Celebrating World Environment Day 2024

Hello, dear readers! I know it's been a while since my last post, and I apologize for the hiatus. Work had taken up most of my time; unfortunately, the blog had taken a back seat. But with World Environment Day upon us, I’m more inspired than ever to get back on track and commit to our shared journey towards sustainability.

World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th, provides an excellent opportunity to explore innovative and lesser-known sustainable practices. We are familiar with habits like recycling and conserving water, but let us look at 5 lesser-known yet effective ways to contribute to the environment and celebrate World Environment Day 2024.

Before we begin, did you know that World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5th because the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 5-16, 1972? The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973 under the theme 'Only One Earth.'

1. Practicing Digital Decluttering

Digital decluttering might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering environmental sustainability, but it can have a significant impact. It is the practice of decluttering or deleting unwanted digital information from your devices. Information online is stored in servers or data centers. Data centers account for approximately 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to the aviation industry.

A regular email produces approximately 4 g CO2e and an email with an attachment produces 50 g CO2e. The more data you delete and the more space you free up, fewer serves are required and, thus, fewer emissions!

2. Creating a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit thoroughly assesses your home's energy use. It identifies areas where energy is wasted and suggests efficiency improvements, leading to energy and cost savings. This can be done DIY or by hiring professionals.

If you plan on conducting an energy audit yourself, keep these steps in mind:

• Check for house insulation. Inspect if your windows and doors are well insulated and there are no gaps and poor insulation.

• Inspect Heating and Cooling Systems. Check if your ACs, coolers, and heaters are working efficiently.

• Assess Lighting. Try to replace incandescent lights with LEDs as much as possible.

• Evaluate Appliances and Electronics. Make sure they are working fine and are unplugged when not in use.

• Use smart plugs or energy consumption meters to measure appliance usage.

3. Unplug Devices When Not in Use

As mentioned above, you must ensure that as soon as the device is turned off, you have to flip the switch off and unplug the device if possible. This is done to prevent phantom load, which is the energy consumed by a device when not in use.

Not doing this can cost you around ₹523 per year, and more importantly, 102.62 kg of CO₂ per year per household.

4. Practice Sustainable Fashion

Practicing sustainable fashion involves making mindful choices about the clothes we buy, wear, and discard, aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote ethical practices. Opt for high-quality, timeless pieces over fast fashion, and support brands prioritizing sustainable materials and ethical labor practices. Buy second-hand or vintage clothing to extend the life of garments and reduce waste. Do visit the local thrift shop in your area!

Additionally, choose cruelty-free products that do not involve animal testing or exploitation, and look for certifications such as "PETA-approved" or "Leaping Bunny" to ensure your fashion choices align with your values.

5. Support Eco-Friendly Businesses

Supporting eco-friendly businesses is a powerful way to contribute to environmental sustainability and encourage positive change in the marketplace. We can drive demand for greener products and services by patronizing businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices. As more people opt for sustainable products, that becomes the norm, and companies will be forced to cater to the demand and make sustainable products.

There are numerous examples where we can see how huge companies can impact the entire industry with their sustainability decisions. One such example is Apple.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by adopting sustainable practices, as mentioned above, we can significantly impact the environment. These actions not only reduce our ecological footprint but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. While these steps may not cover all possibilities, they represent simple actions we can take to contribute to environmental protection. Let's commit to these practices and work together to create a healthier planet for generations to come!