What Are The Biggest Challenges As We Look To Build A Greener Planet?
Protecting the planet is now a responsibility that we must all take seriously. Otherwise, we will lose the battle to combat pollution, global warming, and resource depletion. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to fight for improvements.
Accepting that we all need to make individual and collective improvements is one thing. But knowing where to focus our attention is another altogether. Appreciating the biggest challenges we currently face is a crucial first step on the road to a carbon-neutral world. Here are some of the key areas to consider.
Maintaining eco-friendly homes
Building a greener planet is a challenge that must start at home. Aside from the fact that we spend more time here than any other, it sets the right tone. Developing a mindset where you are focused on protecting the earth will lead you to make calculated choices in all aspects of your life. Furthermore, it’ll encourage you to start influencing others.
Maintaining a low-emissions home needn’t be the uphill challenge that you perceive it to be. Switching to LED lighting is a simple tasks that makes an instant impact. Meanwhile, embracing greener cleaning habits can work wonders. Harsh chemicals can harm your health as well as the environment. Now is the time to alter your habits.
Adding home insulation features will also reduce your home’s impact on the environment. It’ll also reduce your energy bills. When combined with water conservation by using energy-efficient dishwashers and toilets, you can’t go wrong.
Recycling
We all use a lot of resources and products during our daily lives. Ultimately, it is very hard to change that. Thankfully, you can reduce your impact on the planet through a commitment to recycling. Recycling rates have increased into the 30-40% range, but there is still a lot more that can be done. Disposing of used goods in the correct way is a vital first step.
Donating items that may be useful to others is another hugely positive step to take. Upcycling old items so that they can be repurposed or given a new lease of life is another potentially useful solution. Opting for appliance repairs rather than replacements can reduce the impact you have on the planet too.
Of course, making smarter material choices in the first place will go a long way to helping too. Avoiding bisphenol A plastics and other non-biodegradable items should be the main goal here. Even if you do this, though, the benefits of recycling are plentiful.
Mastering Waste Management
While recycling and upcycling will reduce the volume of waste, it doesn’t solve the issue. Over 2 billion tons of waste are dumped globally each year. Of course, it creates a major problem for finding suitable land while also creating a continued threat of resource depletion. Worse still, the waste itself can cause major environmental problems.
As matter changes and decomposes, it releases gases and toxins that cause major hazards. Using advanced landfill leachate management protocols is one of the only ways to stop escalating damage. Otherwise, environmental degradation will continue to occur at a rapid pace. It can also be used to increase usable gas production.
By now, you will also be aware that anywhere from 25-75% of all food ends up in the waste. When left to rot, it causes further environmental damage to the greenhouse gases created in production. However, when food waste is treated to become energy, the impact is far less.
Embracing Renewals
Energy consumption is another major issue that has existed for many generations. However, it has become increasingly problematic as the population has grown. Renewable energy can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and natural resources. The growth of hydro, solar, and wind power has been crucial. We must support this at home and beyond.
Away from the home, the switch to electric vehicles and hybrids has been clear. Market stats show that sales are growing at a rapid rate. Still, millions of extra motorists will need to join the evolution. Where possible, public transport and using local companies can work wonders. Ultimately, being more mindful is the only way to implement a serious upgrade.
Putting Pressure On Organizations
We all share a responsibility to do our part to protect the planet. Still, the output of corporations will greatly outweigh any steps made by individuals. Continuing to back sustainable companies forces others to take note. And if you run a small business, make environmental issues a key part of your ethos. It can aid the planet and your bottom line.