What is the significance of carbon in sustainability?
Did you know that carbon is the most essential element of our human existence? Without it, the human and any other biological species would not be able to sustain themselves. The concept of life would be nonexistent without carbon.
However, similar to anything else in life, too much or too little of anything leads to a path of destruction. We are on that path now. Our carbon footprint as the human species leads to climate change, air pollution in urban areas, ocean acidification, and increased toxic rains. Before addressing this problem further, let's answer the question of how we got here.
How did we even get here anyway?
This journey all started with the Industrial Revolution in the mid-17th-century, a time when countries implemented new technologies and large-scale industries. As a result, the global carbon footprint has rapidly increased from the millions to the billions since the 1970s, as the “fast fashion” industry and manufacturing had become more popularized. Today, even with the emergence of new technology, such as electric trucks, LED lighting, and the new integration of solar power, we emit approximately 30 billion tons of carbon annually (that is a lot of carbon). Today, the main contributors to this problem derive from the burning of fossil fuels in modern manufacturing companies, forestry, transportation, and the production of energy.
How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
Does a sustainable and carbon-neutral future mean driving Teslas, using fewer air conditions, or seeing fluorescent lighting in newly constructed houses- maybe? But did you know that just through driving, we emit 4.6 metric tons, that is, 10,141 pounds a year? Therefore, choose to…
Go for a walk or a run
Support local businesses and shop locally: Not only does shopping locally help the environment, it protects you from harmful pesticides and chemicals that many large-scale companies use + you don’t use as much emissions because you use less miles when traveling in a car!
Implement bamboo and linen into your wardrobe: Implement bamboo and linen into your wardrobe: Bamboo is known to be one of the most sustainable crops on the planet. It is a regenerating and hypoallergenic plant and requires no fertilizer or pesticides to be re-planted, thus making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin!
Join the rebellion against climate change–time is running out!
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