Category Sustainability

Global Warming and its causes

What is global warming? In simple words, regular warming of the entire environment including the oceans, the glaciers and the surface of the earth is global warming. During the last few decades, we’ve seen an increase in atmospheric temperature globally. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Earth's average temperature has increased by about 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degrees Celsius) over the last century. And it is estimated that by the next century, it may increase by 2 to 11.5 degrees F if the conditions won't change, which is the reason global warming has become a big environmental and social issue for the whole world that everyone should be aware of, especially our children because they’re the ones who have to deal with this problem the most. What are the causes of global warming? We receive heat and sunlight from the Sun, which is quite normal. However, this heat gets trapped in the atmosphere of the earth due to the greenhouse effect present in the greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The level of these gases is increasing day by which is why this effect is becoming a curse, which was a blessing for every life on this planet. Greenhouse effect kept us warm and safe, but now the same effect is giving different threats to mankind and other species. The increment in the concentration of these greenhouse gases has begun with the industrial revolution in the late 18th century. Many human activities have played a vital role in the increase of these greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide and now it has reached to the level of saturation. If it is not stopped here, it can prove very serious and can directly affect the sustainability of this planet. Major sources of these human activities are: Burning Fossil Fuels - Around 100 years back, the emission of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning was around 1,000 million tonnes across the globe, which reached 5,000 million tonnes near the end of the 20th century and now it is about to reach 9,000 million tonnes. As compared to 280 parts per million (ppm) of Co2 in the atmosphere during the beginning of the 19th century, is it 387 ppm in our current times, and can reach up to 900 ppm by the end of the 21st century. The scientists are suggesting to keep control on it so that it can limit within 400 ppm. There are many cities in the world which have already started using air pollution masks, but is this the correct way to deal with it? Denmark has made an example with its bicycle culture. People are fit and healthy with the least air pollution. So the choice is yours — mask culture or bicycle culture. Livestock - Farming livestock contributes around 18% of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases are produced by livestock digestion, their feed production and animal pastures. However, it is also very beneficial as it gives support to 1.3 billion farmers, and contributes more than 50% of the economy product by agriculture. The consumption of meat, eggs and milk is projected to grow 70% by 2050. So how can we deal with this portion of greenhouse gases? As said that there is a solution to every problem, it seems that using new advanced technology and management the greenhouse gas emissions from livestock can reduce up to 60%. Agriculture - Agriculture emissions come in the form of methane and nitrous oxide. Cattle belching and the addition of synthetic fertilizers and wastes to soils represent the largest sources of greenhouse gases. Other sources are field burning of crop residues, manure management, rice cultivation, and fuel use on farms. Deforestation for the purpose of agriculture and irrigation is also responsible for more emissions of these greenhouse gases. Cement Manufacturing - When calcium carbonate is heated it produces lime and carbon dioxide which is also produced by burning fossil fuels that provide the heat for the cement manufacturing process. Cement industry produces around 5% of carbon dioxide emissions. Aerosols - Aerosols are particles suspended in the atmosphere that exert a cooling influence by reducing sunlight. They directly scatter and absorb radiation. The scattering causes cooling, whereas absorption causes warming. The natural aerosols are fog, dust, forest exudates etc. Man-made example of aerosol is sulphate from fossil fuel combustion. The use of aerosols has increased in refrigeration systems and fire suppression systems and their manufacturing processes.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR ECO-FRIENDLY GROCERY SHOPPING

The kids are grabbing your legs, screaming, knocking items off the shelves. You have 10 minutes left on your lunchbreak and need to rush back to work. Isles upon isles of goodness staring at you, overwhelming with all their choices. Grocery shopping can be a little overwhelming at times, and you might just want a quick, easy shop. However, this can lead to forgetting about the planet. Shopping is overrun with unnecessary wastage in the name of convenience. Take a breath, clear your thoughts, and reflect how to help the earth that has given us so much. The Ecobin team would love to give you some handy tips on how to reduce your wastage when shopping so that your trip can be as easy and environmentally-friendly as possible!

Tip 1 – Sign me up!
Do you love a good online deal as much as we do? Well, some great brands are offering subscription and delivery options to save you travelling to the store. Farmers Pick is a great option for sustainable produce. With a simple subscription, you can get fresh produce delivered right to your door! Not only is this cheaper and more convenient than travelling to the shops, but it is also better for the environment too! Farmers Pick also uses produces that doesn’t necessarily conform to classic beauty standards but is still delicious nonetheless! Through using this type of food delivery, you are helping prevent imperfect produce being discarded unnecessarily. Using subscription methods can also reduce your likelihood of impulse buying and having food wastage. Great news – these handy subscriptions are not limited to just food! You can also get your eco-friendly toilet paper through Who Gives A Crap, and your body care products through Zero Co. Never running out of products and you don’t have to leave your house? What’s not to love?

Tip 2 – The bag brawl
Households generate 47% of plastic waste in Australia. Whilst we usually aim for the highest score possible, this time we wouldn’t mind dropping a few points. So, let’s aim for a score our parents can proudly put on the fridge and reduce Australia’s plastic waste. Grossed out at the thought of putting your raw produce in the public trolley and conveyor belt? Well, you can be hygienic and eco-friendly! Be a peach and bring your own reusable mesh bags to carry your fruit and veggies instead of using store-provided plastic wastage. Sick of your ice cream melting before you get home? Well, did you know that you can now purchase reusable shopping bags that have special cooler compartments for your fridge and freezer items? Talk about innovative!

Tip 3 – Bulk Up
For non-perishable items, its not a bad idea to buy in bulk. Not only is this usually more cost-effective, but it can also reduce the amount of packaging wasted. Large items use less packaging than individually wrapped items, so why not buy a little more and waste a little less?

Tip 4 – Cars are man’s best friend, no wait that’s dogs!
Driving can be relaxing and convenient, but have you ever stopped to consider the effect on the planet? We might be racing to go outside, but light vehicles (cars, SUVS, etc) contribute to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Meal-planning can help reduce your number of grocery store trips, and thus Australia’s emissions. Walking to the shops is another great way to reduce emissions. The planet wants to breathe easy, so let’s help it do so!

Tip 5 – Reject that receipt
Ink and paper can produce some amazing masterpieces, but your grocery store receipt is no Picasso. So, help reduce the 2.2 million tonnes of paper waste that households produce a year and ask your cashier not to print your receipt. If you’re reeling at the thought of not having a receipt, many places offer to email your receipt instead. There is always a way to reduce our paper usage and save our precious trees. We hope these tips have helped ease your grocery store stress and have shown you how easy eco-friendly shopping really is!