer nations to boycott the utilization of plastic and polythene bags, in 2002, with an end goal to stop them from gathering inland and ashore. However, the boycott has had little achievement.

Today above 60 nations – from China to France – have prohibited the bags in probably a few districts or urban areas, Mr. Khan said.

As the bans extend, over 100 Bangladeshi and worldwide firms are investigating utilizing the new jute-based shopping bags, Mr. Khan said. The bag will probably have “colossal interest far and wide,” said Sabuj Hossain, Director of Dhaka-based fare firm Eco Bangla Jute Limited.

A few years from now, when you go shopping and hand you your goods in anything but the Bioplastic jute poly bag “Sonali bag”, be smart. Ask for them. Apart from all the environmental and patriotic reasons, it’s more substantial than the regular polyethylene bags.

Bioplastic Jute Poly Bag “Sonali Bag” is the finest example of a sustainable alternative eco-friendly consequence. In this modern era, we always welcome such kind of sustainable, earth-friendly invention. If you like this piece of article, please share it and stay tuned to our blog!!

References:

https://www.textiletoday.com.bd

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319298055_Bangladesh_Invented_Bioplastic_Jute_Poly_Bag_and_International_Market_Potentialshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mubarak_Ahmad_Khan

https://www.daily-sun.com/arcprint/details/381961/Jute-%E2%80%98poly-bags%E2%80%99-to-hit-market-in-2-months/2019-04-02

https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/forget-polythene-1559578

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319298055_Bangladesh_Invented_Bioplastic_Jute_Poly_Bag_and_International_Market_Potentials

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2019/12/07/how-are-banned-polythene-bags-still-in-the-market

https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/2018/04/09/plastic-chokes-dhakas-drainage/

Why it’s crucial to understand the fill factor of solar cell? How it’s affecting the efficiency of PV cells?

Is it tough to understand the fill factor of solar cells? And is it essential to know the Fill factor and Efficiency of a solar cell? 

The answer is: No!! It isn’t hard, but it’s imperative to understand if you want to know how tot  improve a solar cell’s efficiency??

Understanding the Fill Factor and Optimizations of Solar Cell Efficiency isn’t inflexible enough if you have enough time to read this piece of article. This article is full of the Fill factor and Efficiency of the solar cell.

With the continued rise in global warming and shrink in the fossil fuel mix, the purpose of alternative energy resources is becoming more and more pressing. 

Throughout this article, I have emphasized the fill factor of solar cell, how they behave, impact, and the factors affecting solar cells Efficiency.

A solar photovoltaic(PV) cell can convert light energy to electric energy in certain semiconductor materials such as Silicon, Gallium, etc. 

Realizing a more significant potential from only a fraction of solar irradiation necessitates examining the solar PV module performance parameters. The fill factor (FF), open-circuit voltage (VOC), and short-circuit current (ISC) are three significant vital parameters.  

Maximizing all three parameters is essential for an efficient operation.

  1. The fill factor (FF).
  2. Open-circuit voltage (VOC).
  3. Short-circuit current (ISC).

A sound understanding of the technicalities of the factors is essential for cost-effective performance. 

Let’s get started with the Fill factor and Efficiency of solar cells and their definition and formula and assess the limiting nature in different circumstances.

Let’s deep dive!!

What is the meaning of Fill factor and efficiency of solar cell?

Fill factor meaning with formula:

The Fill Factor (FF) is typically a measure of the Efficiency of a solar PV module.

FF is the ratio of maximum power (Pmax) to the product of VOC & ISC, i.e.:

Fill-factor-Formula

It is the ratio of the actual highest achievable power.

Here,

  • Open Circuit Voltage (VOC): The highest voltage that a solar PV panel can generate (under standard testing conditions). As there is no load connected on the output circuit, no current produces.

 

  • Short Circuit Current (ISC): The highest current solar PV panel can generate (under standard testing conditions). As the panel’s wires are directly connected, i.e., short-circuited, no voltage produces.
Fill Factor Diagram
Formula of fill factor-Fill factor diagram

The maximum power (Pmax) occurs when the current and voltage combinations result in the most significant power.

It neither occurs at open circuit conditions (VOC) nor short circuit conditions (ISC).

As at ISC, the voltage is ideally zero, and at VOC, the current in the cell is too considered to be ideally zero.

Hence, Pmax does not occur at max current; rather, it befalls at a particular current (IMPP), which is less than ISC.

Similarly, Pmax does not occur at max voltage; rather, it befalls at a particular voltage (VMPP), which is less than VOC.

Thus,                               

Pmax = VMPP x IMPP

Here, VMPP & IMPP is the Voltage and Current respectively at the Maximum Power Point on the current (I) vs. voltage (V) curve (i.e., IV curve).

The Fill Factor of Solar Cells:

  • The Fill factor (FF) of a solar PV module is usually about 80% for silicon cells.
  • And solar cells made from GaAs can give a maximum FF of 89%.

Efficiency of Solar Cell:


The Efficiency of a solar cell is a determination of a solar panel’s power-producing capacity.

It is the ratio of the highest power to the input power.

efficiency of solar cell formula

Here, Pmax is the highest power that a solar PV panel can generate under standard testing conditions

Fill Factor and Efficiency of Solar Cell
Fill Factor and Efficiency of Solar Cell

And, Pin is the solar radiation i.e., the radiant energy emitted from the sun.

Generally, there are three varieties of solar panels, namely,

  1. Monocrystalline,
  2. Polycrystalline, and
  3. Thin-film.

The conversion efficiency of the three solar types varies due to their construction material and techniques.

Solar Type

Construction

Efficiency (%))

i. Monocrystalline

Pure Silicon

20

ii. Polycrystalline

Fragments of the Silicon Crystal Melted Together

15 – 17

iii. Thin-Film

Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), Amorphous Silicon (a-Si), and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) or with any such mix from a variety of materials

11 (approximately)

 

  • Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Their manufacturing material is pure silicon. They are the most expensive and most efficient as well. Monocrystalline solar panels can reach over 20 % efficiency.

 

  • Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Their construction technique is slightly different from the other even though the manufacturing material is silicon. Fragments of the silicon crystal melted together to manufacture Polycrystalline Solar Panels.

The purpose of developing a polycrystalline solar panel was to reduce the cost, yet it became less effective too.

It can generally reach 15 – 17 % efficiency.

This efficiency gap between the above two panels may reduce soon with the ever-improving technology

  • Thin-Film Solar Panels: The thin-film panel’s unique characteristic is that it often employs different materials(other than silicon) in the manufacturing process.

A thin-film solar panel can be made from cadmium telluride (CdTe), amorphous silicon (a-Si), and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) or with any such mix from a variety of materials.

The Efficiency of a thin-film solar panel is the minimum (approximately 11%) among the three types of solar panels.

Difference between the Efficiency and the Fill Factor in a solar cell :

 

Fill Factor of Solar Cell
Fill Factor and Efficiency of Solar Cell

 

Efficiency

 

Fill Factor

 

i. It is the ratio of the highest power that a solar PV panel can generate under standard testing conditions to the input power

 

 

i. It is the ratio of maximum power to the theoretical power.

ii. efficiency formula table       

 

ii.    fill factor formula

 

iii.    You can maximize a solar PV       panel’s Efficiency through an increased Fill Factor (FF), VOC, and ISC.

efficiency solar formula

 

 

iii.  The maximum achievable power (theoretical) depends on several factors, such as the silicon type employed to build solar PV modules. Any deviation from the anticipated value in Fill Factor could be evidence of the module being faulty.

 

Factors Affecting the Efficiency of a PV Cell:

The profound dependency on fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas, etc.) to generate electricity has led us to quite an uncertain future.

We can fulfill the ever-increasing power requirement with an alternative energy source with attributes such as resourcefulness, durability, etc.

An all-out inspection of the factors that may contribute to the PV cell’s lack of Efficiency is now increasingly relevant.

Let’s dig deep into the impacts of such factors-

1. Fill Factor: In between two solar PV panels, the one with a lower magnitude of Fill Factor will accomplish less Efficiency than the other one.

2. Solar Spectra and Temperature: Solar spectra and temperature affect the Efficiency of a PV panel.

A solar PV panel generates electricity by employing rays of the sunlight. However, it decreases Efficiency with increasing irradiance.

Suppose a solar PV panel’s temperature goes beyond the limit of an optimum or operating amount of temperature.

In that case, the overheated solar PV panel causes a drop in the VOC and ISC, followed by a decrease in Efficiency.

 

3. The Light Intensity: The light intensity affects the fill factor (FF) significantly. Hence, Efficiency is affected by the variation of illumination intensity.

  • The FF increases for irradiation less than 500 watts/ m2 (low irradiation)
  • The FF decreases for irradiation greater than 500 watts/ m2 (high irradiation).

Similarly,

  • The Efficiency increases logarithmically for irradiation less than 400 watts/m2 (low irradiation)
  • Yet, the Efficiency neither decreases nor increases for irradiation more than 400 watts/m2 (high irradiation).

 

4. Dust accumulation: Dust accumulation density on a solar PV panel’s surface deteriorates the quality and fill factor of s solar cell.

  • A solar PV module’s output can be decreased by 20 % after a single dust storm and 50% in over six months.

According to another research, a solar PV module’s output can be decreased by 35 % in a month in a tropical climate.

How to Improve the Efficiency of a Solar Cell:

Let’s face it, the photo conversion technique of a solar PV panel needs to be improved to achieve significant progress and to illustrate extraordinary growth as an alternative source of energy.

Shall we check out some of the hacks to crack the Efficiency?

  1. To mitigate the effects of environmental factors (humidity or dust accumulation), you must examine the respective geographical location before installing a solar PV system.
  2. To obtain a more significant performance, you must expand the optimizing considerations according to the versatile climates.
  3. Rather than employing the generalized technique of installing a solar PV system, factors such as dominant wind directions or mounting angle need to be considered. 
  4. As the solar cell efficiency decreases with increased cell temperature (due to the thermal degradation of the solar cell), you must keep the surface of a solar panel at an optimum temperature.
  5. You can reduce the overheating phenomenon of a solar PV panel by air- or water-cooling techniques.
  6. You can utilize the characteristics of an anti-reflecting material to improve a solar PV panel’s performance.

Why Can’t Solar Cells Reach 100 Percent Efficiency :

  • Solar cells cannot reach 100% efficiency as the solar spectrum puts out photons with a broad range of energies. Only for the specified spectral ranges of semiconductor materials can light energy be recovered as electrical energy. The theoretical maximum efficiency is 33.7

 

  • The energy conversion process can’t complete at 100% due to the intrinsic resistive or optical losses. When the light energy is reflected and scattered or converted to hit energy, it prevents the vast energy source’s total use.

 

Final thought of Fill factor of solar cell :

A substantial understanding of the system is crucial. We can select an appropriate module and make an effort to ensure maximum power generation from the PV panel. One way to increase the efficiency is to concentrate on putting the PV cell in a suitable position considering the ambient conditions.

Dust accumulation results in the decline of the solar cell’s fill factor. It is a measure of how closely a solar cell acts as an ideal source (under standard testing conditions). Restricting the dust pile up and the concentration of dew on the PV panel will increase the efficiency of a PV module. 

The sources of energy reserves are limited in nature, and adequate technologies to mine coal and extract oil or natural gas are yet to be realized. A generous margin needs to enhance solar cell performance to establish a sustained and secure renewable energy-dependent scenario.

The fill factor of solar cell with in the PV panel should be maximized. Concentrate intensively on the factors affecting solar panel efficiency. The installment site should be devoid of any shading infrastructure. The solar PV panels must be within such an environment where no dense accumulation of dust or dirt is possible.

References:

  1. Effect of illumination intensity on solar cells parameters” by M. Chegaar, A. Hamzaoui, A. Namoda, P. Petit, M. Aillerie, and A. Herguth
  2. “Effect of dust accumulation on the power outputs of solar Photovoltaic Modules” by Muhammed J. Adinoyi, Syed A.M. Said
  3. “Effects of Natural Dust on the Performance of PV Panels in Bangladesh” by Md.Mizanur Rahman, Md. Aminul Islam, A.H.M. Zadidul Karim, and Asraful Haque Ronee