| We are living in the era of paradoxes. On one hand, science has made huge advances that have led to our becoming wasteful. We have surplus food for the first time in the history of mankind, we have various conveniences, labor saving devices which include products to be used once and thrown, for instance Styrofoam cups, disposable diapers, sanitary towels and paper towels. These are things that we use daily. Though these things are labor saving and very convenient what we are, in effect, doing, is harming the planet often irrevocably. Plastic bags take over three centuries to bio degrade and often not completely. Moreover, energy is consumed when we mine things, manufacture them and refine them. This energy consumption leads to carbon emissions. Carbon emissions, as we all know, contribute to our carbon footprint and to global heating. So how do we rectify this? One of the simplest things to do is to reduce our dependency on disposable products. It requires a bit of commitment and effort, but it is possible. Small distances can be covered by walking or using a bicycle. One can use cotton diapers at home, and use the disposable ones only for the time the baby has to go out somewhere. Choices can be made that are more green and eco-friendly. There is biodegradable plastic which can be used instead of the commonly available plastic that just fills up landfills and chokes the ocean. We can purchase food that is grown locally instead of purchasing exotic food that has to be transported over long distances. Manufacturers are now looking for ways to design things that are more eco friendly. We can make a commitment to support goods that we are sure will not harm the environment. Using organic food and products is one way of doing this. Another way of doing this is by conserving energy and using less fuel. One should not consume more power and turn off lights and unplug our electrical appliances when they are not in use. We can give back to the planet in a wonderful way by planting trees. Each tree that we plant helps the environment by breaking down carbon emissions and making the air healthier. These are small insignificant things, but when all of us follow these principles, they will together contribute to making our environment healthy and the planet greener. As the advocates of the “Green Movement” say, Recycle, Reduce, Reuse. These three things will help the earth regenerate itself. |
| Disposable products increase your carbon footprint. Why is that? |
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Written by Erase Carbon Footprint