It is increasingly becoming evident that we are no longer safe in this planet earth. It may become uninhabitable as early as 2030 ! Because the pace with which we are polluting our earth, due to which our earth is getting warmer and warmer day by day, is unimaginable. Even though we are aware of the dire consequences.
The reason is we ourselves. Man is entirely and the only responsible creature for this global warming problem. So how it is happening ?
Here comes the Carbon Footprint. It refers to the emission of green house gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere directly or indirectly. Not just vehicle exhausts, almost everything we do or use leaves a carbon footprint – be it the paper we use, computers we work on. packaging for our groceries and disposals such as plastic cups, cartons, carry bags that are so much part of our life. Obviously, it is impossible not to leave a trail. The trouble is our carbon footprint exceed all limits. So what should we do now ?
Collective Action
Take a look on this now. Carbon Trust, an independent carbon measuring agency, measured the carbon footprint of a popular two-liter packaged orange drink and found it to be equal to carbon dioxide of 1.7 kg ! This came from the emission during its processing, packaging and transportation. On the other hand, munching a locally grown orange would have caused negligible carbon footprint. To make it happen we need a paradigm shift in our life style.
Be The Change
Using 1 kw hr of electricity leaves a 10 kg of carbon foot print. While some energy saving methods would entail initial investments, even these would pay off over one year to four years through energy savings. For instance use of CFL of LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. It is learnt that CFL bulbs produces 75 % less heat compared to incandescent bulbs, lasts up to 10 times longer than a standard incandescent bulbs and moreover, using an 18 watt CFL in place of a 75 watt light bulb will save over 500 kWh over its life time and will prevent half a ton of CO2 being pumped in to the atmosphere by power stations.
Things to do
1. Carry always jute made bags or cloth bags to grocery shops. Avoid plastic carry bags.
2. Replace your refrigerator if it is older than 15 years and use it sparingly.
3. Use fans in your home instead of Air conditioner as it emits green house gases largely.
4. Avoid using a car unnecessarily, instead use public transport system.
5. Reduce, recycle and reuse all the synthetic stuff.
These little acts definitely bring a change. Let us give this mother earth to our next generation in the same condition as we received it.
