Whether you believe in “climate change” or not, one thing stands firmly and that is the fact that we produce far too much carbon dioxide, also known as CO2. While the earth has been known to heat up and cool down in cycles, the annual rate of released atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased 100 times quicker than in previous natural increases seen 11,000 years ago. This means the things we do are affecting the way the earth holds heat. We are increasing it’s patterned heating.
Carbon dioxide intake in humans is not any better. It is able to cause headaches, dizziness, restlessness, coma, asphyxiation, and convulsions. The levels of air pollution and smog can alter even the healthiest of people to develop respiratory ailments and diseases.
In regards to the planet, CO2 works as a “blanket” or greenhouse effect, as in older terminology. Meaning that it traps heat through the earth’s surface and increases its natural temperature. This can create a range of adverse effects such as; extreme weather events, disruption to food supply, melting of glaciers, increase in droughts and an increase in wildfires.
There are things we can do in our everyday life to help with these changes. They can range from small changes to your everyday lifestyle to big changes that can take a while to get used to. Let’s dive in:
In The House:
Eat local food when you can. It can be tempting to eat out, especially when you've had a long day at work. Even more so, it can be tempting to buy the cheapest available things at the supermarket. If you have the time, money, and ability, it is strongly encouraged to shop local; whether that's buying local honey or the neighbor's free-range eggs. Try to incorporate small things like that into your day to day.
Waste less. This pertains to just about every aspect of life. Whether it's buying less presents around the holiday's or refraining from using plastic utensils, plates, and cups around the house.
Turn down your heater or air conditioning unit while you’re away from it. When you're away from your home or apartment, make sure to turn off all heaters and air conditioning units. This same proposition can be used in regards to making sure all electronics are turned off and unplugged from outlets before going on a trip or taking extended time away from your home.
Use a laptop in comparison to a desktop. A laptop is quicker to charge and uses less electricity all together. Laptops use less power all together and are able to be used even when there is no power.
Recycle anything and everything you can; metals, glass, paper, electronics. Sometimes it can be hard to stay commited to recylcing on a day-to-day or weekly basis. But as short-term progresses, it becomes second nature. This will help with not only reducing a carbon footprint, but also helps in keeping non-biodegradable materials from the ocean.
Compost. This isn't for everyone. Especially when you live in a low density city that doesn't have access to as many things as other communities. If it is available to you, we recommend composting your left over food scraps in biodegradable bags and giving them to your local community shelter. *Check with your community shelter before handing the compost over. If you have enough room in your own backyard, consider creating a small garden and using the compost as fertilizer.
Buy less stuff. Less clothes, less single use items. One of the biggest recommendation we give anyone is this: If the item you are buying has one single purpose, is it worth buying? This means, if you're getting a cucumber peeler, why don't you just use a knife? If you're buying plastic bottles when you know you can drink your own water, is it worth the extra waste? It's the simplest things that can help make a difference.
Switch to LED lightbulbs. LED lightbulbs are highly energy efficient. They use over 85% less energy than a regular lightbulb but have the same light output.
Low-flow shower-heads. These shower-heads can help in decreasing water consumption by over 40%. The nice part is that the water pressure comes out just as hard but there is being less water used in the process. Using one of these low-flow shower-heads can save the average person over 200 gallons of water every month.
Take cooler showers. Cold water uses less energy because there is no electricity used to heat up the water. More so, taking a colder shower means you'll spend less time warming yourself up beneath it which means you'll be further saving the amount of water you use each month.
Wash clothes in cold water vs warm water. As same up above, washing clothes in cool water means less electricity used in heating up the said water.
Avoid fast fashion and brands that are known to produce in large quantities or take part in unethical activities. This is a big one that unfortunately shows no signs of slowing down. With the rise of companies in fast fashion, such as Shein and Romwe and even the stagnancy of Forever 21, people have become addicted to having more pieces of clothing for cheap. In more ways than one, this is not good for us or the environment.
Outside of the House:
Plant trees and shrubs wherever you are able to. Especially around your house. Planting trees can be seen as a fun acivity for the family to enjoy. Each year, when it's time to purchase a Christmas tree try planting one as you buy one. There are tree gets that let you uproot your Christmas tree and leave it with the ability to replant it later on.
Install solar panels or cooling roofs. Solar panels provide clean energy for the earth. As all of the energy used from solar panels comes from the sun, there is no use for traditional energy that is derived from fossil fuels.
Consider an electric vehicle for your next buy. If you're in the market for a new car, consider an electric car to reduce exhaust fumes. If this is not in your price range, try to find a car that is more eco-friendly. Another tip is to not accelerate when un-called for, as this can release more exhaust than needed.
Avoid flying if you can. If you can NOT; try flying on flights with no layovers or stops. Fly in economy and avoid private flights whenever possible.
Drive less. Try biking, car pooling, or walking if you’re in a feasible distance.
In Politics:
Do your research when voting for your representatives.
Work with local representatives to help shape and pass bills that support positive environmental changes.
Most of all - live with compassion. This is our only home and it is headed on a steady decline of nearly unreturnable measure. We need to reduce the single-use plastics we consume, the amount of energy we use, how we shop and what we shop, as well as how we use these things all together.
There is no better time for change than right now.
With much love from sunny San Diego,
<3 Viron Envrionmental Services
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