Environmental Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability is in it most simplest principle is maintenance and preservation of the worlds various habitable areas as fit for human life. As a concept is has drawn a certain amount of criticism and nihilist ‘whataboutism’ owing to the lack of emphasis on human life in its title.

To clarify this point, Environmental sustainability refers first and foremost to the continuation of human life on earth and subsequently other wildlife and ecosystems since the co-dependent nature of this informs the health of the world but specifically the nature of human life continuing to exist.

It is fair and even agreeable to condemn the nature humans have treated the planet. On a collective worldwide scale, the effects of greenhouse gases have caused the internalizing of fossil fuels which has, relatively unchecked for 40 years, contributed to global movements seeking to make meaningful change across various governments. However, the nature of Human life continuing means securing a better world for the forth coming generations. Sadly the effects of our ancestors and ourselves have contributed to a condition that threatens human life and as such, Environmental Sustainability is seen a way of taking responsibility for the legacy we have left future generations.

As such here are 5 simple ways one can take responsibility for this legacy.

Step 1- Consider re use

Don’t throw out old plastic bottle containers. It is no longer sufficient to have this material conveniently placed into a different container for recycling since the energy and travel used to break down this material is counterproductive. Reuse the bottle for something else or better still, buy biodegradable packaged products.

Step 2- Buy second hand

Lower demand for the production of things whilst supporting your wallet. Buy second hand goods from the extensive opportunities in thrift shops or even online auction sites. Supporting the production and travel distance contributes to 45% of annual carbon production in the UK alone.

Step 3- Use of public transport

Driving one’s own car not only adds additional CO2 to the atmosphere but contributes to heavy congestion on the roads. This in turn localizes the gas and contributes to both atmospheric and noise pollution.

Taking public transport, despite still utilizing fossil fuel science, greatly reduces the number of cars on the road and is noted for reduction of CO2 across Finland fear a 12-month survey, by 12%.

Step 4 – Holiday nationally

Holiday nationally, or specifically, avoiding air travel  has a huge impact on reducing carbon emission in the atmosphere. Specifically, as Carbon added to higher stratosphere can exacerbate the condition of Greenhouse conditions more rapidly. Creating higher demand for National holidays not only improves the country economy, it is considered less stressful and has seen huge improvements to holiday activities and tourism across the UK.

Step 5 – Reduce meat consumption to once a week

Perhaps the bitterest pill for some is the reduction of red meat in diet. The cattle industry alone contributes to 58% of carbon emissions. The energy intensive nature of producing livestock is detrimental to wildlife and encourages levels of methane in the grazing of these animals. Treating oneself to a gentler, more plant based diet is now supported by wide appeal and ingredients and improves health as well as being less costly.