It is a misconception that it is difficult to lead an eco-friendly life. Applying some Eco tactics or small and easy green steps in your daily activities can bring big changes in this world. We listed down significant but small steps you can take towards an eco-friendly living, which we call ‘green or sustainable practices.’ You will also find excellent and effective ecofriendly ways to reduce your carbon footprint in this world that we compiled for you.
Begin your eco-friendly green sustainable lifestyle with all our tips, and you’ll be proud of yourself being a responsible human being with good environmental ethics. Take time to read through about go eco-friendly living, ways to reduce carbon footprint, green or sustainable practices, eco-friendly living, Eco tactics to lead an eco-friendly life.
Does Eco-friendly Living Seem Difficult To Cope With? Maybe You Should Think Once More!
Does Eco-friendly Living Seem Difficult To Cope With? Maybe You Should Think Once More!
Every person wants to breathe fresh, live in harmony with the green world. When it comes to contributing individually, we are generally very busy or reluctant because we find it challenging to find ways to go eco-friendly.
It is high time we give back to our mother nature as our resources are very scarce. We are running out of fossil fuels, witnessing global warming as a part of massive international economic development at the cost of industrial pollution. However, that does not mean we have nothing to do in our lifestyle.
Going eco-friendly means avoiding extravagant lifestyles, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting green practices in our daily lives. If we want, it’s not difficult to lead an eco-friendly life. Some people may ask you ‘Why do you need to bother so much?’; you can refer to him the famous quote given by Alanis Obomsawin “When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money.”
Adopting some green practices and tricks you can easily cope with this phenomenal concepts.
Eco tactics and Sustainable Green Practices you can adapt very easily
1. Avoid ‘vampire power’ :
You may have a misconception on the standby mode of devices using less electricity, but this is not true. They consume electricity even if they powered down, and this is called vampire power. In the U.S alone, vampire power drains up energy worth 19$ billion every year. So, unless you are using devices, keep them unplugged.
2.Go Cycling!
Encourage your family to go cycling when travelling places nearby. Drive less to reduce fossil fuel emissions from your car every time you move.
3.Public Transports are saviors!
In U.s, public transports save 37 million tons of CO2 emissions every year. You can always reduce emissions from your lifestyle by using public transports and discourage private cars.
4.Sales and Offers are not always good
Running after-sales and offers without looking at your wardrobe? That’s bad! ‘Fast Fashion’ refers to retailers approaching you with trendy outfits and products at reasonable prices with different lucrative ads. You may not think twice about replacing the old ones and throwing away, but that’s certainly a waste of resources. Also remember, that product you are throwing away, came to you at the cost of child labor, chemical runoff into water bodies, GHG emissions from the factory it was made in. So, it’s better to adopt reusable clothing and cloth swaps among family and friends.
5.Don’t let your city turn into Urban Heat Islands
Due to excessive buildings and lack of green, urban areas experience a rise in temperature leading to heat traps that we can call urban heat islands. You can always plant gardens around your house or do rooftop gardening as a relief to your city. Your children will surely love the greens, flowers and fruits while they learn gardening as wel
6.Initiate Community Environmental Steps
Tired of seeing people being irresponsible towards nature while you are doing everything alone? Go for community initiatives like cleaning up the area, setting up bins in the locality or conducting awareness campaigns about littering and pollution among school-going children and many more. You can also donate to environmentally friendly organizations. Be the change
7.Low-Flow Fixtures are amazing!
We surely want a relaxing shower or bath every day, not worrying about anything else. This is when low-flow fixtures in your bathroom can give you the relaxation simultaneously; making you economical with water conservation.
8. Always go for 5rs of waste management rules.
Don’t forget the golden rules of The 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.
How Eco friendly practices and tricks helps to reduce the individual carbon footprint:
The best thing you can do for the environment is by acting individually. If we all think the same way, then 7.7 billion people will respond. While contributing from your own family, you can personally adopt green practices in your daily life, and thus, carbon footprint reduces. Reducing carbon footprint means reducing the resource consumption from this world directly or indirectly based on your lifestyle. Let’s check a few tips on how you can do this:
How Eco friendly practices and tricks helps to reduce individual carbon footprint
Cover up pans with lids while cooking; food heats up faster by saving heat energy.
2. Leather products come to you at the cost of animal cruelty. Avoid leather.
3. One ton of paper towel comes at the expense of 20 trees and 20,000 gallons of water. You can use reusable dish towels instead.
4. Save the peels of fruits and vegetables for organic compost for your rooftop gardening! It will save money for buying compost, giving you a good quality of compost.
5. Most bar soaps are packaged in cardboard anyways, so using bar soaps instead of liquefied soaps packaged in plastic is a green practice to.
6. Carry your own shopping bag instead of taking a lot of plastic bags from different shops while you go shopping
7. Avoid buying single-use plastics or over-packaged products while you buy your daily essentials. Carry your own water bottle, metal or pasta straw and your own cup of tea to reduce the use of plastics. You can reduce the demand for plastics, thus controlling supply on the other side.
8. LED bulbs use 80% less energy than normal ones. LED bulbs use 80% less energy than normal ones. You can get LED bulbs for energy-efficient of your home.
9. Old gas and oil boilers take up excess fuel. Consider changing yours if they are 15 years or more.
10. Buy products that are cruelty, free and natural. Toxic chemicals are harmful for you too and we all need to care about animals!
11. A single return flight from London to New York emits a quarter of an average person’s annual emissions. Reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the number of trips, if possible.
12. Avoid littering for the rest of your lives because the litter can pollute waterbodies and even choke animals to death without letting you know.
14. Teach your children not to mistreat stray animals and teach them animal ethics. Go for eco parenting. Raise your children ecofriendly way and live eco life.
Here are many ways how you can contribute to a greener world. Many organizations along with many big giant companies already start their green journey to adopting some green strategy which are completely environmentally friendly. You can applying some cool simple eco tactics to promote these too, a point is, not being pressured to this world just because the world gives us so much to live with. Just like being compassionate towards family, it is helpful to be compassionate towards animals and natural resources to love in harmony, as we discussed in this write-up. There are many more ways. Do share with us your ideas.
Here you can find some elaborate, simple tips on Greening Offices ideas, activities, and initiatives to boost your working productivity without damaging the environment. These actionable greening offices tips can reduce your office carbon footprint dramatically and make your workplace more eco-friendly. Even lot of big companies already start their corporate social responsibility (CSR) for urging their sustainable environmentally friendly goal.
So stay tuned to this article…..
Feel free to create a sustainability team for your office. Information dissemination and discussion are essential.
Digitalize to go paperless.
Treat the office with indoor plants. You can bring some of the indoor plants of NASA recommendation. Those proven to be beneficial in multidisciplinary ways.
Go for Biophilic office design. Go for the innate urge to connect with nature. Treat your office with vertical hydroponics and green living walls.
Feel free to reduce, reuse & always recycle to achieve realistic Zero waste goals.
Workout on embracing Renewable energy (i.e. solar & wind) to reduce carbon footprint.
Save energy for a sustainable office. It would also save money.
Lay off the thermostat for the greening office. Follow the standard temperature AC settings for less consumption of power.
Embracing Green décor & equipment.
Embrace green office products like LED lights
Emphasize natural lighting.
Inspire to use green commute, carpool, car-sharing, and hybrid/electric cars to save the planet from a large carbon footprint.
Such a sustainable office would bring you an enigmatic Biophilic experience for sure!
Imagine a friendly workplace with a soothing environment – ample sunshine with fresh air. A workstation with breathing space and many shades of greenery plants on the wall. Those calm your eyes just like magic! When you see the outside, you see the morning glory with singing birds, butterflies around the flowering plants, and a green garden with all sizes of trees standing with pride! You sit at your desk and see around a clean, hygiene, and organized interior. The interior portrays a minimalist approach in the choice of furniture, color, and stationaries that only needed. You see the garbage bins where the proper waste management is followed with a mini 3Rs approach.
Green Office Concept : What are the philosophy and rationale to go for Greening in the office?
Greening Office Concept : philosophy and rationale to green in the office
You sip an excellent aromatic tea and start your work with calmness, peace, and joy! And guess what? Such a peaceful state in the office is contagious from employees’ environment and employees to all the colleagues. Such a mild form of the environment creates an enigmatic vibe of positivity, connections, and cooperation. It’s called Green living or Greenism in the office space.
A green office is a place of loving environment where productivity is at its peak. The green office gives the pathway to the mysterious connection between the human and the natural world. In such an office, both humans and the environment do their works holding hand in hand with harmony.
A green office is an opportunity where everyone does their work without any kind of harm and hostility. The little office plant, for say, collects sunlight from the window and continues their process of photosynthesis, where they contain carbon dioxide from office employees. With the exchange of very little care and watering, they gift us ample oxygen. It’s scientifically proven – with ample of oxygenated environment, sustain high productivity in office! Isn’t that enigmatic and magical!
So, what is Meaning Of Greening offices?
So already, you can understand how positively greening reflects an office. Greening an office transforms the office environment into a sustainable one where you can do your job peacefully without harming the environment. You can change your office space and brand image into a more environmentally friendly one in this process. That’s what is called nature’s office. Isn’t it?
You can digitalize & cut off the extra cost in an eco-friendly office by producing less paper-plastic waste with less carbon footprint. And the bonus plus point – the green office is interestingly more productive proven by recent studies. Nature’s office is the smartest one.
Tips for greening offices: Here 12 Actionable green tips for the office:
Feel free to create a sustainability team for your office.
Go for a paperless office.
Treat the office with indoor plants.
Go for Biophilic office design.
Don’t forget about 3RS(recycle) rules to achieve realistic Zero waste goals.
Embracing Renewable energy to reduce carbon footprint.
Save energy for a sustainable office. It would also save money.
Lay off the thermostat for the greening office.
Embracing Green sustainable buildings with Green décor & equipment.
Introduce eco-friendly office appliances and products.
Emphasize natural lighting.
Inspire to use green commute, carpool, car-sharing, and hybrid/electric cars to save the planet from a large carbon footprint.
The eco-friendly office is more efficient than the traditional lean office. You can quickly transform the old cost-cutting & customer-oriented lean office into a greener form.
You can check out the following step by step elaborative tips:
#1. Feel Free To Create a Sustainability Team For Your Office:
“Employees engaging one another is more effective than memos from the top. This group can conduct monthly ‘inspections’ looking at the power/gas meters, amount of office supplies ordered, etc., and keep a record to gauge positive or negative movement.” – said Andrew McCrea, account executive and green team community events chair at Weber Shandwick. (Rayome, 2017)
Feel free to create a sustainability team for your office
If you’re a concerned green leader, you can talk with your management to make a sustainable team. The team can educate other employees during the lunch session. Effective communication on green information can enable –
Less paper waste
Less plastic waste
A good recycling program
Focus on energy-efficient appliances
Inspired to use green furnishing and cleaning supplies
Encourage to use carpool or shared transportation for less carbon imprint.
You can also create monthly green & fun challenges to go green. On a monthly basis for say, you can make a fun competition to go plastic-free during lunchtime. Or you can also ask to bring beautiful indoor plants in the office. And get small cute gifts like a coffee cup to the winner. Isn’t that interesting and innovative?
#Tips 2 for Greening Office: Digitalize to go paperless
Today digital technologies are acting as the global superpower. Those made our world more comfortable and smaller. In this era of Digitalization, we don’t need to be a paper pusher. Digitize will make the office-look more clean and smart. It would limit the piles of documentation and filing cabinets. We can use several digital and other ways to print & photocopy less.
Greening office tips Digitalize to go paperless
Tips to follow-
We can easily use e-mail to send any documents anywhere.
If it’s a must to print, we can automatically print on both sides by installing software like GreenPrint or EcoPrint2.(UrbanMiester, 2020)
You can even choose eco-friendly fonts for printing: Courier or Century Gothic to consume less ink. You are thus making printing faster. This results in less electricity consumed. (UrbanMiester, 2020)
You can use a whiteboard for office circulars and notices.
You can arrange a face-to-face online video conference using Skype, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and many apps. It would also lead to less carbon emission via transportation. It also will save time and unnecessary costs.
Sustainable printing materials could be used. Like recycled paper, printing techniques like embossing, UV Varnish, and cutting lamination. (UrbanMiester, 2020)
E-statements, invoices, and automated online payments would further reduce paper works.
Keynote to consider –
According to the 2014 study conducted by PaperKarma and Catalog Spree,
“If the US alone cuts its office paper use by just 10% by moving to digital, it would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 1.45 million metric tons – the equivalent to taking 280,000 cars off the road for an entire year”, said Vince Digneo, sustainability strategist at Adobe. (Rayome, 2017)
Sounds astonishing, right? We all need to rethink!
#Greening Office tips 3: Treat the office with indoor plants:
Today’s global air quality has almost hit as the worst in the whole human history. Whether you’re working in an office, don’t think the indoor air is fresh. But if there’s a problem, there are always alternatives or solutions. You can simply bring desk plants or wall hydroponics in the office.
source:china.org.cn
From the beginning of human history, it is found that – Humans are Biophilic. That means, according to Edward O. Wilson’s Biophilia hypothesis (1984) – Humans are healthier when they’re connected to nature and other forms of life (Terramai, 2020). So you can now guess, bringing indoor plants with any green design or style will add some extra benefits to all the employees. But it doesn’t mean you’re going to make a jungle in the office.
But a clean air study of NASA (1989) showed that – all plants are not suitable for an office environment. The study was led byDr. B. C. Wolverton identified; there are 29 best air purifying plants. Those plants can effectively clean VOCs, formaldehyde, trichloroethane, benzene, and other pollutants. Magically they replace them with breathable fresh oxygen. (Mashrita, 2019)
Let’s find out what benefits Plants gift us in exchange of only C02 & a little bit of care:
Okay! So watch out the data findings & evidence of having plants in office space.
*They remove up to 87% of VOCs and other toxins every 24 hours. (UrbanMiester, 2020)
*About 13% more ideas in a room with two potted plants and a bouquet of flowers vs. a room with sculptures. (UrbanMiester, 2020)
*Approximately 70% greater attentiveness of students when taught in rooms with plants. (UrbanMiester, 2020)
*The Agricultural University of Norway has found indoor plants decreases the incidence of colds, sore throats, and dry coughs, reducing the sickness rate by more than 60%. (UrbanMiester, 2020)
*New UTS research found –
Tension/Anxiety – 37% reduction
Depression/Dejection – 58% reduction
Anger/Hostility – 44% reduction
Fatigue – 38% reduction. (Mashrita, 2019)
*UK based Researcher Dr. Chris Knight and his fellow psychologists, who actually studied for ten years, decided that employees were 15% more productive when workplaces were filled with just a number of plants. (Mashrita, 2019)
*Scientists from the University of Exeter found –
Increase creativity by 45%
Boost productivity by 38% (Mashrita, 2019)
*Plants placed in spaces with hard surfaces, wood floors, concrete, glass, and marble walls, etc. effectively reduce noise and lessen distraction. (Mashrita, 2019)
*From Cardiff University’s School of Psychology, the Lead researcher Marlon Nieuwenhuis said: “Our research suggests that investing in landscaping the office with plants will pay off through an increase in office workers’ quality of life and productivity.” (University of Exeter, 2014)
It sounds intimidating, right? Let’s check out some of those detoxifying plants NASA recommended. You might find some of them suitable for greening your office.
*Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species of the genus aloe categorized under the plants family Asphodelaceae, it is one of the most astonishing plants which are beneficial for a multitude of complications, and it’s been used for the medicinal cause from ancient times. It is resilient to adverse weather conditions and able to grow in bright light and deserts. It is effective in cleaning benzene and formaldehyde. Below are it’s growing habits and overview as a houseplant: Location – Indoors
Light – Shade, bright light
Watering – Less frequent
Temperature – 15 to 45 degree Celsius
Common names – Aloe, aloe vera, ghritkumari
Botanical name – Aloe barbadensis mill. (Mashrita, 2019)
*Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is one of the most common flowering plants categorized under the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. It was originate to be one of the most actual plants which remove benzene, ammonia, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and several other known pollutants from the air. Below are its growing habits and overview as a houseplant:
Location – Outdoors
Light – Full sun
Watering – Less frequent
Temperature – 5 to 45-degree Celsius
Common names – Daisy, mums, chrysanths, guldawdi, shevanti
Botanical name – Chrysanthemum Indicum. (Mashrita, 2019)
*Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum falls in Asparagaceae plants’ family, native to southern Africa. It is easy-care, elegant, fast-growing, and fashionable houseplant, university’s Cooperative Extension Service cited in a report published tnhat spider plant as one of the top varieties for removing VOCs. Spider plants found to clean formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Below are its growing habits and overview as a houseplant:
Location – Indoors
Light – Shade, artificial light
Watering – Less frequent, water it thoroughly when top one inch is dried
Temperature – 15 to 30-degree celsius
Common names – Spider plant
Botanical name – Chlorophytum Comosum. (Mashrita, 2019)
*Chinese evergreen
Aglaonema is a popular indoor plant that comes from arum plants family Araceae, which is orginated to tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia. There are more than 100 popular varieties, which are very appealing and easy to care for. It is very effective in cleaning benzene and formaldehyde. Below are its growing habits and overview as a houseplant:
Location – Indoors
Light – Shade, artificial light
Watering – Less frequent, water it thoroughly when top one inch is dried
Temperature – 15 to 30-degree celsius.
Common names – Chinese evergreen
Botanical name – Aglaonema Modestum. (Mashrita, 2019)
*Peace Lily
The peace lily is one of the accessible indoor plants categorized under Araceae plant’s family. It was one of the most useful plants which remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene, toluene, and several other known pollutants. Below are its growing habits and overview as a houseplant:
Location – Indoors
Light – Shade, artificial light
Watering – Less frequent
Temperature – 16 to 32-degree celsius
Common names – Spath, closet plants
Botanical name – Spathiphyllum. (Mashrita, 2019)
*Bamboo Palm
The Bamboo palm is one of the 107 species from the genus Chamaedorea categorized under plants’ family Arecaceae, the plant likes to grow under a shade and humid conditions under a tree in rain forests. It is useful in cleaning benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. Below are its growing habits and overview as a houseplant:
Location – Indoors
Light – Shade, artificial light
Watering – Frequent
Temperature – 10 to 35-degree celsius
Common names – Bamboo palm
Botanical name – Chamaedorea seifrizii. (Mashrita, 2019)
*Weeping Fig
Weeping fig is native to Asia that is one of the common multipurpose landscape plants. In natural outdoor conditions it can grow up to 30 feet in height when grown, its capacity of hardiness and adaptability makes it one of the popular potted shade plants. It is found to be effective in cleaning formaldehyde and benzene. Below are its growing habits and overview as a houseplant:
Location – Outdoors
Light – Full sun, bright light
Watering – Less frequent, water it thoroughly when top one inch is dried
Temperature – 15 to 30-degree celsius
Common names – Ficus, weeping fig, benjamin fig, ficus tree
Botanical name – Ficus Benjamina. (Mashrita, 2019)
#Tips 4 for green office : Go for Biophilic Office Design:
Earlier I’ve already mentioned the instinctual human’s innate nature to be Biophilic – to connect with the natural world. You can wisely choose and renovate a few office corners to give you an enigmatic Biophilic treat.
You can create a green rooftop and green wall facilities with hydroponic and vertical gardening. Such gardening requires professionals’ services that take a one-time total cost at the initial level. It requires less space, saves water, uses less energy, and fewer maintenance hassles. So it’s a plus!
If money is not a problem and your office urge to renovate, on that point, you can ask your management team to collaborate with some Green Architecture. It would make sure some creative vibes for green experience at the heart of the office.
Biophilic designs are firmly embedded in the overarching theme of sustainability. Such design includes features such as sustainably sourced materials like stone and wood. It also encompasses living plants and vertical gardens. However, it also includes exciting innovations like biodynamic, natural lighting, and nature-inspired flooring.(Sterkenberg, 2019)
Check out some images of Biophilic designs to triggers multidisciplinary ideas in your mind & soul –
Ljubljana Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Slovenia, Photo: Zare Modicsource:biofilico.comsource:biofilico.comSelgas Cano architects, Madrid office, Photo: Iwan Baan
#Greening Offices Tips 5 : Don’t forget to utilize 3RS rules, Feel free to reduce, reuse & recycle :
You have to understand deeply two pillars of living a peaceful life –
“Less is more”
&
“Simplicity is the best policy”
We have to keep in mind that your office is your second family. Greening is the smartest form of creating a quick, simple, and sustainable office. To make your office-life less complicated and to avoid unnecessary costs, you need to feel free to follow the 3Rs process of waste management.
Rethink about Reduce or Refusing products you don’t need
You need to refresh your mind thinking to avoid waste at the source. Simply, what you can do is to –
Cut off using disposable and single-use plastic items like one-time-use cutlery.
Avoid the paper/ plastic cup dispenser of the water filter.
Remove paper towel and instead use hand-dryer.
Limit unnecessary printing
Limit disposable packaging if possible
Highly Recommended:
Limit the use of polluting stationery and office supplies. Like whiteners, markers, highlighters, air fresher contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs accelerate indoor pollution as it evaporates at room temperature. Also causes health issues like –
*Eye, nose, and throat irritation
*Frequent headaches & nausea
*If exposure is more prolonged, it can also cause damage the liver, kidney, and central nervous system.
(UrbanMiester, 2020)
Prioritize Re-use, Re- use & Re-use
Encourage your team to reuse their office and personal supplies. Using again, those reusable items are a sustainable office practice. This is the smart way to move away from plastics, disposable items, and accelerating piles of wastes. It will also reduce overall office costs. Tips in that regard –
Bring your water bottle, cups, and lunch-boxes at the office.
Use office cutlery made of green materials like bamboo or metal.
Using stationery items that have refills – is a good idea.
Not kidding! “US alone discards 4 million disposable pens each year”, according to American Express Open Forum!”
(UrbanMiester, 2020)
Go for green packaging like corrugated boxes, newspaper wraps, and jute packaging, etc.
You can also reuse boxes and bags.
Use cute reusable bags made of fabric, jute, and biodegradable plastic bag made from jute.
Discourage your office to unnecessary double and triple packaging methods.
Do you know?
“Plastic bags invented to save the planet”, according to the son of Swedish engineer Sten Gustaf Thulin who created them in 1959. The reusable plastic bags developed as an alternative to paper bags. Paper bags considered bad for the environment. Because they were causing massive forests chopped down on that timeline. (Weston, 2019)
You can undertake a monthly fun game challenge like compost challenge for all kitchen food waste.
You can go for creative separated waste bins to encourage your colleagues to reuse, recycle, and compost.
Inspire to Re-cycle
The last R: Re-cycle denotes transforming a few waste-items into a completely new product. Or, make sure to use the products which are recyclable later.
Did you know?
About 9 out of 10 items we throw away in the office can actually be recycled?
(UrbanMiester, 2020)
Recycling papers is a good idea for greening office. You can simply put a recycling bin next to printers and photocopy machines to keep reminding.
Used ink & toner cartridges could be recycled. Right?
Encourage office management to collaborate with e-recycling companies to sell the discarded computers, printers & copiers.
Inspire to make partnership with local furniture operators to sell or simply donate the old furniture.
“Giving selflessly is the ultimate karma”. You can encourage the office cafeteria to donate leftovers to the unprivileged humans and animals. In this way, you are giving selflessly and also reducing food wastes. What a pure way!
#Tips 6 For Green Office: Workout On Embracing Renewable Energy :
For a safer indoor & outdoor environment, Renewable energy is a must. Any type or size of the organization can easily adapt to clean renewable sources—available green power sources like solaror wind energy.
Solar is easily the most accessible and financially feasible option. Solar could be installed on the rooftop without any hassle. Your office can generate at least 40- 50% of electricity by solar. In this way, the electricity demand from traditional sources powered by coal or natural gas will be drastically reduced. You can consult with your management and assess the cost-benefit analysis before solar installation.
#7. Save energy for sustainable office :
The holly option is not wasting anything, even if it’s the energy. The office is one of the primary energy consumers. They just eat up energy easily with different equipment, printers, copiers, computers, lights, ACs or heaters, etc. So make sure to –
Turn off everything when not required. Especially when you leaving the office in the evening, just turn off. This could be a strict rule in the office. If anyone forgets, they would compensate for some money in the ‘energy-saving jar’.
Computers and machines can be set up by energy-saving or standby mode. It will consume less energy.
#Tips 8 For Toward Greening Offices : Lay Off The Thermostat For Greening The Office :
Workplaces usually exaggerated with the use of air-conditioners in the summertime. But for the sake of saving electricity, you can easily regulate your office AC temperature. Simple common sense is – the harder your AC works, the higher it needs to put effort. Thus more electricity will be consumed with more electricity bills. And vice versa.
An Australian energy planner organization named ‘Canstar Blue’ looks at the standard heating and cooling temperatures (O’Neil, 2019). Their estimated range of ideal temperatures could save electricity as well as save money in home & office.
*A standard air conditioner’s temperatures should be used on 25 to 27 degrees for cooling in summer, and for heating in winter it should be around 18 to 20 degrees. This is to confirm the maximum energy efficiency from your unit. (O’Neil, 2019)
*‘Ergon Energy’ estimates that every 1 degree cooler in summer adds around 10% to the amount of electricity that the air conditioner uses. You can use the ‘Ergon air-con cost calculator’ to estimate the power bill for certain temperature settings. (O’Neil, 2019)
Advanced and Bonus tips for Greening office :
Green décor & equipment :
Skip carpeting could be a good option as it would reduce the chance of exposer to VOCs.
Use LED light. It’s a wise and green option. It’s cost-effective as well.
Use multipurpose machines like a machine that has fax, print, and copier options, the all-in-one. It would merely save energy with fewer power bills.
Embrace green office products :
Buy products like sugar, coffee, soap, etc, in bulk to reduce plastic usage.
Buy green cleaning products for office cleaning. Make sure those don’t contain unhealthy and carcinogenic chemicals.
Emphasize on natural lighting :
When the sun is the source of all life forms, so what are you waiting for? Sun has mysterious energy to make you productive and more focused.
You need more windows for energetic light and more ventilation for air circulation.
You need to use also LED light to reduce energy consumption and unnecessary bills.
Did you know?
*The World Green Building Council reports that those employees are working near sunlit windows having a 15% higher production rate.
* Jennifer Walton, principal of H. Hendy Associates said “Natural light sets the body’s circadian rhythms, which control awakening, falling asleep, synthesizing vitamin D and digestion.”
(Rayome, 2017)
Inspired to embrace GREEN COMMUTE :
The green commute is the best way to reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Tips on that regards are –
Provide incentives to buy a company’s car for carpooling/car-sharing facilities.
Encourage employees to use bikes, bicycles, walking and to ride local buses or train.
Invest in buying a hybrid or electric vehicles. Recently Tesla and ford are making innovative and cost-effective hybrid/electric cars.
Embrace online home office options. Enables face-to-face home conferences a few times a month. You can use face timing, Viber, WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype, and many more apps for this purpose. It’s excellent at saving the company’s budget and skip carbon emissions. What a great idea! Go for
Go for Coworking Space For Urging Sustainable Greening Office :
Coworking is not basically about sharing infrastructure and cost; it is about attachment with a greater community, better accessibility, and sustainability.
Coworking is a fantastic way of working and sharing spaces. The spaces of Coworking are designed to provide a really productive and collaborative environmental setup for their dynamic inhabitants and created without corporate obstacles on what is perceived as an “office” environment offering flexible memberships to suit most needs.
Coworking is about creating a better place for a comfortable working environment, and that allows a better way to work. The spaces of Coworking is more than an office space. They are places for community centers, wide, friendly gathering places, productive think tanks. Renting a desk or an office, you gain coworkers to generate ideas and support for your project professionally in such a way that you can’t find working from home either or in the corporate setup.Coworking is generally connected to a global network of professional peers.
How co-working space works to brings green sustainability-
It helps to minimize the carbon imprint.
It can help to reduce construction pollution.
Less utilize uses.
Need Minimal office accessories.
It can be helps to reduce excessive office disposal.
Final verdict about greening offices
Now you can rethink creating your own Green office. A green office is a multidimensional office as has many brunches of benefits. It mysteriously showers blessings to all the employees. Greening awakens them with good health, a productive outlook, and a conscious mind. Such a Biophilic design limits the carbon footprint. It also reduces office budgets and raises brand image.
To create such a vibrant office space, the first and significant secret is – Team Work. Collaborating with small single steps makes
Office in Green Enigma
“Think a green office
Be an Eco rescuer
Be an Eco savior
Serve the Universe
Think differently
Think smartly on which is sustainable
And which is not
Form your eco team
Uphold your brand image
Bless your team with productivity & good health
Treat the soul inside you
Work hand in hand for the green
Work hand in hand for nature & humanity
Work hand in hand
On the way to the whispering enigma of green allover”
So can you think of something different, artistic, and innovative? Can you think about a magical sustainable greening office of your own?
Even a minor increase in global temperatures can have significant impacts on our planet and its inhabitants. Greenhouse Gas has a substantial role in Global warming. Despite this, Climate change still is a topic of debate where the fact of climate change need to be understood as the cause of climate change is exact, but the effects of climate change impact on humans and the ecosystem are severing. The facts of climate change are needed to address by the readers for gaining a basic understanding.
You can have a closer look at the basics of climate change & global warming factors, how and why limiting global warming matters, and the significant climate change facts.
Your must known facts of Climate Change:
In this write up i am trying to cover all the rudimentary facts of climate change such as:
Is climate change real?
The leading cause of climate change?
Effects of climate change.
Climate change: the debate.
What are weather and climate; are the same?
Global warming and climate change; are the same?
A quick explanation of the Greenhouse Gas effect; how it impacts on human and ecosystem.
Effect climate change on the economy.
The problem of Climate change; 3 strategies for the solution
Before we go deep about the facts of climate change i want to brief you some example of climate change-
What is an example of climate change? Some example of climate change that really threatening us:
Temperatures are rising worldwide because greenhouse gases are trapping more heat in the atmosphere.
Droughts are staying prolonged and more extreme throughout the world.
Tropical storms are becoming more devastating due to warmer ocean water temperatures.
As temperatures rise, there is less likely to have snow peak in mountain ranges and polar areas, and the snow melts faster rate.
Generally, glaciers are melting faster than before.
Permafrost is melting and releasing methane into the atmosphere which is a potent greenhouse gas,
Due to melting ice, glacier sea levels are raising that threatening coastal community and estuarine ecosystems.
Climate change Fact 1. Is climate change real?
If you consider the definition, the periodic modification of Earth’s climate for the changes in the atmosphere and connections between the atmosphere and other geographic, geologic, chemical, and biological, and factors within the Earth system is called Climate change.
All living things are prone to respond with climate and changes in the climate, even if these changes are subtle and short-term. Some of the most evident examples include the shedding of leaves by flowering plants when water availability is low and shelter-seeking behaviors and expectancy in animals in response to colder or drier conditions.
It gives the impression that life on Earth is adapted to survive a changing climate to some extent, and this is evidence that climate change, but our understanding of climate throughout our lifetimes, along with scientific facts, also proves that climate change is happening.
Now the question will arise; is climate change real? The natural phenomena will establish that it is, but this is not the entire story. Human actions also affect climate, and consent of scientists are sure that the impact of these activities is playing a vital role in determining what form Earth’s climate takes.
Climate change Fact 2. The leading cause of climate change:
Climate change is undoubtedly occurring and is almost certainly due to human activity; it is the leading cause of climate change. People are burning fossil fuels and convert their land from forests for cultivation. Since the starting of the Industrial Revolution, people have consumed more and more fossil fuels and changed massive areas of land from forests to farmland.
Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. It is called a greenhouse gas because it creates a “greenhouse effect.” The greenhouse effect makes the earth warmer, just as a greenhouse is more temperate than its surroundings.Carbon dioxide is the leading cause of human-induced climate change.
It stays in the atmosphere for a very long period. Other greenhouse gases, such as nitrous oxide, stays in the atmosphere for a long time. Other substances only produce short-term effects.
Not all substances produce warming. Some, like certain aerosols, can provide cooling.
Do humans produce methane?
Humans are a more prominent source of climate-altering methane; it’s not only single sources but also global population standards. When we consider forecasting global warming, methane is an unpredictable, menacing character. The greenhouse gas is 28 times more potential at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over 100 years.
Anyway, it’s produced by intestinal bacteria called methanogen bacteria. There are others that ‘eat’ it. So it’s not human, but a life forms in our gut….which variants of life in the ‘wild’ anyway and decay plant matter and biomass in general into various compounds. So whether or not you eat the plants, they’ll decay into some methane, etc. You interrupt or accelerate the cycle, no net gain, and no net loss. Isn’t life beautiful?
03 Effects of climate change
Climate change poses an ultimate threat to places, species, and people’s livelihoods. Things that we rely upon and value — water, energy, wildlife, transportation, agriculture, ecosystems, and human health — are facing the effects of a changing climate; its affecting every country in every continent. They’re creating extraordinary challenges for millions of people already burdened with poverty and domination.
The increased occurrence and intensity of threatening weather events like wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts pose a threat to the world’s food supply jeopardize their livelihoods by driving people from their homes, separated from families. And all of these effects escalation the peril of conflict, poverty, and hunger.
04 Climate change: the debate
While the agreement among nearly all scientists, scientific organizations, and governments is that climate change is real and is caused by human action, but surprisingly a small minority of voices questions the validity of such declarations and poses doubt on the preponderance of the evidence.
Climate change deniers commonly claim that current changes accredited to human activity can be seen as part of the natural differences in Earth’s climate and temperature, and that it is tough or impossible to establish a straight connection between climate change and any other single weather event, such as a hurricane and droughts. Every year the number of natural disasters is increasing at a very alarming rate.
While the latter is usually real, decades analysis of data backing the certainty of climate change—and the human influence in this process. By far, economists agree that acting to decrease fossil fuel emissions would be remarkably less costly than facing the consequences of not doing so.
05 What are weather and climate; are the same?
The weather is the current atmosphere of a place, regarding the amount of sun, the temperature, the humidity, and more. Weather is also very different in different locations and is changing every day. You can relate Climate to weather; however, it is the average weather of an area over a long period. Specifically, it refers to a more significant shift, in simple words, across the entire planet.
For the last 4.5 billion years, Earth has experienced many ice ages and periods of the tropical climate. From the Industrial Revolution, average temperatures have risen marginally.
The weather of the day could be the same as the climate of the region, but it’s not always the case. This is why the weather is used to determine the climate (after observing the most common conditions). If you consider main difference between the two that is the weather is recorded day to day and changes from day today. The climate is something that should remain the same for an area.
This is the average weather. So, for the majority, the weather and the climate should be approximately the same. So, when the weather changes, this is normal, however, when climate changes and changes at an accelerated rate, this is not good. For example, if it is sunny and warm one day, then the next day it is cold and rainy, this is just weather changes. However, if the climate is average temperatures in 68F and overcast, and when the weather starts staying at a warmer temperature for a prolonged time, this is climate change, which is usually regarded as something wrong.
In short, we can draw a difference between Weather & Climate is;Weather- Weather is the way the atmosphere is behaving, mainly concerning its effects upon life and human activities.
06 Global warming and climate change; are the same?
Global Warming is the ongoing warming of the Earth. This includes the atmosphere, the surface, and the oceans. In a simple word, it is the average temperature of the Earth. The causes of global warming happen when carbon dioxide and other pollutants collect in the atmosphere. They get trapped in the atmosphere and stay on the surface and keep the Earth(s temperature warmer.
Climate change is the shift in weather patterns, precipitation, and wind over long periods. This also includes the changing lengths and types of seasons that are in the area.
However, if the climate were to change and get warmer, the winters wouldn’t be as long, or they wouldn’t be as cold.
Other than natural changes with the Earth, many factors go into climate change. Right now, the Earth is experiencing climate change due to increased Carbon dioxide, methane gas, nitrous oxide, and other gases. ).
If you consider main difference between the two term that is, while they both refer to global changes in regarding the state of the Earth, global warming only refers to the temperature.
In contrast, climate change includes changes in weather and seasons. These terms are both very inter-related because global warming causes the climates to change. If global warming increases, then climate change will also increase. As the Earth’s average temperature is increasing, climate change is also increasing.
7 A quick explanation of the Greenhouse Gas effect; how it impacts on human and ecosystem
The greenhouse gas effect is the exchange of incoming and outgoing heat that warms and cools the Earth. An excellent example of this phenomenon is a car on a warm day. If the car’s windows and doors are all closed, and the car sits out in the hot sun, the heat in the car will stay in the car, thus making the car even hotter.
Then, when the user returns to their car, they experience that sitting back inside of the car, it is even hotter. This perfectly explains what happens to the Earth with the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The Earth’s surface becomes warmer, and thus, the climate increases. The greenhouse gases are water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, and other gases.
This is bad for the Earth because it melts ice caps and makes for extreme weather. This makes droughts happen more frequently. This is only one of many reasons why this phenomenon is terrible. It completely changes the ecosystems, and it impacts humans.
Sea levels rise, and the seasons change as well; increased ocean acidification and habitats will be destroyed, driving certain species into extinction.
The effects on humans range from pollutants affecting our health to more infectious diseases and making the air we breathe dirty. Going back to the example of the hot car in the sun, the car is sticky and has a lot of ‘dirty’ air. That is basically what is happening to our Earth on a larger scale, and we can’t open a window to let the hot air out. The greenhouse gas effect prevents all that heat from getting out of the atmosphere.
08 Effect climate change on the economy
Climate change is the long-term seasonal weather patterns. It’s caused by global warming. When we consider a global perspective, global warming affects the geography within which the global economy operates. It changes growth zones. It changes shorelines. It changes places where humans will feel comfortable living.
Also, if humans decide to do anything about it, it will change the way industry, and people use fossil fuels. The global economies will tremendously be hampered as temperatures rise.
Damage of property and infrastructure: Sea-level rise, floods, droughts, wildfires, and extreme storms require tremendous repairing work for essential infrastructures such as homes, roads, bridges, railroad tracks, airport runways, power lines, dams, and seawalls.
Lost productivity: Disturbances in daily life associated with climate change can mean lost work and school days, transportation, agriculture, fisheries, energy production, and tourism. Severe rainfall events and snowstorms can delay the planting and harvesting, cause power outages, delay any traveling, and otherwise make it problematic for people to go about their daily business activities. Climate-related health risks also cause the reduction of productivity, such as when extreme heat curtails construction, or when more potent allergies and more air pollution lead to lost work and school days.
Mass migration & security: Global warming is expected to increase the number of “climate refugees”; people who are forced to leave their household because of flooding, drought, or other climate-related disasters. Mass movements of people and social distractions may lead to severe civil unrest, and might even serious military intervention and other unintended consequences.
Coping costs: Societies now finding ways to prepare and cope with some climate impacts—provided that we do not let our carbon emissions continue relentlessly. However, even a partial calculation of these measures suggests that coping is likely to be more & more costly steps to reduce carbon emissions, thus decreasing associated climate impacts.
09 The problem of Climate change; 3 strategies for the solution
The big question of climate change in the increased amount of carbon dioxide in the air. The first way to address this issue and to decrease carbon dioxide would be to have climate mitigation. Climate mitigation involves using different technologies and perhaps using renewable resources and energy to prevent greenhouse gases from getting into the environment. This brings up the point of carbon mitigation. This concept goes hand in hand as the example given in the notes was to use nuclear power plants instead of coal plants. Nuclear plants do not emit any carbon dioxide for one. The carbon that is emitted from a typical coal plant needs to be captured and stored elsewhere (preferably in the ground). This is what carbon mitigation is; it is taking carbon and storing it underground so that it does not go up into the atmosphere. This is also called carbon capture or sequestration.
Another step to take would be Adaption. Adaption is when a country changes its way of life to help make for a better future. The example would the new design of buildings and houses; those are higher because they anticipate the water levels to rise. Another example might be the cultivation of drought or salinity-resistant crops in areas that receive less water or excess saline.
The final way to address this problem is Geo-engineering. This is a debatable solution. This one was a little confusing, and some of the ideas were pretty crazy! For example, humans can try and manipulate the Earth’s energy balance. Instead of controlling or trying to change carbon dioxide, one could change the amount of light on Earth. Why alter the light? Because it can keep the Earth cooler and perhaps neutralize the impact of global warming. Another idea would be to make a pseudo volcano. Volcanoes cool the Earth because of their debris.
Concluding Discussion About Facts of Climate Change :
It is exciting to know about the potential solutions for helping to cool the Earth off and reduce carbon dioxide. We know that using renewable resources and alternative energy sources that didn’t emit pollutants or carbon dioxide. We may have little idea about geoengineering was even going on in the world.
Still, the Japanese used it with their buildings to prevent building damage during their Tsunamis; this great solution that can apply in this situation. One other point that stuck anyone was the actual conflicts and problems that arose between countries because of this phenomenon. As the climate changes and water levels change, China builds dams to prevent these changes from occurring.
However, the problem and the facts of climate change here is that subcontinental country like India and Bangladesh don’t receive the water they need; thus, issues arise between these countries. Water changes may not affect countries like this. We may think of the ice caps melting and polar bears and penguins.
It is interesting the part about opinion and when two countries, America and China, try and dispute about who emits more carbon dioxide. The points that were brought up in this write up were very valid in a sense. For one single Chinese person, they emit less than one American. The problem here is, the population of China is much larger than the American population, so China ends up releasing more carbon dioxide into the air. So the two countries stand at a ‘stand-off’ as to who needs to make a difference.
Sustainable Development is the hotcake now. The fashion industry is not lagged behind too. Starting from production to your wardrobe, every step needs to be environmentally friendly if we want this industry to be sustainable.
We have presented to you everything basic that you need to know about facts of sustainable fashion, what the hype is about, and history of the sustainable fashion industry, scopes and challenges, and many more.
Get all this here and learn ways how to turn your wardrobe green! After all, surely you would not want your stylish products to destroy mother earth! Keep in touch with EcoWowLife to know interesting facts about more green topics!
Sustainable Fashion: Be Trendy but Eco-friendly!
imagesource:wardrobeoftomorrow.com
In this era of sustainable development, sustainable and ethical fashion trend is booming now. Environment conscious people are warmly accepting environmentally friendly fashion trends. Already a lot of big companies and corporate successfully running their sustainable program. We already have pioneers leading the concept of making your wardrobes green. If we want to lead an eco-friendly life, we need to cover the kitchen, balconies, rooftops, bins, and even our outfit.
Because everything is interrelated. Would you spend 100 dollars on food and then save 1 dollar on an outfit to save money? That won’t serve the purpose. Right? It either needs to be both or nothing. This is how your fashion contributes to a greener world along with all other lifestyle activities. If you’re feeling helpless thinking about not doing much for the natural resources significantly, this is where you can target; making your wardrobe green.
If we look at the title, ‘Sustainable fashion’ is itself lucrative and sounds very stable. However, we cannot put sustainable fashion under a specified definition.
If simply said, a fashion industry functioning by not imposing pressure on environmental resources can be called sustainable fashion.
According to the sustainability consultancy firm The Green Strategy, “sustainable fashion can be defined as clothing, shoes, and accessories that are manufactured, marketed and used in the most sustainable manner possible, taking into account both environmental and socio-economic aspects.”
According to Megan Eddings, Founder, and CEO of Accel Lifestyle. “Microplastics are a huge concern for not only the environment but also our health. These synthetic fibers are forms of plastic, and every time you wash fabrics made from these fibers, microplastics are breaking off, and many eventually end up in the oceans, ocean life, and our mouths. Megan Eddings has developed a sustainable fabric that is better for the environment, after years of trial and error.
Sustainable fashion takes into account the total supply chain and life cycle of a garment, from where and how it is prepared to when it ends up in our landfills. Consumers need to think about how their purchase could affect the environment, the lifecycle of their garment, and how to finance in clothes that last longer.”
This is how the definition of sustainable fashion is still different but under the same goal of protecting the environment.
The key sectors can be promoting environmentally, socially, and ethically conscious production and consumption for a sustainable industry.
In the present world, sustainable fashion is emerging as superior to modern fashion due to the fashion industry is one of the top industrial polluters. Textile fashion at present is responsible for climate change more than international aviation and shipping combined. Moreover, the fashion industry also causes forced child labor in the garment supply chain.
I am mentioning the word ‘luxury’ with sustainability because of some particular incidents that happened in the last five years.
The pace of sustainable fashion is faster than we generally assume. It is already a hype and competition among brands!
But how did we get here?
Just like the Paris Climate Accord is the global highlighted accord in case of climate change, a fashion Pact was signed at the Group of 7 summits in Biarritz, France.
France was the first country to lead sustainable fashion through this pact. It is surely not surprising since France has been always leading the group of global leaders in the climate change issues.
However, different luxury brands like H&M, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, and Prada were the participants of this pact.
They promised to take collective actions and common objectives to consider 21st-century environmental issues to tackle climate change. Sustainability, which was a niche trend in the fashion industry suddenly became cool.
Other brands and smaller businesses are soon going to join the luxury brands in this suit. Thus, with the allure of France, we can see the emerging concerns in environmental issues in the fashion industry.
Although there are a lot of doubts about the vague and lofty goals of the pact, we can always look at the brighter side. However, if luxury brands use the term sustainability only for marketing purposes, this will surely bring more disasters ahead.
Why is Sustainable Fashion Important? Some harsh Facts of Sustainable Fashion:
Starting from leather shoes to cotton and synthetic fibers for your outfit, every type of modern production process exerts excessive pressure on the environment.
image source: https://www.fibre2fashion.com/
Before you buy your next leather bag, let us tell you something. 85% of the world’s leather contains toxic chromium. This may cause skin cancer to the workers.
The leather industry supports animal cruelty in many ways. You may see pictures of crocodiles and snakes on the billboard but you surely do not see how they are tortured in the laboratory.
Animal-derived materials have a high impact on the environment, for example, farmers have to use a lot of extra lands for the cattle to graze, some species of animals are likely to be extinct because of hunting them for the luxurious bags or shoes of animal skin
Before you buy your next cotton t-shirt, know that cotton farming is responsible for 24% of insecticides, 11% of pesticides, 713 gallons of water% and shrinking of the Aral Sea, use or global arable land between 2.4%-2.6
Sustainable fashion is important for reducing our carbon footprint. The clothing industry emits 330 million – 832 million tons of carbon dioxide annually!
This energy is enough to heat and power 31.6-71.9 million homes in a year. The fashion industry should focus on utilizing clean renewable energy such as solar energy, wind energy, and so on.
The apparel energy is also likely to increase by 63 percent within 2030! You can surely imagine the impact on the environment only due to apparel.
Now, let’s think about the leftovers after manufacturing. Can you guess the amount?
The textile scraps cover 400,000 kilometers to 120,000 kilometers every year!
For your one pair of jeans, it takes 7000 litres-1,000litres of water which we can drink for 5-6 years. (WRAP 2011)
China’s 80% groundwater from major river basins are unsuitable for use at present. The examples can go on. This is how the modern fashion industry exerts pressure on land, water, and other resources. This industry also promotes slavery and child labor.
As sustainable fashion promotes the lifecycle assessment of raw materials and utilizing the maximum service of products, it can save natural resources to a significant extent.
For example, if we double the life of clothing from 1 year to 2 years, we can save annual emissions by 24%.
Facts about Sustainable Fashion You Must Know!!
We are presenting some facts you surely did not know. As a responsible human being, I think we all should know which activities or sectors are causing harm to mother earth. Let us have a look:
We do not utilize our clothes. Clothing utilization was reduced by 36 percent compared to 15 years ago.
Fashion waste might be increase to 148 million tons by 2030.
Only 16 out of 2000 different chemicals used by textile industries are approved by the Environment Protection Agency
The fashion industry produces 20% of total global wastewater.
Patagonia was the first brand that produced polyester fleece from plastic bottles. This reduces pressure on virgin resources.
Sales of sole clothing are likely to rise to 1.2 trillion by 2025 as fashion consumption increases. (Greenpeace 2017)
Apparel consumption is likely to rise from 62 million tons up to 102 million tons in 2030. (Global Fashion Agenda 2017)
Polyester production emits greenhouse gases that is equivalent to the annual emissions of 185 coal-powered plants. (World Resources Institute 2017)
If 10% of second-hand clothing sales are increased, environmental benefits like cutting down carbon emissions per tonne of clothing by 3% and the use of water by 4% are possible.
Fast fashion used almost 80 billion cubic meters of freshwater in 2015!
Cotton is the most resource-intensive crop.
Long working hours and low wage is a common thing in the fashion industry.
The fashion industry is the 2nd most polluting industry is big fake news. (NYTimes)
We need three planets to provide us the number of natural resources needed at present.
7 Forms of Sustainable Fashion
I’m sure we all know by now that sustainable fashion covers from producers up to end-users, that is consumers.
So, you are also in this chain as a pro-active contributor. However, not all forms of sustainable fashion are needed for all. According to Green Strategy, there are 7 forms of sustainable fashion proposed by The Green Strategy in 2012. You have to choose one or two forms as you know yourself. Let us go through all the seven forms:
Each garment to be made on-demand or custom-made for optimum production
High-quality products and timeless design
Produced in an environment-friendly manner
Considering ethical aspects
Good care, using fully, repair or redesign
To prolong active life through re-use, renting, borrowing
Swap shop or buy second-hand or vintage
If you belong to the end-user group, you can always go for 5), 6), and 7). You can also see Eco-labelling see if the product is produced in an environment-friendly manner 3).
How is Sustainable Fashion Problematic?
It seems very promising if we look at the brighter side of how brands are taking the environment seriously. So what is the problem with this? Let us know!
image source:https://fashionunited.uk/
A very valid question exists about sustainable fashion. The question is that if the fashion industry is becoming more sustainable or it is just another trend. This is a very big problem since we have scarce natural resources and we as human beings, cannot mock the issue of climate change under the illusion of sustainable business.
Not all customers get what ‘sustainability’ means except for some educated and informed ones. This does not cover all customers of a company. The definition of sustainability is still not clearly defined so we do not know exactly what we are talking about
What to do?
We all cannot change the supply chain directly but we surely can contribute to a greener fashion industry from the customer end. Here are some tips for your green wardrobe!
Swap clothes with your close ones, re-use your clothes until it is not usable. You can always get help from social media groups for swapping or renting products.
Take good care of your outfits to prolong its use.
Support brands promoting environmentally friendly products by buying their products. You can also promote them by giving good reviews to appreciate their thoughts even if you do not buy them
Try buying outfits that you are sure to use for a long and not just for one or two occasions.
Conclusion
Sustainable Fashion is crucial for the protection of the environment since every person of this planet directly or indirectly has control over it. It’s high time to adopting a green living lifestyle. we should warmly be welcoming every little step that directly involves making a carbon-free, epidemics free, disaster-free world.
Starting from manufacturing to our wardrobes, each product needs to be circulated in an environmentally friendly manner.
If we can overcome the challenges of sustainable fashion, we can surely feel proud of our wardrobes!
Eco-camping seems like adventuring sustainably; This article is the ultimate guide or overview of eco camping along with its importance, impacts, benefits, and some cool tips on how to achieve this carbon-free camping?
In an age where the use of vacationing and backpacking runs rampant in the modern-day traveler, the concept of camping might seem outdated. But surprisingly more and more people are taking up camping and setting up tents in forests to spend some time with the wilderness.
But with increasing concerns over biodiversity loss and accidental forest fires, not to mention greenhouse gas emissions, is camping sustainable?
This is why conservationists and tourists alike have come up with the idea of eco camping or sustainable camping.
But with so many to things to let go- is it worth it?
What do you have to know for your first green camping trip?
Let’s dig deeper into the field of sustainable camping- and take a peek at all the tips, tricks, and concepts. With the world moving towards protecting the environment and decreasing the adverse effects of human activities, it’s time you did your part by indulging in the eco friendly way to do a leisure activity such as camping.
What is Eco camping, and how it works?
With the upsurge of adventure movies and fiction, youngsters have taken up camping and hiking to clubbing. And with the entirety of the new world heading towards everything green, eco camping now the next big thing.
Eco camping is camping with little to no influence on the environment. Even at some point in the building section of the campsite, we do the maximum quantity as feasible by hand to avoid using machinery that not handiest burns fossil fuels; however, reasons more damage to the land.
You’re making plans a camping experience, so we’re going to take a wild soar of faith right here and anticipate which you like nature at least a touch bit.
And, as you most possibly like nature, you’re going to be interested in making sure you protect and hold the planet as an awful lot as feasible throughout your experience away.
A little bit of planning, some issues, and some ethical alternatives can go a long way – it’ll all become second-nature after one sustainable adventure. Let’s delve right into the depth of this eco-friendly activity and find out just how fun it is and how we play a part through this in safeguarding the environment.
Why Eco Camping Instead of General Camping: 5 solid Reason to go for eco camping:
There are a good number of reasons why you should consider eco camping over general camping. Such as:
Eco camping is more environment friendly than camping.
It saves money compared to regular camping.
You can practice a healthier life in eco camping by harnessing gifts of nature.
Eco camping is more sustainable and uses far less energy.
It can save you from extra trouble of carrying too much equipment.
It may change your habit of luxury products, which may save you money and effort.
Some trendy types of camping that are closely related to eco Camping:
Green camping
Sustainable camping
Budget Camping
Camping with “Leave No Trace.”
What is “Green Camping” stand for:
Green camping is very similar to eco camping. It’s a green camping philosophy that advocated the camper to restrict camping activity in an environmentally friendly way.
Green camping is the way to reduce the impacts of camping on the environment and the reasons why camping can impact the environment through your camping activities.
What is Sustainable Camping?
Sustainable camping is Enjoying life in a sustainable and climate-friendly way. An environmentally friendly lifestyle is increasingly essential for more and more people.
It’s great you love camping because your CO2 emissions are much lower with a camping holiday than, for instance, an all-inclusive holiday with flights.
What is Budget Camping means?
As far as holiday celebrations go, camping offers one of the best chances for fun and cost-effective trip-taking. With no late hotel fees, smaller travel nightly costs, and zero restaurant bills, you can have a great time without spending the bank account just by enjoying the great outdoors. For the super savers out there, learning how to set a certain camping allotment can save even more money – giving you a chance for guilt-free, leisure time away, and this is what budget camping means.
What is the “Leave No Traces” method?
In recent years, in light of environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation, many campers have taken up the policy of “Leaving No Traces.” What is Leave no Trace and its principles? Let’s find out.
Leave No Trace is a set of outdoor ethics promoting conservation in outdoors. After noticing increased impacts on trails, the United States Forest Service developed the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in the 1960s. The concept backing the ideas is to leave nature as unchanged through our presence as possible so that future generations can enjoy it too. In essence, the reason of Leave No Trace is to preserve the wild and natural habitats.
The seven principles behind “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Use waste management rules to dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors.
Importance of Eco Camping: 5 benefits of eco camping you can get :
Eco camping is essential for its nature of purpose. Camping is a fun activity to spend your leisure and vacation. So, why not even make it healthier and better for the environment! Eco camping allows us to contribute to the preserver of our world.
The essential benefits of eco camping are:
Helping the environment
Save money
Give Freedom
Its help you to rethink or recall your life
Enjoying to watch wildlife:
Helping the environment by reducing carbon emission
Possibly, the most crucial factor in eco camping comes in the form of satisfaction it does to the surrounding environment compared to more traditional approaches.
In 2015 alone, with a lurching almost 15.4 million camping and caravan camping holidays taking place in the UK, the natural landscape is becoming somewhat altered.
This persistent rush of bodies, not to mention the ridiculous amount of litter being left behind, has caused in need to show more assiduity and take more exceptional care of the environment.
There are some procedures you can do this, with some methods including picking up every piece of rubbish you drop, using solar-powered gadgets, using eco-friendly toiletries, leaving the campsite as you found it, etc.
It’s slightly less costly. Thus you can be Saving money:
We all like to try and grip every little penny we can from our life. By selecting to head off on a green camping destination holiday, you give yourself a fantastic chance of saving some cash.
Relaxing in the wilderness is going to be considerably cheaper than paying excessive prices for a hotel room every night.
As well as this, you’ll also save money on things like fuel and food – with there being no need for costly ways of enjoying.
Liberty and inner peace:
We all have that inner confusion, which makes us want to fight “the man” and escape from things for a little while. An eco-camping holiday serves you with the authentic chance to do just that. Whereas even traditional camping expeditions still see you rely on commercial products, a greener experience cheers you to seize the bull by the horns and become solely dependent on yourself.
Even if it just extends a week, this break from the chains of consumerism is a pretty well reminder of how you are, in fact, able to enjoy living independently of commercial needs.
Its help you to rethink:
In the comparatively external world of camping, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find some much-needed alone time to think and inspect life. It’s been tested spending time alone is healthier for you from a mental perspective, hence use your green camping experience to not only making the world a better place but also reinforce and refresh your mind.
Now its time to discuss some severe type of Impact of eco camping. Let’s dive in right now!
Impacts of Eco Camping:
We can look at the impacts of eco camping from two perceptions, environmental and economic. Let us lay eyes on some significant implications.
Environmental Impacts
Economic Impacts
Social Impact
Environmental Impacts of eco camping:
First of all, eco camping is mainly known for its ethical impacts on nature. Traditional camping methods are not very friendly with the environment. Most of the time, campers pose a threat to the environment by dumping plastics and other non-disposable materials. But eco camping forbids that. The purpose is the same but in a more environment-friendly way. So here are some ways eco camping minimize impacts on the environment:
Pack food and other items firmly away, both for transportation grounds and storage while you are camping.
Avoid making a campfire. Use existing fire rings, camping stoves, and grills to minimize the Impact.
Use water to dilute urine for reducing the chances of attracting wildlife or harming the environment. Try to bury human feces, if no bathroom, outhouse, or port-a-potty is nearby.
Be careful about your waste management. When you love, none should be left.
Bring reusable & washable supplies, not one-use items. Drip bags and camping mess kits are a simple, so far effective way to give everyone their cup, plate, utensils, etc.
Be careful about the wildlife it can harm the eco-system specially the threaten or vulnerable species. Sometimes noise pollution and others environmentally irresponsible camping activity directly involve to disrupt the biodiversity. Notice that your activities can’t hamper the wildlife.
To avoid contaminating existing water sources, wash dishes, and other necessary used items at least 200 feet away from a river or stream.
Economic Impacts of eco camping
Eco Camping discourages the usage of fabricated products, which are often expensive. Instead, it promotes natural and eco-friendly products. In this way, but it also can reduce expenses. Not only that, but it also encourages an outlook that provokes a relation between nature, life, and the economy. As a result, a different world view helps to give up the hedonistic lifestyle.
It encourages a kind of holistic approach towards our everyday living and nature. The present-day economy based on harsh consumerism. This way promotes an outlook of looting nature at an alarming scale. Eco Camping can bring an alternative way of being.
Eco Camping encourages the reduction of expensive products. Again, it helps to be nearer to nature by changing one’s outlook. Thus, one can get rid of the sense of economic class concept in many respects.
It can bring simplicity in daily economic behavior. Thus differences based on the economy can be humanized.
Social Impact of eco camping
Today’s societies are promoting ‘othernesses’ on a vast scale. This otherness made us disconnected from each other. But popular beliefs can’t change reality. Humankind has come to this stage by helping each other. Gradually, wealth distribution changed our outlook on nature. The present social system is dependent on the limitless collection of natural products.
Eco camping can bring a social harmony along with a holistic way.
It can allow people to understand their artificial position in society made by inequality based on looting the nature limitless.
In the next segment, I will give some cool tips for eco camping.
Some actionable Tips for Eco Camping: How Can you achieve it?
Here i provide you some new & fresh tips you can use in your eco camping trip.
You can start your eco-friendly efforts before you even embark on your adventure into the great outdoors by buying food for your organic trip, you are already giving the environment a break.
Say no to plastic bottles; instead, use disposable materials or water bags.
Look for organic natural products such as body lotions, soap, shampoo, etc.
Use one-time disposable dishes or reusable dishes.
Try not to bring extra stuff with you while camping.
Bring a bicycle rather than your car.
You can adopt renewable energy such as solar energy, for example, solar camping lantern/light, solar tent, solar cooker, solar generator, solar charger for your mobile, and so on. This type of renewable energy is thoroughly clean energy, which doesn’t produce any carbon emission.
Try to bring used gears or rent.
Pack your bags as lightly as possible.
Camp only in designated areas.
Always carry fire safety tools.
Never forget to recycle your trash, or at least dispose of it properly.
Make sure your mosquito repellents are non-toxic.
Look for bathing systems with fewer power requirements as possible.
Bring a portable stove.
Last but not least, you always try to follow the 3R rules.
After giving some cool tips for eco camping, its time to avail of the more important question; is it worth going for eco camping? And how it can save our money? Let’s find the answer in the following section.
Can eco-camping save the money?
We all like to try and squeeze every penny we can from life. By choosing to head off on an eco camping vacation, you deliver yourself a terrific opportunity of saving some cash.
Bunking within the wilderness goes a long way to be considerably cheaper than paying extortionate fees for an average hotel room every night. Add to that; you’ll also keep funds on things like gas and food – with there being no want to get around or eat at high-priced restaurants. While nothing in existence comes free (you might have to pay some charges for the usage of the land), all costs might be considerably less when camping in general.
The concept of throwing away your paper plates after dinner in preference to doing the dishes sounds so lovely — in particular, while you’re on vacation.
However, the little little bit of extra attempt you placed in by way of washing the reusable dishes as opposed to tossing away paper or plastic ones is going an extended manner with the environment. You’ll also find that you save a bit of cash by using the same dishes time and again in preference to having to shop for new plates and cutlery for each hike.
Here are some ways you can save money on your eco camping trip.
Choose a local park or campground: The less inter space you travel, the more fuel you’ll save, and, of course, a shorter trip in the car also means more time to kick back and enjoy the main event. Search for a National Park near you using the National Parks Conservation Association’s website with park listings by region.
Rent or borrow your camping gear: There’s no need to waste money and resources on new equipment when you can easily borrow great stuff from your camp-enthusiast family, friends, and neighbors! You can also select clemently used items from a second-hand store or rent center. Depending on how far you’re going and the time length, all you may need is a borrowed tent and a cooler. It should be remembered that very few things are many when camping is going on.
Follow those trail markers: Drifting from the trail on your hike can be alluring, especially when you’re seeking a perfect camera shot or a glance of wildlife. Yet, traveling without planning can harm the wilderness. Be sure to withstand the desire to pull out plant life or brush from the trail you’re visiting, too.
Keep the fire controlled: If you decide to build a fire, make sure to use only particular places. Keep your fire to a manageable size and always have water on hand to put out the flames when you’re finished. And while it may seem obvious, don’t burn any plastics, food packaging, or metals; those need to go home with you for proper disposal. Check out the Smokey Bear guide to building and extinguishing perfect campfires.
Brighten the nights with Renewable energy options: Solar flashlights and lanterns are a great green camping choice since they require fewer powers and last longer than non-LED lights.
Skip prepackaged meals: Several prepackaged meals are expensive, and they’re not always tasty. Prepare your own food while camping out needs some extra effort, but it can be a great way to save money. Another cost-saving measure? In place of buying a portable cooker, bring food that you can cook over a campfire. You need a little aluminum foil.
Pack recyclable dishes: You can pick these up at your local second-hand shop. If you’re an ardent camper, it’s a good idea to have a set of camping dishes as well as a washbasin and biodegradable soap for cleaning up. Wash dishes at least 100 feet from streams, ponds, and other bodies of water.
Reusable plates can both be a money-saving and eco-friendly;
Give up makeup for a few days: Personal care and beauty products can be pretty toxic to the environment. So skip the makeup and perfume for a few days as you take in the sweet sights and smells of your surroundings. Also, keep in mind that if your only bathing option is a natural body of water, it’s best to leave ALL soap and products behind. But don’t skip the sunscreen.
Leave your campsite better than you initiate it: Any scout will tell you that this is the golden rule of camping! Keep a reclaimable bag with you throughout your trip to pick up any trash or debris you find along the way. Recycle what you can and properly dispose of the rest. You’ll find fantastic guidance on the principles of “Leave No Trace” from our friends at Leave No Trace, the Center for Outdoor Ethics.
Pros and Cons of Eco Camping
The following are advantages of eco camping:
Eco-camping is an opportunity to preserve the ecosystem and biodiversity. It also is a probability to generate proceeds to support the research effort.
It can save a lot of money than conventional camping.
It provides help you practice a green lifestyle.
Eco-camping provides an option for the local people to escape from the cycle of poverty and by sharing their knowledge of their terrain and ecology with visitors to develop a strong sense of community pride.
Eco-camping can create jobs in remote areas that have benefited less from economic development programs that are implemented in more populated areas
Preserved areas and nature safety usually provide many benefits to the society, including conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of watershed
Eco-camping helps to conserve threatened wildlife and ensure that robust animal population remain in that way
Eco-camping provides a market to local products such as carvings, local arts, and so on.
The following are Disadvantages of eco camping:
It may be threatening for indigenous culture
It may cause displacement of several local residents.
Can be a little troublesome to deal with unfamiliar eco-friendly equipment.
Eco-camping is susceptible to catastrophic downfalls such as those that could come from worldwide economic instability.
Is Eco-camping or Sustainable Camping & Budget Camping Same?
Eco camping or sustainable camping and budget camping are not the same. Although there are similarities between them. Such as:
Both eco camping and budget camping helps reducing camping cost.
Both of them may suggest you not to make your camping experience too glamorous, rather as simple as possible.
Both of them are aimed to provide expertise at a feasible cost.
But the differentiated that separate the two camping procedure are:
Eco camping mainly focuses on camping experience while doing minimum possible damage to the environment. But budget camping may not always follow the same principle. Instead, its main focus is just to minimize the cost.
Budget camping may not still allow you to have some gears essential for eco camping because some can be costly and alternative options can be found cheaper but may not be as much eco-friendly. Such as eco-friendly soaps, biodegradable dishes, etc.
While enjoying your camping, budget camping may not restrict you with strict rules, but there are some strict rules in eco camping that are designed to serve nature best while you enjoy it.
The relation between Leave no traces vs. Eco-camping:
Leave no traces, and eco camping has a close relationship. Eco camping is meant to serve best for the environment and “leave no traces” also has the same principle, but may always not be as eco-friendly as eco camping. Leave no traces focuses not omitting any traces you left while camping, such as wastes, campfire, or any other traces. Eco camping supports this because removing your traces may serve as environment-friendly action. But leave no traces may always not follow eco camping thought such as not to use plastic, use as less water as possible, etc. So there are similarities, but these two concepts are not the same.
Here Some FAQ’s About Eco Camping:
Some frequently asked questions and their answers
Q: What are the principles of Leave no traces?
A: Leave no traces has 7 principles. They are:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be Considerate of Others
Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
Leave What You Find
Dispose of Waste Properly
Minimize the Effects of Fire
Q: Are there agencies that provide eco-camping packages?
A: Yes, many agencies provide suitable eco camping packages. Although they are not as big as eco-tourism companies, you can always find some agencies in your locality.
Q: Can eco-friendly materials used in eco camping be made at home?
A: Some materials can be made at home, such as eco-friendly soap, toothbrush, dustbin, etc. But you may have some necessary equipment like dishes and other kinds of stuff.
Final verdict:
Eco camping is a relatively newer concept of camping, but as the days go, it is gaining popularity as the eco-friendly movements are stretching; it is pretty similar to the concept of green living.
Apart from Glamping, eco camping provides all the ingredients that general camping offers. The exclusive benefit is that it comes with ways to help our mother nature.
We have only one earth, and as we take care of our houses, we have to take care of our planet. In doing so, no step is too small, and every bit counts as a contribution. Here we always try to provoke you to choose a life earth-friendly way.
As several natural threats are starting to arise, it is high time we take measurements. Eco camping represents that even when we enjoy this beautiful earth, we can save her even if it is an inch.
In recent days Political connections and corporate environmental responsibility hugely arise, lot of politician and leading corporate company working together to minimize the carbon emission. Its a perfect time to adopt earth friendly practices in your lifestyle for making a carbon free world.
Also, as everything is going greener for the betterment of our future generations, why not the old camping experience can come with greener thoughts!
To combat noise pollution, is it imperative to rectify the sources of noise pollution. Because if we didn’t understand the primary and secondary root of noise pollution, then it becomes more challenging to counter sound pollution.
Noise pollution is significant pollution; development is directly related to this pollution; constriction, transportation, industrial activity, household utilities, social event are the primary sources of noise pollution.
Noise pollution sources are categories in two segments-
Out-of-doors or External sources of Noise Pollution.
Transportation and vehicles
Construction work
Industrial Sources
Social event
Agricultural Machinery
Public Addressing system
Poor urban planning
Overpopulation
deforestation
2. Indoor sources of Noise Pollution.
Household Utilities.
Official Utilities and equipment.
Internals Construction works and workshops.
In this writeup, I am trying to brief almost every component related to noise pollution, such as its causes, effects in wildlife and marine life, brief about white noise, and some cool tips for avoiding noise pollution along with the socio-economic impact of noise pollution.
This pollution damages human health, such as in different ways like hearing damages, hypertension, and inadequate sleep, etc.
The right amount of money every year; people from various parts of the world need to pay for it. Unfortunately, most of them are from poor and under developing countries.
Wildlife and marine ecosystem also being affected because of this pollution. Two significant problems they are facing.
First of all, they are facing a problem with communication as animals have a deficient sound system within their community; it’s permits them to communicate them and attract them with their partners. Still, due to noise pollution, this sound layer gets effected and disruption, so they fail to do their regular course of action properly, Ultimately this leads to low about reproduction and affects there demographic condition.
Some action needs to be taken so that we can face these challenges properly. Among them, some need to take by the government & agencies and from an individual level.
Why it’s important to identify sources of noise pollution?
Noise is any unwanted sound. Noise pollution is a severe problem in today’s world. Despise urban and rural parity people from all the places suffering directly or indirectly for this. Noise has a link with society and culture directly.
A significant portion of noise comes from these sources. The world health organization is saying 1.6 million healthy life years lost annually in the EU due to environmental noise exposure.
Noise is such a problem which is produced from different sources. Noise pollution causing damages to human health as well as wildlife and marine life. Species like birds highly depend on sounds for signaling and attract their partners, due to excess noise pollution now they fail to do so.
This leads to adverse effects of demographic change in birds population. Earlier noise pollution was urban pollution as in metropolitan cities concentration of traffic, construction work, using loudspeaker use more, while this scenario has changed.
Nowadays, in rural places, noise is also a severe concern .using agro machinery is creating a high level of noise, which is creating harm is rural areas. Not only human is suffering because of it, but the entire ecosystem is also suffering from this.
Well by this time you may think noise pollution is only a concern for land unfortunately not. It’s a big concern for the marine ecosystem too.
Using military gadgets like a torpedo, the explosion creates huge noise inside the sea. Which misled the marina organism, especially blue, while to detect their partner, as these animals move through signaling to each other, it also reduces the reproduction ability of this species.
Sources Of Noise Pollution Categories In Two Segments-
There are several sources of noise pollution, most of them are related to our lifestyle and behavioral pattern, lack of awareness turning these causes into hazards. Its time to discuss the primary and other sources of sound pollution. Noise pollution categorize in two segment-
Out-of-doors or External source.
Indoor source.
Lets brief above those sources-
# Out-of-doors or External sources of Noise Pollution-
some of the most common Out-of-doors or External sources of Noise Pollution are.
Transportation and vehicles
Construction work
Industrial Sources
Social event
Agricultural Machinery
Public Addressing system
Poor urban planning
Overpopulation
deforestation
Construction source of noise pollution:
Construction side is another important source of noise pollution. Operations like Diesel power generators, cutting and welding processes, Heavy machinery like trucks, Transport of materials make noise on a large scale. This is creating serious health hazards of the people who are involving with the constrictions also general citizens, and the surrounding environment.
Industrial source of noise pollution:
The industry is another source of noise pollution. Almost every industry creates noise pollution. Factory uses machine-like rotors, gears, fans, vibrating panels, turbulent fluid flow, impact processes, electrical machines, internal combustion engines, etc. produces a high level of noise pollution.
Social event source of noise pollution:
Many social events created noise pollution. As for different purposes like for reaching to the customer, branding catches the targeted audience various stakeholders use micks. While sometimes, the amount, frequency, and distances of micks make that area polluted. At the same time separate public ceremony like nationals days this.
Agricultural Machinery
Agricultural machinery has a tremendous contribution to the food production sector. It also ensures food safety for the countries, But there is another part of the story for machines like a tractor, thrashers, power saws, tractors, power tillers, and combine harvesters. They produce such an amount of noise, which is harming the calm environment in the countryside peaceful environment.
Public Addressing
In some countries, peoples use loudspeakers for several purposes, including the Promotion of goods, political campaigns, addressing social and local issues, and religious functions. But this is also contributing to noise pollution.
Poor urban planning
Poor urban planning leads to noise pollution. In our daily life, due to this, a cumulative effect comes to society. Developing countries where urban planning have done by compromising the standard are sufferings from these problems. In these countries, they fail to do land management in between residential areas, commercial areas, national highway, and other places.
#Indoor sources of sound Pollution-
Household Utilities:
Almost every household some of the gadgets for the day to day life like blander, pressure cooker, mixer-grinders, desert coolers, air conditioners, sewing machines, and vacuum cleaners. This instrument, used on a large scale, causes noise pollution for the neighborhood. Simultaneously instruments like audio players, televisions, radio, and most importantly, musical instruments create noise pollution for the community.
Official Utilities and equipment:
Official utility and equipment such as AC, refrigerator, scanner, printer, coffee machine, vacuum cleaner etc office types of equipment occurred a massive level of noise pollution.
Internals Construction works and workshops:
Sometimes internal construction works, workshop, civil building construction works, causes noise pollution. These sources of sound pollution are secondary sources of sound pollution.
In the following section, I will discuss the effect of noise pollution on human health.
Effects Of Noise Pollution On Human Health
Generally, we understand that human being only suffer hearing problems, but unfortunately, it’s only one of the few many. People are unwilling to experiencing many issues that have directly or indirectly link with noise pollution. Significant effects of noise pollution on human health are
Damage to eardrums and loss of hearing
Stress
Sleepless
Headaches and migraines
Cardiovascular issues
Mental illness
#Damage to eardrums and loss of hearing:
Unwanted sounds that our ears have not been trained to filter out can cause us problems. Excess noise can result in being damaged by eardrums and consequent loss of hearing. The average person can hear sound 0-15 dB.
This can vary on individuals, but if the sound reaches 85 dB or more than it can cause permanent damages of hearing.
#Stress-
it’s the fundamental source of several human health hazards. People suffer from anxiety due to noise pollution in their neighborhoods. The sound coming from different sources create stress for all aged people, especially for older citizens.
#Sleepless-
Noise creates a hamper in sleep. Social events like open-air concern, religious events, cultural events, construction, and sounds from factories impacted humans’ regular rest. This created peoples to an unhealthy and unproductive working day. Report from Oxford Academy is addressing that sleep disturbance is likely to occur if there are more than 50 noise events per night with a maximum level of 50 dBA indoors or more.
#Headaches and migraines:
The immediate effect of noise pollution is a headache or migraine, depending on the severity of the noise. This makes it difficult for people to focus and work. This leads to low productivity at work.
#Cardiovascular issues:
According to the WHO, there is a slight link between long-term noise pollution and hypertension. According to recent studies, night-time noise levels above 50 dB(A) could increase the risk of myocardial infarction by severely increasing cortisol production. Traffic on main roads and highways can also limit arterial blood flow and cause increased blood pressure.
Now its time to discuss the effects of noise pollution in wildlife and marine life. Stay tuned and get amazed to see how noise pollution effects on biodiversity.
Noise pollution effects in wildlife and marine life
Noise pollution is not only impacting human being, it’s also creating adverse effects on biodiversity, especially for Wildlife and marine species.
#Noise Pollution Effects on Wildlife:
The reproduction system of animals is effected due to noise pollution. Animals use unique voices to know the locations of mates and stay away from danger.
Birds also use low pitched sounds to attract their partners. Some of the sound they produce is too low to catch in the human ear. Only the same animals can pick that sound.
So due to noise pollution, they can’t attract their partners. This is ultimately reducing the total amount of populations.
A study by Parris and his colleague in 2009 saying, just like the availability of nesting materials or food sources, sounds play an essential role in the ecosystem.
The typical activities such as finding desirable habitat and mates, protecting young, avoiding predators, and establishing territories are all reliant on the acoustical environment.
To carry their regular course of life with these activities, animals are being forced to adapt to increased noise levels.
Some research shows that males of at least one frog species are seriously changing to traffic noise by calling at a higher pitch. Where’s Barber al in colleague in the same year saying, this could be problematic for the females, as they prefer lower-pitched calls, which indicate larger and more experienced males.
Human-caused noise pollution has produced similar questionable results in multiple bird species (Barber et al. 2009). As a result of this, the demographical changes are happening slowly. Researchers are addressing that noise pollution pose threats that could impact the survival of many species.
Amphibians, birds, insects, and mammals all rely on sound to convey essential information, like mating and warning signals. Fish larvae find their homes by following the sounds of coral reefs. Owls, bats use acoustic signals to locate their prey. All of these fundamental behaviors are at risk if animals can’t hear appropriately over booming anthropogenic created noise pollution
Noise discourages the productivity of animals both in the wild and domestic. The domestic animal, cows produce less milk when there is any noise around them during milk collection.
They get agitated and tend to withdraw the milk due to fear and discomfort. Chicken is also adversely affected by noise. There is a dramatic drop in the production of eggs for layers in noisy environments.
#Noise Pollution Effects on Marine Life:
In the early days, there is a meager amount of noise produced in the sea. Well, nowadays, due to the improvement of technology, a considerable amount of vessels are moving all over the sea.
A the same time, natural resource extraction operations also produce noise. Sometimes the military activity is also the reason for creating noise and has a negative impact on the marine ecosystem.
A good range of people suffers due to noise pollution. Dolphins and whales, dominant aquatic species are regular visitors to the shallow waters of vast oceans.
But because of the continuous louder noise caused by several reasons, some of these animals’ hearing capabilities have been rigorously affected, with some having a permanent hearing injury.
These damages are ultimately contributing their communicating, sensing danger, finding a partner, and hunting prey. Other physical costs of ocean noise pollution include disruption of the schooling structure of fish or impaired growth of shrimp.
Recently cell changes have been detected in lobsters. Noise means stress and reduces the animals’ immune system, which makes them more susceptible to illness in general.
The socio-economic impact of noise pollution:
Noise pollution has cumulative damage to society. This can leads to so many problems at a time. For example, noise pollution creates stress and hypertension; this leads to cardiovascular disease. People need to take treatment for that which has a cost the individuals need to bear and which is expensive, especially for the people of a developing country.
Roadside noise creating a substantial negative impact on children. Their health is direly or indirectly suffering from this.
Many studies say their natural growth is affecting due to overexpose of noise. At the same time, daytime and night-time noise can result in slower learning in children, which costs £252 million per year.
A vast number of people are at risk of losing their hearing due to noise pollution. According to WHO, The one billion people at the risk of irreversible hearing loss are aged between 12 to 35 years.
They are also addressing that More than one in 20 people, 432 million adults, and 34 million children have disabling hearing loss. It will cost estimated to cost the global economy USD 750 million.
Unfortunately, most of the communities who are suffering from this problem are from poor and middle-income countries, and half of this hearing loss could be prevented through public health measures and makes people more aware of this.
Now its time to give you some cool tips for avoiding noise pollution
Noise pollution prevention and control tips-15 cool tips for avoiding noise pollution
Avoid honking– As roadside traffic is a significant source of traffic, so people need to avoid honking. In developing countries, people tend to honk, which is contributing to noise pollution. By avoiding honking, they can easily be prevented in noise pollution.
Use cyclic rather than a car– if people use more cycles that it will help to noise reduction as the number of cars and honking will like to be reduced because of this.
Reduce use of personal vehicle –The amount of own vehicle must be reduced. It’s contributing to many pollutions like air and noise. If the number of the car can be reduced by promoting more public transportation, than it will reduce noise pollution, as well as the amount of honking, will re reduces.
Use personal headphone – In the house, noise pollution can be under control by not playing loudspeaker music. If using individual headphones, that source can be prevented easily.
Making soundproofed room– Now a day, we can make our room sound prove by using a different type of technology from the market. This technology helps in both way, not allow outside noise to come inside and vice versa.
Prevent public addressing using loudspeakers – Public addressing must not be using a loudspeaker; they can use paper or online sources to promote their agenda. It will help society from noise pollution.
Use protectors in the factory to prevent noise – Factory, which has noise creating machines; they much use a different type of protector and silencer; this will prevent sounds from coming outside. This will ensure benefits for both workers of the factory as well as the community.
Tree plantations– Its natural barrier to avoid noise. Sound waves can’t spread more due to the tree. In an urban area, Plantation can reduce the effects of noise pollutions.
Replacement of old automobiles with new ones– Old automobiles contains a weak engine, which creates more noise.
Introduce noise regulation policies– Policy must be taken. A proper strategy can only show a guideline to deal with noise from the individual point of view.
The use of calming green waves– These are the highway, and noisy areas (such as airports, train stations, and industries) sound insulation measures that can help absorb the enormous sounds produced by the operating machines.
Creating awareness and education on the consequences of noise pollution– Awareness must be built. The noise generated due to a lack of knowledge. If people get knowledgeable from childhood, they will aware to avoid unnecessary sound creation.
Monitoring and ensure governance – Monitoring and evaluation are highly required to prevent noise pollution. Government agencies must need to take action to prevent and evaluate how individuals are working on it.
Let’s all be good neighbors- By being a good neighbor, it means maintaining awareness of loud music, loud parties, among others. Keeping these on the mind can make neighbors do the same action, which eventually contributes to a smooth and practical way of reducing noise pollution.
Combine efforts are required– Noise pollution is such pollution which produces from the different levels of society—starting from the household level to the industrial scale. Only a combined effort can make a change in this case.
After providing some Noise pollution prevention and control tips its time to discuss about “white Noise” lets explore it-
What is White noise? Definition of White Noise-
If you consider the definition, White Noise is created by a continuum of frequencies equally distributed over the whole hearing range.
In healthcare management, white noise is used to treat hyperacusis, which is an increased sensitivity to usual environmental sounds or to camouflage the annoyance caused by tinnitus in this process ringing in the ear occurring without any stimulus.
In the office, white noise is also used to mask background noises or to aid in sleep in the bedroom.
This white noise can be produced by a sound conditioner, an air purifier or a fan, anything that is a constant and soothing backdrop throughout the night. Someone might want to test with the volume and type to find the white noise that works best, or if someone has a sleeping partner, the sound that works for both of the ways.
The preferences vary among people when it comes to sleeping. Some either crave quiet surroundings or some background noise to enjoy a peaceful night’s slumber.
It’s just like an introvert-extrovert thing. Introvert people prefer a calm and silent environment to thrive. But extrovert people love an equally loud and noisy atmosphere to do their task. Similarly, while most sleepers need a quiet environment to sleep like a log, others simply dislike the quietness.
Pros of white noise for adults:
Here some pros of white noise for adults people-
Listening to white noise, I allow proper sleep.
White color sounds to block out surrounding harsh noises.
Sleep disruptions decrease.
White sounds make falling asleep comfortably.
White noise allows calming down to older people.
White noise helps dementia patients.
White color sounds improve memory.
White noise works as a tinnitus therapy.
The negative impacts of white noise:
Irritating– For some people, the low-frequency buzzing of white noise can be annoying and distracting. While it may blur lessen the effects of other noises around you, it is, after all, a sound itself.
Hearing Damage – If someone turns up white noise too loudly or place the noise machine nearby to you or your little one, then it could be affecting severe hearing damage. While it is a mild sound, if turned up too loud, it is persistent and can cause hearing loss if left on too loud or too long.
Not Woken Up For Danger–The most beneficial of white noise is it ensures deep sleep. While there are several layers of sleep in a deep sleep, we can’t recognize small sounds like someone is breaking into the home of the sound of fire or any other hazards. This can lead to danger.
Risk of delays in Young Children’s Development- White noise machines may help them sleep; there are some theories that it may potentially cause delays in their development of minds. The continuous input of white noise is distorting, and they are not able to listen or process any of the usual sounds they would generally hear throughout the night.
Dependency – White noise makes a habit to people with this in order to take rest at night. In the long run, this habit turns to dependence, and people can’t sleep without using this.
Final Verdict:
We assume that human makes the majority of the sources of noise pollution. Noise pollution is such pollution which comes from sound. Sounds when it turns to unwanted or cross the level of tolerance that it’s become noise.
To reduce noise pollution action need to be taken from all sources, including government, Business corporations, social organization, and most importantly, public individuals.
Noise and other pollution have significant deference; noise pollution is from sound, which we can’t avoid in our life inherently only when this sound crosses the tolerance magnitude, or it becomes unwanted than it turns to noise.
So if you become careful about all kind of pollution and not allow this and becoming self-aware from that and adopting a living green lifestyle, it will be possible to reduce noise pollution.
Is Eco parenting or green parenting just a myth in the 21st century? Or this great environmentally friendly parenting becomes a necessity to raise our kids?
Why its high time to raise your baby more eco-friendly way?
Let’s find out all those in this write-up along with some cool sustainable eco parenting tips.
Stay tuned!!
Children are like plants; if you nurture them with love, care & compassion; they flourish like fruit & blossom like a fragrant flower. That is where the beauty of life stands for; the ultimate meaning of life to create a greener future. According to Jane Hanckel, the pioneer for Eco-parenting, “Children are the fruit of our future. Eco parenting is to grow greener children, creating life capacity for joy for the future.”
What Is eco parenting?
Eco parenting is a healthier & simplified version of lifestyle choices for smarter parents that often encompass organic, natural & low environmental toxins exposure and ensure a joyful atmosphere for children to lead happy, healthy & flexible lives.
In today’s fast pacing world where the parents are busy, technology grasping our majority of time-energy and global warming & toxic pollutants creating alarms to our living lifestyle, Eco parenting is not an option but a necessity as Professor Mark Cohen claimed.
Categories of Parenting Types
Many indigenous proverbs say that parenting has made humans. Like Indigenous knowledge, parenting is essential in modern societies also. According to parents and children’s methods and psychology, modern psychologists and sociologists have mentioned certain types of parenting. Today families are adopting these kinds of parenting in many respects.
Permissive Parenting: This type of parenting is more than flexible in common sense. Parents don’t behave like an omnipotent or something like that here. Parents seem to appear as friendly persons who don’t bother with the activities of their children. They get infinite liberty from their parents. It looks exciting and better in some cases. But too much of anything is terrible indeed. Freedom and responsibility work together to bring something good.
Authoritarian Parenting: This is the opposite of the type mentioned above. In this particular case, parents act as dominant guardians who act like dictators or tyrants. Children experience strict rules and regulations. Psychologically, children get an outlook to fear their parents. And parents usually don’t care about the likes or dislikes of children. Generally, they adapt to the behaviors to please their parents. It is not an example of good parenting.
Authoritative Parenting: This kind of parenting is a creative one. Parents appear here to be kind of, friendly seniors who care about their children. They try to understand the needs and likes of their babies. Also, they can limit unbound liberty in creative means. Generally, children are naturally eager to experience everything they see around them. This type of parent helps the children to know about their surroundings. But the limit of age is an important thing. Parents deter their children from performing in some instances in a creative process.
Uninvolved Parenting: Anyone can call this a careless type of parenting. If true, maybe it’s not intentional. Many parents think that self-help is the best help in this case. They let children grow up by themselves. Uninvolved parents spend less time with their children.
In many cases, children feel deprived of the proper relations with their guardians. Its result can be worse. In western societies, causes of psychological problems for young citizens happen because of this kind of parenting.
The primary aim of eco-parenting system is to create:
Love, connections & bonding between Parents & children
Parents’ active involvement in providing valuable time & energy
Healthy living environment
Joyful, pleasant atmosphere
Healthy lifestyle
Parenting Types that are Closely related to Eco Parenting
Green Parenting: Green parenting means taking care of a family’s children in a natural, pollution-free, and minimalist way. Healthy choices in food, clothes, everyday utensils, lowering family waste at a minimum level, raising children by eco-friendly means in every single activity are parts of green parenting. Eco parenting and green parenting are very similar in many ways.
Natural Parenting: Natural parenting deals with raising and naturally caring for children. Nature is indeed the best designer of everything around us. And life has also designed the proper way to bring up human babies. Natural parenting discourages artificial products and techniques from being used when children are growing up. Undoubtedly, it’s a holistic way to adapt.
Sustainable Parenting: The idea of sustainable parenting came from sustainable development. It deals with raising children by adapting proper conscious activities to keep the ecosystem safe. It has physiological and psychological sides also. Sustainable parenting includes a growing awareness of nature and its processes in one’s children by raising. Sustainable parents inform their children about eco-friendly consumption, production, and recreation.
Zero-Waste Parenting: Zero-waste parenting is a method of raising children by lowering the pollution rate at a particular stage. New family activities leave a substantial amount of carbon footprint. This carbon footprint becomes harmful gradually. Adaptation of the zero-waste lifestyle in raising children can be a creative and effective answer to this problem.
Carbon-Zero Parenting: Undertaking family matters means a lot of work to keep it safe and sound. These activities include making food, cleaning the house, clothes, other things, etc. At present, all of these activities cause a lot of carbon emissions. Carbon-zero parenting is a creative and sophisticated way by which carbon emission can be reduced significantly.
Minimalist parenting: ‘Minimalism’ is a term that is very difficult to define simply. Parenting was first introduced in 2013 by a famous book ‘Minimalist Parenting’. It is a way of raising children with the usage of minimum resources found from our surroundings. It means that minimalist parenting is a little bit similar to zero-waste parenting in one sense. But minimalism has a broader meaning. It includes an aggregate subject.
Organic Parenting: Generally, we mean ‘organic’ as a sort of natural or bio-related thing or process. But organic parenting refers to something completely different. It’s not that simple to have organic foods or clothes in every part of life. Organic parenting is a process allowing children to grow up with a nature-centric outlook along with a wholesome lifestyle.
Budget Parenting: Like minimalism, budget parenting is a complex term to determine. It’s not merely maintaining restraint in money habits in our daily lives. It includes a creative and nature-friendly way by which one can care for children. Budget parenting tends to lead the everyday family economy to a nature-centric lifestyle in an excellent idea.
Why its high time to adopt an eco parenting way to raise your kids?
First, look at the scenario of how Children & Environment is so profoundly connected and why a better environment is a necessity in today’s world for a better future. Let’s have a look:
The alarming consequences:
Pesticides linked to ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Approximately 2400 children’s medication increases for ADHD
Some food wraps contain hormone disrupters
15% of asthma is caused by cleaning products
Some personal care products contain ingredients that cause cancer & inhibit brain development
93% of Americans have BPAs (i.e., bisphenol A in organophosphate, a plastic hardener) in their blood linked to breast cancer, obesity, heart disease & ADHD
Toxic Pollutants in children toys, personal care cosmetics & food:
Massive amounts of chemicals are introduced throughout history, and each year, which are not tested in human beings & children. There is no proven credential for using those but are used in day-to-day life. Many of these chemicals stay in the human body for a prolonged time period after they have been exposed.
These chemicals include: leads, and BPA– some of the main chemicals which cause:
ADHD – (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Neurobehavioral disorders
Obesity
Diabetes
Hormone disruptors
Heart disease
Cancer
BPA is a plastic hardener existing in different plastic bottles like baby bottles, water bottles & tin food. In 1930, it was considered a hormone disruptor that causes susceptibility to BP AIDS to children. Tin soup can raise the sensitivity of exposure to BPA by 20 times. BPA is banned in Canada as it’s declared as a toxic substance. Many countries need to follow this suit.
Leads related to ADHD hormones, disruption & diabetes.
Organophosphates are present in indoor-outdoor children’s environment, in the school environment, and also in our food, where infants are exposed to over 100 chemicals in the uterus, which is, in turn, cause developmental delays in children of the age of 3 years old. So the mental health problems start in the womb long before the child is born.
Author of “last-child left & woods” book Richard Louv claimed, “The child & nature is an endanger species” – portrait the health of the children & earth is inseparable. There were some alarming data showing:
64% OF UK’s children play outside less than once a week
28% hadn’t been on a country walk in 2009
21% had never been on a farm
20% had never climbed a tree.
Tips for eco parenting: The road of the solution on how to achieve Eco parenting for a sustainable green future-
Let’s look at some crucial steps to adopt:
Approximately 93% of the children spend their time in learning centers, which in turn raising a generation of Amnesiac. The University of Wollongong’s studies showed Memory retention & outdoor learning is significantly improved and also the behavioral outcomes.
University of Illinois study shows just 20 minutes’ walk in nature is good & better medication for the children of ADHD. But in town setup or urban street states no improvement.
Modern Educational Scientist discovered if a child is going through 20 years of formal education setup, 70% of his intelligence irrevocably destroyed. As because today’s education teaching of coping with competition, not incorporating to make unique human geniuses. Home & school’s environments should be as such that will create an atmosphere to flourish a child’s mental strength & ability. The beauty of the child is he is flexible- Sadhguru says the spiritual Guru.
Intellectual emotion & spiritual need to create an environment that is not over stimulating for child’s potential development & healthy growth. The Fundamental principle is to create a joyful atmosphere, according to Jane Hanckel, which needs to be implemented at Self- the family-community-country level. Meditation & spirituality practice would be helpful as modern science claimed.
Simplify people’s life:
Bringing Simplicity & joy in small things like playing in nature, climbing tree and swimming in pond, playing with mud, walking in nature, incorporating children in plantation & giving small indoor-outdoor tasks.
Avoid plastic & chemical usage and too much exposure to technology instead expose children to nature & environment
Introducing healthy homemade food. Avoid tin products, processed food, and supermarket drinks.
Minimize plastic usage in out food 7& in children’s environment.
Avoid using pesticides
Use ecological cleanings & personal care products
Avoid using artificial fragrances
Violent video game, TV & internet addicts:
If you compared human brain to other mammals it is very tiny at birth, a mere 25% of its final adult size. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests the brain doesn’t fully develop until our mid-late twenties. The frontal lobe, responsible for judgment, planning, assessing risks, and decision-making, is the last region to finish development around age 30. So during this critical age period removing technology from the early childhood environment can lead to quite a child who has more connections with each other. More technology exposure kills the brain imagination, clogs & clutter up brain as it’s the softest organ of child which in turn leads to less thinking power/ability; less fantasy & imaginary power about fairy tales; becomes dull & leads aggressive behavior; and also causes several of violence & crimes.
Forming healthier & more resilient families:
John Bowlby, British psychoanalyst and Founder of Attachment Theory came with a hypothesis that healthy attachment is crucial to promote emotional regulation and is vital for optimal brain development. Our interactions with our children, whether positive or negative, affect the way their brains grow. Some tips are:
Living simply, eating healthier food & using natural materials.
Spending time in nature
Practicing mindfulness in meditation
Working together, potential for happiness & joy for all children.
Conclusion
So now its time to live simply & start questioning all this chaos happening.
The only solution is to,
Spending more time in nature & Connect with it. Start to live in a more environmentally way. Its time to highly appreciate the green living lifestyle.
Always educate your kids to figure out what is necessity needs and what is atypical needs. Encourage your baby to use natural resources wisely- for example, emphasis to userenewable energy like solar energy and wind energy for a better clean environment and energy security.
Working on creating a joyful atmosphere of love & bonding; because everything is interrelated & connected. A child needs a joyful, pleasant atmosphere to grow, and then parents’ love-bonding with patient involvement of giving active time & energy will lead to flourishing -that’s all. We aim to create a better future for a better generation, which is better than us.
There are several papers published in this realm, but it’s not accessible to the General public, which is the ironic truth. And more upsetting is media as not cooperating to disseminate the information to the public.
Raising funds to teach all this information to all the general public, community, daycare centers, and children indoor learning centers and schools is a necessity.
So, adopt eco parenting very soon, inspire a child, inspire a world, and create a new potential generation in a new world.
Getting the right solar panel dimensions for your home requires careful planning. You need to consider before making a final decision because you wouldn’t want to make the wrong selection. This piece will provide the guidance you need so that you will be able to choose the perfect solar panel size that will meet the expectations of your family.
The sun is a source of clean renewable energy,apart from providing warmth and light. The energy from the sun is known as solar energy, and this energy can be converted into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. That is why you can use solar energy to power your refrigerators, TVs, lights, and other appliances.
What are solar panels made of, and how do they work?
Primarily, solar cells are made from silicon, which is a chemical element that has conductive tendencies. When silicon is exposed to light, its electrical characteristics changes, and this leads to the generation of an electric current.
What are the parts of a solar energy system?
Apart from the panels, you need an inverter to convert the energy into a format that can adequately power your appliances. Also, you need batteries to store the energy generated, and you can’t do without a charge controller, which controls the charging rate of the batteries.
● Solar panels
● Batteries
● Inverter
● Charge controller
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
Here are some of the pros of the solar power system:
● Renewable: Sunlight is an inexhaustible resource, meaning that you can use it over and over again. It is not like oil that can deplete with time.
● Lower Electric Bills: With an ideal solar power system in your home, your electricity bill will reduce every month. It can be a good source of replacement for properties tied to the grid.
● Remote power: If you live in a remote area with no access to the power grid, a solar system can help you out. Your property will be powered, and you won’t need to pay monthly bills.
● Improve Property Value: A home with a solar system will have more value than one without it. If your property is located in a rural area, you can boost its value by making it solar-compliant.
On the other hand, there are cons associated with the use of solar:
● High up-front cost: You should be prepared to spend much on an ideal system that will power your entire house. The up-front cost can be high, but you will offset in the long run.
● Weather Dependent: If your panels don’t get enough sun, they will not generate enough electricity. Snow, shade, and other obstacles can affect their optimum performance. However, there is the equipment that can prevent this, but you will need to pay extra to get it.
● Takes up space: Depending on the configuration of your system, solar panels can take up a lot of space on your property. The majority of them are over 3 feet in width and more than 7 feet in length.
Tips for choosing the right solar panel size:
You need to put your focus on the vital aspect of the deal instead of advertising because you will be spending a lot of money in the process. Recommendations from friends is not a bad idea, especially from those who have installed the system in their homes. They will be in the best position to inform you about what they have experienced with the system. If there are problems you need to avoid, they will be in the best place to tell you.
Besides, you should determine the type of panel you want to use. The two major solar panels types are monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
Monocrystalline panels are more expensive, but they are more efficient. If you don’t have enough space to accommodate so many panels, you should go for this type.
On the other, polycrystalline panels are cheaper but not as effective as monocrystalline panels. You can consider this type if you have enough space for many panels. Also, you should consider adding more panels in the near future during your planning process.
Also, you should stay away from salespeople that want to put pressure on you. You need to avoid making abrupt decisions so that you won’t end up making the wrong choice. You should take your time without being rushed into making a decision. Remember that you are making a decision that will impact your life for a long time. Hence, you should not rush into making decisions.
How long do solar panels last?
Most panels will last for more than 25 years, with the least efficiency level standing at 80%. They don’t break down even when the manufacturer’s warranty expires. However, other components of the system, like batteries and inverters, have a shorter lifetime. Expectedly, you may need to replace them at least once in the lifetime of your system.
A lead-acid battery has a lifespan of between three and seven years, and this is dependent on how well you maintain it. Lithium batteries can last for between ten and fifteen years. For inverters, their lifespan can be between ten and twenty years, and your maintenance culture will determine how far they can go.
Multiple things to consider before selecting the right solar panel size
Solar panel dimensions vary, but before you can decide on this vital issue, you need to put so many things into consideration. Some of them are discussed below.
● Your budget: The first thing to consider is your budget. You need to be clear on the amount you want to spend on the project. Also, you can find various financing options so that setting up your system will be a piece of cake. Check with your local tax authority if you are eligible for a tax credit. Also, you can go for a lease agreement, which will undoubtedly reduce the upfront cost of obtaining the system.
● Available roof space: The size of your roof space will determine the solar panel size you will go for. You should make sure that you get the exact measurement of your roof, and you should use this measurement to choose the perfect panel size for your home. Also, you should place the panel in such a way that it will get direct rays from the sun. Ideally, the panels should be placed 90° to the sun.
● Electricity use or need: You need to investigate your energy use. You should know your total electricity usage, and you may need to work on reducing your electricity use. If you are connected to the grid, you can use your electricity bill to measure your usage. It will be shown in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and you can review it on a monthly basis.
● Future energy plans: Your future energy plans will also determine the panel size to go for. If you are planning to get more electric gadgets in the future, you need to put this into your plan before making a purchase.
Solar panel size chart
Feature
Residential Panel
Commercial Panel
No of solar cells
60
72
Average length (inches)
65
78
Average width (inches)
39
39
Average depth (inches)
1.5 – 2
1.5 – 2
What are the dimensions of a solar panel?
Usually, residential solar panel dimensions are 65 inches in length and 39 inches in width, with the depth standing between 1.5 and 2 inches. For commercial panels, you should expect the length to be about 78 inches, while the width will be around 39 inches. The depth for commercial panels is approximately 2 inches. However, there may be variations among manufacturers; for example, SunPower panels measure 61.3 by 41.2 inches.
What is the size of a 250-watt solar panel?
A 250-watt solar panel weighs about 18 kilograms.
How big is a 300w solar panel?
Usually, a polycrystalline silicon 300-watt solar panel has a length of 195.6 centimeters, a width of 99.2 centimeters and a depth of 5 centimeters. The weight is around 23 kilograms.
How much power does a 300-Watt solar panel produce?
When the sun is shining at its full potential, a 300-Watt panel should generate 30 watts-hours (0.3kW) of electricity in one hour. Also, the panel will produce 240 volts, which is equal to yo 1.25 amps.
How big is a 1 kW solar panel?
You will need an area of about 10 square meters for a 1 kW solar system. Ideally, the system should be able to generate between 1600 and 1700 kWh of electricity in one year.
300w monocrystalline solar panel specifications
Maximum Power/Pmax(W)
300
Max Power Current
8.35
Weight(Kg)
20.5
Dimensions(mm)
1000
Max System Voltage
27.00VDC +-0.5
Solar panel sizes and wattage
The majority of regular solar panels come with a wattage of between 230 and 275. This translates to about 34 physical panels that will be installed in your house, depending on your level of annual consumption.
Solar panel dimensions 400w
The 400-Watt panel has a length of 169 centimeters, a width of 104.6 centimeters and a depth of 4 centimeters. Usually, its weight is around 19 kilograms.
200w solar panel dimensions
The 200-Watt panel has a length of 164.6 centimeters, a width of 99.5 centimeters and a depth of 5 centimeters. It also weighs 19 kilograms.
Standard Solar panel dimensions in USA
In the United States, the standard size for residential installations is 65 inches by 39 inches. For commercial installation, the usual size is 77 inches by 39 inches.
Standard Solar panel Size in Australia:
In Australia, the standard size for residential installations is 63 inches by 31.5 inches. For commercial use, the usual size is 65 inches by 39 inches. There can be slight variations from one company to another.
Average Solar panel dimensions in Canada
Canadian residents are exposed to 65 inches by 39 inches as the standard size for residential installations. For commercial use, the usual size is 78 inches by 39 inches.
Solar System Size: How to Calculate Yours?
To get the actual number of solar panels that will power your house, the first thing you need to do is calculate the hourly energy requirement of your home. Then, multiply the hourly energy requirement with the number of hours you have peak sunlight in your area. Then, divide the result by the wattage of the panel. You can use a low-wattage (150W) and high-wattage (300W) values to get a range of estimated outputs.
If the measurement of an average solar panel stands at 65 inches by 39 inches, how can this translate to a full-sized rooftop solar panel system?
Since the average system in the United States is 6 kilowatts (kW), and you install a 6kW solar system making use of about 20 average-sized panels. You will probably get a system that measures approximately 27 feet by 13 feet. This will give you an area of 352 square feet, provided that the panels are placed close together with no obstacle on your roof.
How much do solar panels weigh?
You need to know the weight of solar panels when planning a solar system. Understanding the importance will help you to be sure that your roof can support a full installation. The majority of solar panels, especially 60-cell residential panels, weigh about 40 pounds, but there are variations from one brand to another. Some brands can be as light as 33 pounds, and some brands can weigh as much as 50 pounds.
Solar panel weight by the manufacturer (60-cell Residential Panels)
SolarWorld
40 – 47 lbs
LG
38 lbs
Canadian Solar
40 – 51 lbs
Hyundai
38 – 41 lbs
Hanwha SolarOne
40 – 42 lbs
Hanwha Q CELLS
41 lbs
Trina 41 – 50 lbs
Trina 41 – 50 lbs
SunPower
33 – 41 lbs
Axitec
39 – 41 lbs
Kyocera
42 – 44 lbs
Is it possible for your roof support to support a solar panel system?
If you know the size and weight of solar panels, it will be easier for you to calculate the capacity of your roof to support a solar panel system. For an installation targeting 6-kilowatt output, you will use about 20 solar panels. Ideally, each panel will weigh about 40 pounds, meaning that the total weight will be about 800 pounds.
Also, this system will measure 352 square feet, and this means that the weight per square foot is 2.3 pounds (800 pounds ÷ 352 sq ft). When you consider other installation materials, like mounting hardware, you will get a total weight of around 4 pounds per square foot.
Roofs on the majority of newer homes have the capacity of withstanding the weight of more than 3 pounds per square foot. If your home is of the old type, or you are not sure that it can support the weight of solar panels, you can have a chat with your roofing company. A simple roof inspection is all you need so that you can be sure that putting the burden of solar panels on your roof will not be disastrous.
Find the best solar option for your home by comparing multiple quotes
It is common among solar installers to customize systems by the need of every home. Hence, you need to find the right installer that will customize a system for you. You can visit popular marketplaces to compare offers from installers near you.
On A Final Note
Solar energy, like renewable energy, is becoming more popular in today’s world. It is seen as nature’s free gift to mankind because it cannot be exhausted like some other natural resources. Getting a solar system installed in your home is a good step towards achieving a cheaper power supply.
For the system to perform according to specifications, your roof should be able to accommodate the solar panel dimensions. Hence, you need to plan properly before the installation process so that you will be able to get the most satisfactory result.
Big giants companies of this world like Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Chevron, Loreal, Alibaba, Nestle, and many others are ruling the global business from different platforms.
However, are they just doing business and polluting the environment?
No.
All of these giants are putting efforts to curb their greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards sustainability in many ways.
In the recent era, we are observing big companies are now more conscious about their corporate social responsibility(CSR). They are running a lot of social and environmentally sustainable project, almost all the big brands are going green to tackling climate change.
Let’s find out How are big companies Going Green?
In this write up you get enough ideas-
How Tech Giants Support Renewable Energy?
Top list of Environmentally Friendly Companies and their sustainable resolution.
Brief of their ongoing sustainable project and its impact along with some cool data and stats.
Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook who win the race towards 100% renewable energy target for sustainable clean energy goal?
More big Companies Are Committed to going green:Is It Enough?
Let’s peel off the skin of those issues-
Get introduced to these big companies and their green initiatives that are taking place worldwide!
Share your ideas if you have more information and let us know if you liked reading. Happy reading!
World’s Biggest Companies Support Clean Renewable Energy :
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) referred that 40% of the future energy sector will be run on 100% renewable energy by 2040.
We all know how every nation is investing in renewables to solve the crisis of fossil fuels.
Sustainability, being the umbrella goal, has renewable energy as the only reliable option. Not only governmental and non-governmental organizations, corporate companies and factories are shifting towards eco-friendly projects.
There is no doubt that this infiltration of environmental ethics and pressure came from bigger companies.
The world’s biggest companies are going green in many ways. These companies have a huge amount of money to invest, and they are choosing green initiatives to tackle climate change as umbrella organizations. Multinational companies of different platforms like social media service, automotive and electric energy companies, cosmetics, etc. are investing in clean energy to run their companies as well as run other green projects around the world to generate clean energy.
Let us know some of the green initiatives of the biggest companies in this world and how they are impacting the world.
Big companies are going green to tackling climate change:
What are the big companies? That is big in size? Or that has luxurious office space?
Not really.
Or maybe the companies you have heard about?
Yes, you’re almost there.
World’s biggest companies are those companies that have the highest amount of revenues worldwide with the highest influence on the market compared to other companies. In simple words, the rich companies! There are rankings of these companies. It does not depend on if we consider them big enough or not. Forbes Global 2000 publishes tally or list of big companies around the world. Forbes released its first list in 2003 and published its 17th annual ranking in May 2019. Rankings are also done by market capitalization: Statista and Fortune global 500.
Since they are the biggest companies with so much money, they have enough money to invest in different projects. The good news is that the biggest companies are choosing clean energy to run the companies and also supporting green projects around the globe. Let us have a look at these big companies ruling the world economy!
Let’s meet the top 12 Big companies which are going green :
#1. Google.
#2. Apple.
#3. Amazon.
#4. Facebook.
#5. Microsoft.
#6. Alibaba.
#7. Tesla.
#8. Toyota.
#9. Nestle.
#10. Walmart.
#11. Chevron.
#12. Loreal.
Google Headquarter
1. Key Green initiatives by Google –
With the massive revenue of $40.3 million, Google undoubtedly stands as one of the most successful companies. The major revenues come from advertising from Google sites and networks. Among other revenues, digital content platforms, apps sold from Google Playstore, Chromecast devices, and smartphones contribute a lot to Google revenue. The corporate headquarter called ‘Googleplex’ is located at Mountain View, California, United States.
#Google renewable energy goal: Hugely invest in Solar and wind energy projects –
Google’s earlier investment focused on wind energy. At present, Google is making new investments in the U.S mostly on solar energy.
In Chile, Google is investing in hybrid solar and wind ventures to power data centers. Present agreements of renewable energy bring Google at 52 renewable energy deals and 5500 megawatts(MW) of power. Google plans to invest $150 million on renewable energy projects.
Google’s renewable purchases will increase existing renewable energy portfolio by more than 40 percent. Source:blog.google
The CEO of google Mr. Sundar Pichai recently vowed that google is already made huge purchases in the renewable sector to achieve their mammoth clean energy goal.
This purchase is made up of a 1,600-megawatt (MW) package of agreements and includes 18 new energy deals.
Collectively, these deals will increase Google’s worldwide portfolio of wind and solar agreements by more than 40 percent, to 5,500 MW—equivalent to the capacity of a million solar rooftops.
Once all these projects show in online, google carbon-free energy portfolios will able to produce additional electricity than areas like Washington D.C. or entire countries like Uruguay or Lithuania use every year.
#Google Use Recycled materials for hardware products: This is one of the most significant environmentally friendly steps from Google-
Google Use Recycled Materials f For-Hardware Products. Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Under ‘All of its made by Google’ movement, Google pledges to make its hardware products from recycled materials by 2022. The hardware products that are currently included in the plan Pixel books, Nest, Google Home speakers, accessories like phone cases and charging stands, and Pixel phones.
# Google start to Recycling partnership program
Although limited to the U.S, this program is instrumental in reducing waste management risks and recycling of devices. Google offers a shipping label for customers to send them unused devices that are no longer needed.
#In recent Google start to Carbon neutral shipments to minimize carbon emissions-
Google plans for a carbon-neutral shipment by 2020. The team reduced 40% emissions when they shifted from air shipments to cargo.
Apple Headquarters
Apple : Amazing Environmental Initiatives by Apple –
Flexing with your iPhone? Let us know something about the company that brought you this. Apple Inc. is a hardware and software company issuing the latest models of technological devices.
Apple.Inc was founded by Steve Jobs, Stephen.G.Wozniak, and Robert Wayne and was the first company to make a personalized computer.
The headquarter of Appl Inc. is in California. A massive market cap worth $961.3 billion belongs to this company. Apple Inc. ranks 6th in the Forbes Global 2000 list.
Apple not only just leading the tech industry but also take a lot of green initiative to fight against global warming. Here below some great eco-friendly initiative from Apple, let’s explore –
a) Apple Suppliers Clean Energy Initiative: Apple support Clean energy-
44 suppliers have joined Apple in the clean energy initiative. This initiative holds suppliers accountable for environmental standards, as followed by Apple. The initiative targets to bring 4 gigawatts of renewable energy to its supply chain by 2020. An additional one gigawatt beyond this is also expected. Apple has a long way to go to cover all suppliers worldwide.
b) Apple Environmental Sustainability Report mission to ‘Change the World’ –
Apple issued its environmental sustainability report in 2019, which claims Apple has a mission to ‘change the world’ in terms of environmental initiatives from Apple.
With this goal, Apple has already invested in multiple renewable energy projects and reached 100% renewable energy targets in 43 countries around the globe. Although all in-house operations are running on renewables, third party suppliers need to be focused on generating power from renewables.
c) Apple was successfully able to lower carbon emissions 35% throughout some sustainable project-
Apple successfully reduced its carbon emissions by 35% than in 2015. This fact was claimed in The Environmental Responsibility Report of 2019. Apple published a chart that shows the strategy behind lowering emissions since 2011.
In the next section, I want to introduce one of the leading big company “Amazon” and there ongoing sustainable activity. Lets tune with this write-up
Amazon HQ: Photo Credit Mohawk Metal
Amazon:
At present, the world’s biggest online retailer and promising cloud service provider are Amazon. It started its journey as Cadavra in 1994 and changed to Amazon in 1995. Amazon reaches $959 billion by ranking 3rd in terms of market capitalization with major revenues from customer services. Amazon.com has multiple headquarters. Customer service centers and software development centers in different locations of the world.
Some Environmental Initiatives from Amazon towards tackling climate change :
In September 2019, Amazon launched a series of initiatives towards tackling climate change.
The Chief Executive and Founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, emphasized the potential of other companies to go green to meet the Paris Agreement 10 years early if Amazon delivering 10 billion items and having such a vast infrastructure can do.
Amazon and their 5 Sustainable Goal Source: amazon
Amazon has a goal to adopt 40% renewables by 2024 and 100% by 2030.
It also commits to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. With this goal, Amazon has impressive green initiatives in the process. Let’s go through them in brief:
Amazon Renewable Energy Goal:
#Amazon Solar energy projects – Amazon aiming to generate 500,997 MWh energy per year from solar power:
Amazon announces two solar projects to power its operations in North Carolina and Virginia. The company expects to generate 500,997 mwh per year. The projects are expected to start in 2021.
Amazon is also deploying rooftop solar panel systems in London, which will generate electricity as much as 4500 homes do. This will reduce carbon footprint by 6000 metric tons of CO2 per year.
#Amazon Wind energy projects-Amazon able to harness enough energy from wind which can power up 90,000 U.S Homes for a year :
Amazon’s largest wind energy project is located in Texas. It can generate 253W of wind energy annually. This amount of wind energy s enough to power 90,000 U.S homes for a year.
#Amazon endeavoring to buy 100,000 EV(electric vehicles) for achieving net-zero carbon emissions :
Amazon committed to buying 100,000 electric vehicles to implement the goal of net-zero carbon emissions.
It is expected that by 2021, the first delivery electric vehicles will be on roads. Amazon plans to deploy 10,000 electric vehicles for shipment in 2022 and 100,000 by 2030.
Rivian, a rival of Tesla, has already launched an electronic pickup and SUV. Rivian plans to join all delivery services for better customer experience.
Although it is not sure news how much Amazon will invest in Rivian for the electric vehicles, but the investment is led by Amazon and is around a $770 million investment.
Amazon calls out other companies to join the net-zero carbon emission movement to meet the Paris Pledge.
Amazon eyeing $10 million investment in recycling Program:
Amazon announced a $10 million investment in a municipal recycling program in North America. The reason is clear why Amazon is interested in recycling programs.
Amazon has the largest retail sector in North America, particularly in the U.S, where vast amounts of cardboard’s are shipped every day. In that region, thousands of Americans do not have access to curbside recycling pickup. This is why a massive amount of cardboard boxes and reusable materials go wasted.
So, by investing in recycling programs through the Closed Loop Fund, Amazon is developing the recycling infrastructures of the city as well as promoting re-use of materials. This will increase the efficiency of resources.
Sustainability Reporting Initiative From Amazon :
To ensure transparency, Amazon opened a new website to monitor and track the company’s progress towards Paris Pledge. The company urges other companies to join in with this non-binding agreement to tackle climate change. Moreover, Amazon built a scientific model to map its carbon footprint.
In next section we will discuss some key green initiatives of Facebook
Facebook is also going green- Here some key green initiatives of Facebook-
Very few people in the world do not have a Facebook profile. The success of this company need not introduce. With a revenue of $550 billion, Facebook ranks 5th in terms of market capitalization.
Facebook services also include Instagram, Whatsapp, Messenger. The headquarter of Facebook is at MenloPark, California, United States.
As we all know, Facebook is the fastest growing social network site around the globe Sustainable workplaces. At present Facebook hugely investing their money and time to ensure for achieving their sustainable goal. Here below some excellent eco-friendly steps from Facebook-
They create sustainable workplaces for their employees around the world, prioritizing materials and solutions that minimize the impact on the environment and advance employee well being.
They are striving to design and operate high-performance buildings that are healthy and sustainable and inspire collaboration, creativity, and productivity.
They use building automation and feedback to optimize their spaces and leverage natural daylight to reduce energy usage.
They use rigorous sustainable design standards such as LEED®, Green Star and BREEAM® (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) to confirm their offices incorporate top-class design concepts and construction practices that help to reduce overall energy, water, and material consumption.
At their Bay Area headquarters, they have achieved LEED® Platinum the highest level of certification – and many of their other facilities have already achieved sustainable design certifications globally.
Facebook committed to reducing its greenhouse gas footprint by 75% and reaching 100% renewable energy in 2020; they recognize the urgency of climate change.
Tesla and its Sustainable Goal :
Tesla.Inc was formerly known as Tesla Motors. This company, from the very beginning, is thriving by producing, trading electric cars and electric storage products. Thus, it has two segments: Automotive and Energy generation and storage. The revenue reached $24.3 K billion in 2019.
The headquarter of Tesla is located at Palo Alto, California, United States.
In the recent era, Tesla is more focused to achieve its sustainable goal. Tesla comes up with amazing environment-friendly initiatives and runs a lot of green projects, here below I discuss a few of them-
# Re-examining sustainability strategy by Tesla-
Tesla promotes ensuring sustainability from the grassroots of the whole system rather than only manufacturing. This is why Tesla has greenways to implement key programs, standards, and guidance across global operations safely. Generating sustainability culture within the whole company is the key to safe operations.
# Tesla Purchasing SolarCity Corp to achieve its renewable energy goal-
Tesla got the approval to purchase SolarCity Corp which is the largest installer and manufacturer of solar panels in 2017.
Solar Corp is the whole new subsidiary of Tesla. Tesla has been taking orders for solar roof panels. Now, customers can buy solar panels, Power pack electricity storage units, and Powerwall as well as choose electric cars from the latest range of Tesla.
Tesla’s rooftop solar panels are cheaper than traditional rooftops which also connect to Power wall to power your homes with a sustainable energy system. So, you get luxury but in a green way!
# Tesla – Manufacturing green
Currently, Tesla manufactures vehicles in California and battery in Nevada. The California grid is very clean with 70% from non-fossil fuel. The Nevada Gigafactory is on the way to be powered by 70 MW solar array and on-site recycling.
Key Green Initiatives by Walmart –
Walmart Inc. ranks 1 among the top 10 in the Fortune Global 500 list. It also secured different top positions 11 other rankings in 2019. There are three business segments: Walmart U.S, Walmart International, Sam’s Club. Is said combined, this company engages in retail, wholesale, electronics, apparel store, digital retail, supermarkets, super centers, business operation support services, and the list goes on. The company earns revenue of 514.4 billion USD. The headquarter of Walmart is located at Bentonville, Arkansas, United States.
Walmart promotes sustainable agriculture. So, it works with suppliers who optimize agricultural resources and report through the Sustainability Index. This aligns with the World Economic Forum’s new vision for agriculture. Walmart works with growers who adopt improved agricultural practices.
# Walmart produce sustainable dairy and meat
Walmart is working with the U.S round table for sustainable beef to set comprehensive metrics for the beef supply chain. The metrics help to set priority indicators for animal well being and GHG emissions. Also, Walmart is working with Nature Conservancy for a dedicated beef supply and plans to cover 15 percent of the industry by 2023. Walmart also plans to reduce GHG emissions in the dairy industry by 25% by 2020.
# Walmart keep eye on Sustainable Seafood sourcing
100% of Walmart and Sam’s Club farmed, fresh and frozen, and wild seafood is sourced according to the Walmart Seafood Policy. Walmart works in UK, Canada, the U.S, Mexico, Brazil, and Central America in sustainable seafood. The suppliers are encouraged to work towards sustainable certification or an Aquaculture Improvement Project.
# Walmart launch green finance initiative with HSBC-
Walmart and HSBC have teamed up to incentivize suppliers of Walmart to opt for sustainable practices. HSBC will offer lucrative financial packages to suppliers of Walmart who will be able to demonstrate plans to cut down greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative will increase productivity and also lower the cost of suppliers, which is a win-win for environmental protection.
Microsoft-
Microsoft Corporation is a technology company, securing top positions in nineteen different rankings in the year 2019 The revenues topped $1 trillion, making it the third U.S Company to cross this milestone.
Microsoft is a leading developer of personalized computer software systems and applications.
It also licenses and supports software products. The company engages in developing gaming and entertainment consoles, other intelligent devices, and accessories that relate to cloud-based offerings.
It also has its range of tablet computers, e-mail services, portable media players, published books, and multimedia titles. The founder of this American technology company is Bill Gates. The headquarters is located at Redmond, Washington, United States.
Key Green Initiatives by Microsoft-
# Cutting carbon emissions
Microsoft increased its carbon tax to $15 per metric ton, which is almost double the current rate. This will pressurize the company’s business division to cut off emissions up to 75%
# Clean energy project
Microsoft joined hands with Chelan PUD to generate clean energy to power Puget Sound Operations. This project will also contribute to generating carbon-free power in Washington State that will rewarded socio-economic benefits to the people of that region.
Key Green Initiatives by Toyota-
# Toyota Green initiative Campaign
Toyota Green initiative Campaign includes many tiers of activities. These activities can be separately pointed out as initiatives. However, if we summarize, this initiative combines all customers starting from the youth community. The activities contain a series of lectures by sustainability experts in high school campuses regarding how sustainability can be carried into our daily lives, facts, and told of sustainability. This initiative works to be changed in the African-American community.
# Toyota environmental Challenge 2050
– Intending to achieve milestones in sustainability, Toyota announced this challenge in 2015. The six environmental challenges include the following points:
– 90% reduction of C02 emissions from operating Toyota vehicles from the 2010 level by 2050
Eliminate C02 emissions from the entire vehicle lifecycle
Zero emissions from all Toyota plants worldwide through clean energy projects
Minimizing and optimizing water usage at local conditions
Avoiding the end-of-life cycle of vehicles by recycling technologies developed in japan
Nature conservation activities
Key Green Initiatives by Nestle-
a) Application for iPhone and Android devices
-Nestle works differently in the case of labeling.
-The company does not focus on product labeling based on the water footprint because it ignores other environmental indicators like C02 emissions.
-This is why Nestle launched an application for iPhone and Android users to them aware of the correct ways of recycling waste packaging.
-Nestle adopts other ways of communicating with consumers to spread environmental awareness.
-For efficient life cycle assessment of the products, Nestle is a member of the ISO Water Footprint working Group(ISO140046: ISO/TC207/SC5/WG8), which was first convened in 2009.
b) Extending clean energy goals further
Nestle has already achieved 10% renewable energy in powering all sites in the last toe years and 30% reduction of emissions.
The company extended the goals to reduce up to 40% emissions by 2016 and 20% renewable energy in all sites by 2015.
These extensions made Nestle more dedicated to tackling climate change.
c) Nestle plans to build an ecosystem of Sustainable coffee chain-
Nestle is working with distributing 220 million plantlets by 2020 for improving the sustainable coffee supply chain.
Nestle has already achieved the milestone of 100% certified sustainable cocoa sourcing as a sustainable raw material.
d) Nestle going for green packaging- Recyclable and reusable packaging
Nestle pledges to use 100% recyclable and reusable materials for packaging by 2025.
Under this spotlight, three core areas are focused: to use recyclable plastics, promote the use of plastics that have better recycling rates, avoid complex combinations of packaging materials.
Nestle is taking a collective approach to tackle plastic pollution through eco-labeling, exploring different packaging solutions with different industrial value chain partners. Get Every Bottle Back is another new initiative from nestling in this regard.
Alibaba:
China’s most successful online commerce company competes with the world’s biggest companies like Facebook, Apple, Google, Microsoft, in terms of securing market cap equivalent to $615 billion. Alibaba is one of the most valuable tech companies in the world, as well as one of the most valuable public companies in China. Alibaba specializes in e-commerce, retail, internet content services, and technology. Alibaba secures 7th position in BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Chinese Brands by Kantar. The study valued Alibaba at $141 billion. The headquarter of Alibaba Group is located in Hangzhou, China.
#Alibaba also going green- Some environmental friendly steps by Alibaba-
a) Alibaba introduce Permanent recycling stations
Alibaba plans to set 75,000 locations as permanent recycling stations. The stations will contract express courier services to pick up used cardboard boxes and packaging.
b) Alibaba Cloud
Similar to other cloud services, Alibaba cloud also targets to boost online purchase experience. However, Alibaba is going renewable to generate 200,000 kwt hour of energy on Single’s Day itself and conservation efforts like liquid-cooled servers.
Chevron:
Producer and transporter of crude oil globally, Chevron operates throughout the globe.
The company is also involved in chemical and mining operations, energy services, and power generation. The revenue of this company stands at $166,399 million. The headquarter is located in San Ramon, California, United States.
Chevron going green- Some environmental friendly steps by Chevron-
a) Chevron Solar energy projects-
Chevron evaluated seven photovoltaic technologies through project Brightfield in California. This determined the potential application of solar energy in other company facilities.
Lost Hill Oil Field of California is expected to power from solar energy. A 35 Megawatt solar energy system will power the oil field with low carbon electricity.
Once the project is completed, 80% of energy needs in the oil field will be powered by clean energy.
The oil field has been serving with 460 billion barrels of oil per year since 1910, which makes it important FOR Chevron.
b) Chevron Wind energy projects-
Chevron’s Casper Wind Farm was turned into an 11-turbine. 16.5-megawatt capacity wind farm.
This wind farm can produce electricity to power 16.500 U.S homes for a year. In 2019, Chevron signed a green power purchase agreement (PPA) to power a part of its current load from a wind farm in West Texas.
c) Chevron Hugely Funding to reduce GHG emissions
Chevron invested around $1 billion to develop technologies in energy storage projects and carbon capture of Australia and Canada. The company established a future energy venture capital fund for this purpose.
Chevron has joined with major international oil and gas companies to commit to curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
The coalition is called the ‘Oil and Gas Climate initiative’ (OGCI). Although Chevron was reluctant at first, they finally joined this coalition and developed $1 billion through this, as mentioned above.
Loreal :
Founded in 1909, Loreal is the world’s largest cosmetic company. Loreal expands its operations in 130 countries. Loreal Paris has 35 diverse international ambassador icons. Loreal ranks #1 in the Covalence EthicalQuote reputation index and #25 in Fortune 500 company. The company has a Research and innovation team of 3,885 people.
The headquarter or Loreal is located in Clichy, France.
Loreal going green- Some environmental friendly steps by Loreal –
Lorel introduce Responsible Packaging also called eco-friendly green packaging :
Loreal takes care of its packaging based on eco-design and has been training relevant teams for long.
It ensures lightweight packaging and certification for its packaging. The certifications are particularly from FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Pan European Forest Certification).
Lorel achieved Sustainability Leader on CDLI :
Loreal has been ranked ‘A’ for its highest level performance on Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI), management of climate strategies, and carbon footprint.
Moreover, Loreal scored 99 out of 100 for its transparent climate policies.
Lorel and its Strong ecological commitments :
Loreal launched the ‘Sharing beauty with all’ initiative global sustainability program in 2015.
The program pledges to reduce environmental footprints by transforming manufacturing and operational activities by 2020.
Loreal strongly pledges to derive 100 percent palm oil from sources that are certified by Roundtable on sustainable palm oil.
Loreal has developed a ‘sustainable palm oil and traceability tool (SPOT) to monitor the implementation.
A final verdict about why big companies going green?
Whew!
That was a long read!
But isn’t it amazing to know how leading companies of different platforms are moving towards green solutions?
We hope we could change your mind about companies going beyond corporate social responsibilities (CSR) towards sustainable development goals and Paris Pledges.
Influencer Companies are smart enough to adopt green initiatives & concern about Global warming & climate change, why don’t we go for green steps.
To know more such amazing facts about amazing issues, stay tuned with Ecowowlife.
Every year the number of natural disasters is increasing at a very alarming rate. We are facing so many sad incidents about disasters. Starting from ice melting to avalanches, droughts to cyclones, our mother earth goes to big disasters.
The frequency of disasters increased manifold due to humans causing harm to the ecosystems. Among all these disasters, some disaster shook the whole world and humbled humanity. Nature vented out its anger on us.
Let us introduce you to the 15 top natural disasters of all time. These disasters were the headlines of worldwide and we all need to know these.
Get all you need to know about 15 worst disasters and how we recovered from those?
We also included some survival tips or Do’s and Don’ts’s while you face a disaster.
Happy reading and stay tuned for more!
15 List Of Top Natural Disasters: That Shook The World!!
Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami 2011
Central China Floods, 1931
Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami, 2004
Hurricane Katrina, 2005
Mozambique Flood, 2000
European Heat Wave, 2003
East African Drought, 2011
Afghanistan Blizzard, 2008
New Zealand Earthquake, 2011
Bhola Cyclone, 1970
Tangshan Earthquake, 1976
The Daulatpur–Saturia, Bangladesh Tornado, 1989
Huascarán Avalanche, Peru, 1962
The Amazonian Forest Fire, 2019
Australian Bushfire, 2019
Erratic and extreme weather might occur anytime anywhere and this world has faced it many times. Even if you are a resident of the most remote area in the world, you will surely be familiar with disasters happening around you. As we continued to cause global warming with a huge amount of emissions every day, nature vented out its anger and humbled us by showing devastating disasters.
All types of anthropological actions leave the ineradicable imprint on nature, whether we want to or not. Experts emphasize widely on approximating the extent of human association to the incidence of natural cataclysms. Several people still distrust that mankind can sway nature to that extent; however, statistics claim the opposite.
The number and frequency of reported natural adversities upsurges every year. One of the causes for it is the growth of the data collection methods and raising awareness of different agencies that actively search for information about natural disasters.
Deforestation, agriculture, unplanned exponential urban development and destruction of natural wetlands rank amongst the most contributing factors to the problem.
Adaptation and Mitigation are possible ways to deal with natural disasters but with limited resources and increasing issues such as population growth, will the subtle policy changes be enough? Do you know how we survived those till today? Let us know all about these here!
At first, let’s have a very harsh but true facts of our top 15 worst natural disasters –
#1. Tōhoku, Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, 2011: Fourth largest earthquake in history :
credit-Japantimes
An Earthquake hit the East Coast of Japan 231 miles northeast of Tokyo in March 2011, causing a tsunami with 30-foot waves.
The tsunami-damaged nuclear reactors in the area and 100,000 people were evacuated from their homes to avoid radiation poisoning. The earthquake claims 15,893 lives causing an estimated 25 trillion yen ($300 billion) in damages.
#2. Central China Floods, 1931- Millions stuck and dead!!
The Central China floods that occurred in July and August 1931 are considered by many to be the greatest natural disaster in history, killing 3.7 million people in total from either drowning, disease or starvation.
Central China Floods, 1931- Millions stuck and dead. Image Source: CGTN
Heavy rainfall and numerous cyclones caused the Yangtze, Huai and Yellow Rivers to overflow. The situation was made worse when damage to the Yellow River, which was used heavily for trade, severely impacted the country’s economy. Weather stations recorded 24 inches of rainfall, and in some areas, the water level rose to 16 meters.
#3. Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami, 2004- A Sudden Trouble
The world was rattled by the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that claimed the lives of 225,000 to 230,210 people on December 26, 2004. The epicenter of the 9.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Indian Ocean near Indonesia and caused major damage to 14 different countries.
There were no tsunami warning systems launched at that time and many people didn’t have time to seek higher ground. Since then, tsunami-detecting systems have been put in place, but according to the United Nations, “critical gaps remain.”
#4.Hurricane Katrina, 2005 – The third-strongest, but a most expensive hurricane in U.S. history-
Hurricane Katrina, that hit the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, cost $81 billion in property damages alone. Including economic damages to Louisiana and Mississippi, the estimation is closer to $150 billion.
The storm caused levees to fail, resulting in flooding that covered 90,000 square miles, submerged 80 percent of New Orleans in water and killed 1,836 people.
FEMA was criticized for a lack of preparedness and poor management of the disaster, resulting in the eventual resignation of FEMA director Michael Brown.
#5.Mozambique Flood, 2000- Flood-hit with a cyclone-
In early 2000, five weeks of heavy rainfall in South Africa led to severe flooding when two major rivers, the Limpopo and Zambezi, broke their banks. In just three days, Botswana received 75 percent of its annual rainfall, and the situation was worsened when two cyclones hit the area at the same time.
The floods damaged much of Mozambique’s infrastructure, making transportation and access to clean water difficult and leaving up to a million people homeless. Damage to farms and crops severely damaged the economy and contributed to starvation. The Mozambique Government appealed for $76.5 million in aid to cover the costs.
#6.European Heat Wave, 2003- An Unusual disaster in Europe-
European Heat Wave, 2003- An Unusual disaster in Europe, credit:wikipedia
When most of us think of natural disasters we think of tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods, but heatwaves are responsible for more deaths than all three disasters combined.
A heatwave in August 2003 in Europe claimed at least 35,000 lives, primarily affecting the elderly, sick, or very young. The temperatures are the highest ever recorded in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts even higher numbers by the end of the century.
The heat led to drought as well, damaging 75 percent of Ukraine’s wheat crop
#7.East African Drought, 2011- A humanitarian crisis-
This drought caused by two years of little rainfall led to a famine that took the lives of tens of thousands of people. Refugees from Somalia fled to Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Yemen in search of food and water, causing a massive strain on the already poor countries. An estimated 12.4 million people required humanitarian assistance. Action Aid reported cases of women tying ropes around their waist to minimize feelings of hunger. . (
#8.Afghanistan Blizzard, 2008- The second worst blizzard in history-
Afghanistan Blizzard, 2008- The second worst blizzard in history.credit-abc.net.au
A 2008 blizzard in Afghanistan with temperatures reaching a low of –33 degrees C (or -22 degrees F). There were 926 casualties, with many people freezing to death, and 100 amputations as a result of frostbite. Hundreds of homes were ruined from avalanches and snowfall, and 315,000 cattle died.
#9.New Zealand Earthquake, 2011- Killing hundreds at a time-
On February 22, 2011, a 6.3 earthquake in New Zealand killed 185 people and injured thousands more.
The earthquake’s epicenter was just over 6 miles from Christchurch, causing $15 billion New Zealand dollars ($10.4 billion U.S. dollars) worth of damages to the city.
Five months earlier, A 7.1 magnitude earthquakeoccurred which was larger, but less destructive than the February earthquake because it wasn’t as shallow.
Additionally, the later earthquake caused buildings that had already been damaged from the earlier earthquake to collapse, which was the primary cause of fatalities.
#10. Bhola Cyclone, 1970- The famous cyclone in history-
Bhola Cyclone, 1970- The famous cyclone in history. Credit: Pavel Rahman/AP
On November 12, 1970, the Bhola Cyclone—the deadliest cyclone ever recorded—struck East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). While it was only a category 3, 500,000 people died because the area affected was densely populated and close to sea level.
The devastating cyclone played a role in the creation of Bangladesh when the eastern area criticized western Pakistan for responding slowly with aid, encouraging the east to fight for independence.
#11.Tangshan Earthquake, 1976- A big collapse on China-
Tangshan Earthquake, 1976- A big collapse on China. Credit: China Underground
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Tangshan, a Chinese city about 68 miles east of Beijing. Many of the deaths, which numbered at least 242,000 people, as a result of unreinforced masonry homes collapsing while people were sleeping, not allowing for enough time to seek cover.
While the earthquake only lasted 14-16 seconds, it was severe, injuring at least 700,000 people, not including casualties. Later that day, a 7.1 magnitude aftershock followed, resulting in more deaths.
#12.The Daulatpur-Saturia, Bangladesh Tornado, 1989- Deadliest Tornado in Bangladesh-
The deadliest tornado in history, the Daulatpur-Saturia, Bangladesh tornado, occurred on April 26, 1989, in the Manikganj District, Bangladesh.
It was around 1 to 1.5 mile wide and demolished everything in its path, killing 1,300 people, injuring 12,000 and leaving 80,000 homeless. In total, it caused $1.5 million in damages but would have been significantly higher had it occurred in a wealthier area.
#13.Huascarán Avalanche, 1962- Devastating Burden of Skyscrapers on Peru-
Huascarán Avalanche, 1962- Devastating Burden of Skyscrapers on Peru. Credit:World Atlas
On January 10 of 1962, this deadliest avalanche occurred on the slopes of Mount Huascaran in Peru.
The avalanche killed 4,000 people. A glacier the size of two skyscrapers and weighing 6 tons broke and came barreling down the mountain, burying two towns in 40 feet of debris and ice. Covering 9-1/2 miles in seven minutes, few people had enough time to reach higher ground.
#14.The Amazon Rainforest Fire, 2019- Lungs of this Earth on Fire-
Although Amazon is a rainforest, Amazon does have a dry season which is a prime time for forest fires due to dryness. However, 2019 was a year when Amazon fires reached its highest peak than any other year in history.
This time, excessive deforestation influenced by the policies of the government of Brazil, ill motives of farmers and loggers have led to a devastating fire in Amazon.
Amazon is a home of 390 million trees and biodiversity richer than anywhere else in this world. No wonder why a devastating fire in the lungs of the world is one of the saddest news of 2019.
#15.Australian Bushfire, 2019 – Ending the year with a terror-
Recorded as the most devastating one, the Australian bush fire started in September 2019. This fire burnt around 25.5 million acres of New South Wales, killing around 1 billion animals and 27 people. Some of these people were volunteers and firefighters.
It is assumed that we will lose Koalas as extinct in this process. Australia being home to 244 indigenous species, is at a great loss. The potential impacts on wildlife are beyond imagination. This news scared the whole world while ending the year 2019.
Why The Number Of natural disasters increase almost triple within 20 years? Are the human responsible for this?
Earthquakes, avalanches, hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, droughts, and blizzards are just a few of the different types of natural disasters that have been occurring at an increased rate.
As the global warming issue gets more alarming with time. The possibility of storms and droughts is more likely to occur. Heated ocean surface leads to increased intensity of tropical storms.
But apart from climate change, we, humans are sadly the prime reason to cause these disasters. But is this all that causes disasters? So many disasters? Not. It is not natural that a number of disasters triple from 100 to 300 within 20 years.
Some examples are the most recent Australian Bushfire (2019) and Amazonian Forest Fires (2019) which are claimed to be caused by human-induced activities; as environmentalists said. Farmers wait for the dry season to burn the lands on fire so that the cattle can graze. Thus the traditional practice of tropical agriculture is a reason behind Amazonian forest fires. Such bad management policies also influence fire in Australia.
In the past, we also witnessed lots of worst man-made disasters such as The Bhopal Gas Leak, The Jilin Chemical Explosion, The Tennesse Coal Ash Spill, The Sidoarjo mud volcano, The North Pacific Garbage Patch, The Gulf War Spill, The Guiyu E-Waste Dump In China, Chernobyl, London’s Great Smog, etc.
If we talk about floods, wetland destruction or wetland grabbing is an emerging concern. Disruption of natural wetlands causes obstacles inflow of water and thus, water logging is a big problem in urban settlements and thus leads to rising water levels during floods. Mismanaged drainage systems, improper planning of dam construction, excessive soil erosion due to unhealthy agricultural practices increase the damage of floods.
#Some Survival Tips for Natural disaster-
It is not an easy task to mitigate or adapt to disasters. Complex social, economic and environmental issues make it so difficult for us. In easy terms, we can differentiate the steps to be taken as long-term and short-term.
Immediate steps during natural disaster-
Firstly let’s talk about the immediate steps to be taken during disasters. There are certain real-time do’s and don’ts in times of these natural disasters:
Some do’s and don’ts During Flash floods:
DO consider storm warnings very seriously.. Flash floods are very sudden and can be responsible for the highest death tolls per year.
DON’T try to drive across flooded roads because You do not know how deep the water is. Moreover, a piece of debris can immobilize your car at any time.
DON’T think dry conditions mean you are safe. While hiking, dry conditions are also not always safe. The rain can take a full day to traverse from one area to another.
Hurricanes
DO get to an elevated ground. If not possible, find to the roof of the tallest.
DON’T stay in an area that already received storm warnings. Try to evacuate as soon as possible.
DON’T try to hide in a basement.
DON’T travel on that disaster-prone site and take shelter rather than trying to escape at the last moment.
Some do’s and don’ts During Earthquakes:
DO hide under something strong; for example A strong desk or infrastructure. Avoid glass windows as they can break on you anytime.
DON’T hesitate crying out for help.
DO turn off the gas lines
DON’T talk for a long time other than very urgent conversation over the phone. During emergencies, it is necessary to leave some floor for disaster-affected people so that they get phone lines free of clogging.
DO know the location of the epicenter beforehand.
DON’T immediately evacuate a building if you’re a resident of an urban area and the structure seems stable because there’s the danger of falling debris. Exit immediately if you fear that your building is old and not much strong.
Some do’s and don’ts During Wildfires-
DO clear the brush around your house.
DON’T take for granted that. Fire moves in a certain direction always.
DO evacuate early.
DON’T gather all of your belongings, rather try to prioritize the absolute essentials. (cell phones, pets, critical medications, glasses, food)
Some do’s and don’ts During Tsunamis-
DO get out fast from the area. It is necessary to know the evacuation routes if you live in a disaster-prone area
#Long-Term Preparedness for Disaster Risk Reduction –
NOW let’s talk long term. How can vulnerable communities be resilient to disasters and adapt to the consequences on a long-term basis?
Vulnerable groups and countries need to keep 3 things in mind when planning for adapting to natural disasters.
• Structural resilience– Many vulnerable countries lack disaster-resilient infrastructure covering vital services such as water, sewer, and electricity. Enforcing strong building codes, zoning rules and early warning systems work as pillars of structural resilience.
• Financial resilience- The impact of disasters can be reduced, but not eliminated. Before a disaster strikes, planning for emergency financial needs should be done. A dedicated saving fund to tackle disaster needs is essential.
Social resilience- It is necessary that countries have detailed emergency response plans to tackle casualties after a disaster strikes and limit the impact on the most vulnerable. We also need to consider the socio-aspects and mental health of the affected communities.
#A Parting Thought :
There is no doubt that anthropogenic effects on climate change result in changes in the frequency and severity of disasters. However, the changes will not be even globally, with some areas experiencing more frequent events, other places less frequent events.
There are significant difficulty and uncertainty about these future trends but much research is ongoing to investigate this issue. So, the number of natural disasters occurring is on the rise but that is because of a set of interactions between the physical Earth system, human intrusion with the natural world and increasing exposure of human communities.
Extreme weather disasters affect all countries. However, as we face a future with enhanced risks, it is critical to face the reality of the affected communities and their struggles. Climate change is forcing people to flee from their homes, bringing poverty and increasing hunger. People in the least developed and developing countries are at least five times more prone to be emigrant by extreme weather than people in developed countries.
In this write-up, only the short brief of the top 15 natural disasters are given for reminding you about the natural redemption along with some hints of how a human being was responsible for those natural events?
The only way out of this is to go for green living & care of nature.
