There was a time in the not-so-distant past when being environment-friendly simply meant recycling your garbage properly. But the inconvenient and uncomfortable truth of climate change, worries over global warming and rising sea levels, extreme weather incidents and depletion of natural resources have all combined to shift the goal posts far beyond the basics. People can't claim eco awareness now unless they lead a carbon neutral life.
The idea isn't that hard to grasp. Once every single individual and entity learns to take responsibility for carbon emissions caused by their own activities, there is no more problem. The reality is obviously a little bit harder, since being carbon neutral isn't exactly a strong priority for most people.
The problem at the moment is that it threatens all life on the planet, but people just don't realize it or choose to neglect it as scare tactics by tree-huggers. That is why most non-profits and governments who are doing something about it tend to focus on increasing awareness than on passing laws and regulations. Earth Hour, Earth Day and other such events are less about resource conservation and more about engaging people and involving them in the process so that they realize how important it is to conserve resources.
But for argument's sake, let's say a person wants to be eco-aware and lead a green lifestyle. There are two ways to go about it, and both are likely to be needed. One way is to reduce emissions, and the other way is to offset it by purchasing carbon credits.
Emission reductions are there for the taking in every aspect of an individual's life. Vehicle owners can eliminate the harm done by their driving by getting an electric vehicle and charging it using clean power from a solar generation system. It's a hassle to make the switch, and it's expensive too. But the end result of zero-carbon transport with no gas costs is well worth the trouble.
Usage of energy and other resources within the home can likewise be reduced a lot. A full energy retrofit will cut down the electricity needed and the utility bills. It gets even better in an LEED certified property. For instance, dual-flush tanks in the toilets and artificial grass replacing a lawn will save a lot of water.
Companies can likewise make the workplace eco-friendly by implementing green practices and using natural materials to reduce pollution associated with their products. Paperless offices will contribute in the fight against deforestation, and factories powered by clean energy from rooftop solar arrays can claim to be green. Recycling of industrial waste instead of sending it to landfills or dumping it into drains that ultimately end up in the rivers and oceans is another way that companies can be responsible.
Despite all these and other such efforts, it's not really possible to lead a completely zero-carbon life. This is where the second part kicks in, with carbon credits available for purchase to offset whatever is still left over. The buyer pays for credits, and the seller has done or will do something such as planting trees or generating clean power that balances the buyer's emissions.
The idea isn't that hard to grasp. Once every single individual and entity learns to take responsibility for carbon emissions caused by their own activities, there is no more problem. The reality is obviously a little bit harder, since being carbon neutral isn't exactly a strong priority for most people.
The problem at the moment is that it threatens all life on the planet, but people just don't realize it or choose to neglect it as scare tactics by tree-huggers. That is why most non-profits and governments who are doing something about it tend to focus on increasing awareness than on passing laws and regulations. Earth Hour, Earth Day and other such events are less about resource conservation and more about engaging people and involving them in the process so that they realize how important it is to conserve resources.
But for argument's sake, let's say a person wants to be eco-aware and lead a green lifestyle. There are two ways to go about it, and both are likely to be needed. One way is to reduce emissions, and the other way is to offset it by purchasing carbon credits.
Emission reductions are there for the taking in every aspect of an individual's life. Vehicle owners can eliminate the harm done by their driving by getting an electric vehicle and charging it using clean power from a solar generation system. It's a hassle to make the switch, and it's expensive too. But the end result of zero-carbon transport with no gas costs is well worth the trouble.
Usage of energy and other resources within the home can likewise be reduced a lot. A full energy retrofit will cut down the electricity needed and the utility bills. It gets even better in an LEED certified property. For instance, dual-flush tanks in the toilets and artificial grass replacing a lawn will save a lot of water.
Companies can likewise make the workplace eco-friendly by implementing green practices and using natural materials to reduce pollution associated with their products. Paperless offices will contribute in the fight against deforestation, and factories powered by clean energy from rooftop solar arrays can claim to be green. Recycling of industrial waste instead of sending it to landfills or dumping it into drains that ultimately end up in the rivers and oceans is another way that companies can be responsible.
Despite all these and other such efforts, it's not really possible to lead a completely zero-carbon life. This is where the second part kicks in, with carbon credits available for purchase to offset whatever is still left over. The buyer pays for credits, and the seller has done or will do something such as planting trees or generating clean power that balances the buyer's emissions.
About the Author:
Find out how to build your eco awareness by visiting our official website today. To know more about our educational objectives, click the links at http://www.eco-mentor.com .
0 comments:
Post a Comment