Green Articles by Evelyn Poulson

Carbon Use and Sustainable Living: Staying Neutral

The clear skies above Hawaii are a great place to observe the stars. They are also the place where readings of the current level of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere are recorded. The level of CO2 in the atmosphere is rising, and is now well above what is deemed the maximum safe level. Ice core readings taken in Antarctica show relatively stable levels of CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere existed from the last ice age through to around the time of the start of the Industrial Revolution. Since then the levels have steadily increased, and, meanwhile, our need for energy, much of which leaves a carbon footprint behind, continues to increase.

See: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Mauna_Loa_Carbon_Dioxide-en.svg

Being Carbon Neutral

It can be a little daunting to see the level ticking upwards day by day, but it is important to remember that it is the little things that each and every one of us does that are likely to make the difference to our environment. Governments set the overarching framework of policy, and make decisions about what sources of energy generation are most viable and supply our needs most effectively, but when it comes to saving energy and, thereby, cutting down our own carbon footprint, the focus is very much on individuals, households and businesses.

European policy on the environment focuses on targets to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050 based on 1990 levels. Interim targets are needed if these long term targets are to be met, and these focus on how we use energy as well as how it is generated.

Energy, in terms of how we heat and power our homes, is, however, only part of the picture. Aviation and shipping set more specific challenges, and government policy indicates that additional reductions in other spheres are needed to offset the emissions from these areas.

In practice, cutting down how much energy we use is a good way to becoming carbon neutral, as is looking a little more closely at our role as consumers of goods and services. This can translate into practical action when, for example, we look more closely at the things we buy. Making new products generates huge quantities of excess material, be it scraps of leather from tanneries or fabric in clothing factories. Supporting those who retail upcycled items made from this type of excess material is a smart move as it also means you have stylish items that are not mass produced. Looking for ways to use less resources in the first instance, reuse whenever possible, and recycle also combine to make a difference to our carbon footprint.

Corporate Responsibility to be Green

As consumers of goods, and employees or employers we can influence how businesses approach their responsibilities to the environment. When it comes to choosing who we do business with, we are empowered to ‘vote with our feet’ and send the message to providers of goods and services that demonstrating a green approach needs to be an integral part of their marketing.

Transport accounts for a significant amount of carbon consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In areas such as haulage it makes economic sense to fine tune routes and delivery schedules to minimise use of fuel and, hence, emissions. Fleets which do the most they can to be green can enjoy a far better image, and this, in turn, is beneficial for sales of the products they carry.

Similarly, tourism enjoys a better image when it works closely with the communities visited and does its utmost to reduce emissions, cut down energy usage and aid conservation. Green tourism can help both the communities visited and local wildlife. Communities can also make clear the terms on which they are prepared to accept influxes of visitors.  A good example of the latter is Alaska’s Inside Passage - a popular cruise destination for ships touring Glacier Bay. Strict guidelines are in place for cruise ship operators who want to sail in Alaskan waters, and they need to demonstrate reduced levels of emissions and must have a permit to sail. Cruise lines can implement a range of measures to be greener, for example, fuel is saved by painting the hulls of ships with silicon so that they glide through the water more easily. Innovations like this, when used in any scale, can make such things as travelling on a cruise more environmentally friendly.

See: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Glacier_Bay_Cruise_Ship.jpg

Choosing carefully when it comes to things such as shopping and travel can help individuals and families maintain a carbon neutral status, whilst still enjoying exploring our beautiful planet.