Sustainable Living

Here’s How You Can Aid The Environment By Conserving Energy

Energy conservation is crucial for contributing to the care of our planet. However, many people are still unaware of how effective their actions can be in the long run.

At Clooper, we believe that alone we are strong but together we are even stronger. This is doubly true when it comes to preserving the environment. While it can feel fruitless to attempt to initiate change as one solo person, that is far from the truth. If everyone contributed in some small way towards conserving energy, that’s 7 billion people coming together to make one impactful team. We’ve already written a post detailing how to save energy (and money!) here, so here’s why your actions are so effective – and just how you are helping when you do something as simple as switching out a lightbulb.

CUTTING BACK FOSSIL FUELS

Power plants burn coal and crude oils, also known as fossil fuels, in order to function. This is inexpensive and therefore, widely utilised to produce energy. Though there are significant consequences. By burning these fuels: carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide are also produced. Carbon dioxide in particular can be a significantly sinister greenhouse gas.

Carbon dioxide emissions are responsible for the majority of all airborne pollution. It is useful in keeping heat from the sun within our atmosphere, hence the nickname ‘greenhouse’ gas, but in excess, it can be highly destructive. Trapping too much heat via substantial carbon dioxide emissions. Due to this, the planet suffers in multiple ways, including these:

• Dramatic and unusual changes in the weather.
• High temperatures that result in droughts and severe heat waves.
• Higher sea levels.
• Negative impact on the natural environment such as the ice caps melting.
• Unusual natural occurences like acid rain and smog.
• Rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation.

PRESERVE LIMITED RESOURCES

While fossil fuel has its drawbacks, it’s also very valuable. As humanity surges forward and seeks a better, more renewable primary source of energy: fossil fuels will hopefully soon be in less and less demand. However, for the time being, we still rely on them for a multitude of things. These can include:

• Electricity. If fossil fuels were to ever run out, electricity failure is presumed to follow. This would be disastrous for multiple reasons, including the loss of function of hospital equipment among other valuable equipment that relies on electricity.
• Transport container ships run primarily on bunker fuel. This is because there is little information at the moment as to how they could be powered across the world via a renewable energy source. If fossil fuels depleted, we would lose access to these ships. Due to this, large-scale international trade would slow almost to a halt or shut down entirely. This would put an immense strain on the economy and food supply chain.

Fossil fuels aren’t a reusable energy source and can be burned up completely if we aren’t careful. By instilling simple changes, such as washing our clothes in cold water, we can help prevent the unnecessary use of finite natural resources.

SAVE THE ANIMALS

Mining and sourcing fossil fuels contribute to the destruction of natural habitats. Greenhouse gas emissions are also harmful, as their impact on the environment changes animal habitats dramatically. This can destroy entire ecosystems and contribute to animal extinction.

Land life isn’t the only life at risk: oil spills occur often as a result of transporting large amounts of fossil fuels. This is detrimental to ocean life and habitats. Not only this, but humans suffer as a direct result also. Oil spilling into the ocean results in the chemical balance of our oceans shifting. Because of this, it becomes dangerous for humans to swim in or come into contact with. However, we have the choice of migrating from the seas and avoiding the waters. The creatures who live there and benefit our planet do not receive this luxury, relying on us to make the move to more renewable energies.

NOW, FOR THE GOOD NEWS

Here at Clooper, we understand that taking care of the mind is an important task. We also understand that learning about the current climate state, so don’t despair! We are an adaptable and intelligent and most importantly, compassionate species who will find a way forward for ourselves and our planet. For now, here is a list of some good news about our beloved planet, all direct results of our efforts as a collective to conserve energy and be more renewable all around.

• In 2017, Chile suffered from their worst forest fires to date. There were lives lost, acres of land damaged and burnt away and more than 1,000 homes destroyed – though there has been a recent attempt to replant the forests and restore some life to Chile by an unlikely pair. Border Collies Das, Summer and Olivia wore vests that release tree seeds as they run and were unleashed through the forests in hopes that these seeds would take root. Now those are are some good dogs, well deserving of some belly rubs and treats!
• After experiencing a slew of natural disasters themselves, Vietnam have plans to plant 1 billion trees! This plan is now an official government policy and will work wonders to restore ecosystems and bring life back to the desolate areas of the country.
• Climate-passionate Leonardo DiCaprio (with the help of multiple environmentally conscious groups) recently pledged a whopping 43 million dollars towards conservation of the Galapagos Island. This will restore ecosystems, species and valuable flora to the island.