Each of us can do something to save the planet we live in: just a few expedients are necessary. Climate change is now a reality and is causing atmospheric phenomena whose frequency and intensity are never seen before. Also, the global warming is now affecting our planet. These phenomena not only have an impact on the environment but often cause suffering, death and in general upheaval of the ecosystems and the wealth of biodiversity that sustains our life. If we continue burning fossil fuels or destroying forests, we will also continue burning our future.
10 PRACTICES TO SAVE THE PLANET
What are the concrete actions each of us can implement to safeguard our Earth? just a few acts can make the difference, let’s see them in details.
- eating well and reducing food waste. According to the estimates made by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) every year a third of the food produced is wasted. More than 40% of this food waste occurs at home, while the remaining 60% occurs during the production or distribution phase
- planting trees: trees, in fact, absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) that causes the greenhouse effect and therefore global warming and climate change. Thus, thanks to trees the carbon footprint can be reduced
- implementing sustainable mobility: 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe derive from vehicle traffic. It is therefore advisable to move by bike and to limit the use of cars to the strict minimum or to use electric vehicles. Public transports are also a good solution to reduce pollution. As Pope Francis stated: “The quality of life in cities has much to do with systems of transport. Many cars circulate in cities causing traffic congestion, pollution, and consuming enormous quantities of non-renewable energy. This makes it necessary to build more roads and parking areas which spoil the urban landscape.”
- reducing meat consumption: 25-30% of greenhouse gas emissions are emitted from food production and 60% of this percentage is linked to the production of beef. Furthermore, farms consume billions of litres of water to feed animals
- recycling: it does not refer only to the separate collection of plastic, glass, paper or aluminium, but it includes also the recycling and the reuse of all those objects that are broken: appliances, computer devices or even tailoring objects, etc. Repairing and recycling are beneficial not only for the environment, but also for our wallet! The same applies for clothes, in fact, to create a pair of jeans 10 thousand litres of water are necessary. Therefore, it is important to remember the 3 Rs’ rule: "repair, recycle and reuse"
- smart purchases: for example, buying local products reduces shipment costs of imports and exports, with consequent savings also in terms of fuel. Moreover, should be supported eco-friendly products and industries with lasting solutions, favouring the green transformation of the economy
- avoiding waste: it is valid for different purposes, for example both for the waste of water and light. Think of all the times we let the water run until it gets warm so we can take a relaxing shower, or how many times we leave the tap running while washing the dishes. Also, think of when we leave different lights on in the house, even though we are not in the room or how many times we forget to unplug, mistakenly thinking that energy is not consumed if there is no device in charge. In fact, in this regard, 10% of the energy of our appliances is consumed in "standby" phase
- opting for clean energy: choosing an electricity supplier that uses energy from renewable and non-fossil sources, buying energy-saving light bulbs and more efficient appliances with eco-mode
- making ethical investments: the installation of solar panels, photovoltaic panels and mini wind generators for energy represent an intelligent investment, as well as being ethical because it respects the environment
- inquiring: today to become an environmental activist it is not necessary to perform grand gestures (such as chaining yourself to trees or to whaling in the ocean!). The commitment to acquire a greater awareness on the subject is enough, in order to be able to sensitise friends and relatives on these issues. It may also be useful to put in contact with associations that have been dealing with these issues for years
FRIDAY FOR FUTURE
The third global strike for the future was held on 27 September 2019: the whole world took to the streets to push national governments to become aware of the climate crisis and to plan the next steps to respond to this emergency.
The Fridays for Future is a global student movement, born to support the activism of Greta Thunberg against the plastic pollution and global warming. The movement takes its name from the initiative launched by this Swedish girl of taking to the streets every Friday, from August 2018, to demonstrate in front of the nation’s parliament and protest for the absence of concrete policies against climate change, with the aim of stimulate the Swedish government to cut CO2 emissions by 15% every year. Thanks to this initiative, Greta Thunberg was invited to COP24 (United Nations Convention on Climate Change) in Poland, where she gave a speech that went around the world. Friday for Future is a spontaneous global mobilisation, in response to that speech at COP24. Also, WWF endorses this movement.
Changing the lifestyle is not easy but it is important. Society is experiencing the consumerism phase and people waste too much. Henceforth the new motto must be “reduction”. Waste reduction, consumption reduction, harmful substances reduction, etc. complying with the decalogue for the environment it is possible to save the planet.
Looking for a partner for a sustainability project? Get in touch with IPPO-Engineering! Our team get back to you in a short time.