The majority of us are aware of 'global warming' and the effects that it could have on our planet and its population.
It is often our basic necessity items that have the most hazardous impact on the environment indirectly affecting people worldwide. The daily newspapers read, the Evian water bottles and Coca-Cola cans consumed as well as the plastic Tesco bags used, all are heating up the environment.
The question is how does this occur, we tend to throw these items into our general waste and these are then transferred to a landfill site for waste materials. Over time, the waste decomposes and rots which releases methane, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Although gas is a key source of energy, scientists have discovered that the drastic increase in these has led to rising temperatures on a global scale.
Simple tips to help the Earth survive. It's all about time!
Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle.
1. Aluminium - Beverage cans, foil paper and many dispensable pots and plates are made of aluminium, a metal that is 100% recyclable. Did you know the aluminium foil paper used to preserve food can be reused? No kidding! All you need to do is just rinse the used foil with soap and water and it's ready to be used for your next meal. Sounds too obvious but not for everyone, unfortunately.
2. Paper - Made from wood, the material requires the cutting down of trees in order to be produced which has led to deforestation, one of the major causes of global warming. By using the blank sides of printed sheets and carrying cotton handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues we can help reduce the usage of paper and have a positive impact on the environment.
3. Plastic - As for plastic, can you do me a favour? Next time you make a trip to the supermarket, do you think you could try carrying a cloth bag along. Alternatively, if you are not comfortable with the first option, then you can also reuse the plastic bags you may have from the last shopping trip. Want to know the reason? These bags cause visual pollution and have harmful effects on sea animals.
4. Furniture - Planning to buy new furniture? Don't know what to do with the old one? Here's a quick suggestion - there are several charity organisations in your area who offer "as good as new" furniture and also house clearing services who recycle on your behalf whether it be your home or office furniture. Experiment your painting skills - try simply painting it to give a touch of new to your old furniture. This will not only help you save money but also reduce deforestation.
The Future - It is likely that Londoners will have to find somewhere else to live as government officials have reported that the capital is likely to face boiling summers in approximately 35 years time. This will contribute to the melting of glaciers and the rising water levels will have severe consequences, putting the transport system to a complete halt and killing thousands of people. Researchers also predict that the planet could be extinct by 2050 due to a significant increase in the consumption rates of natural resources which would then lead to scarcity of them.
So, the next time you plan to throw anything in the garbage why not consider the environment and reuse/recycle whenever it's possible, as the future lies in your hands.
