As the population of this world is increasing, managing non-biodegradable waste is becoming a challenge for us. Such waste not only degrades land and water resources but also accumulates over years and poses a threat to the balance of the life-cycle. This in turn can be extremely harmful for all forms of life. An alternative to these products is to use eco friendly products and go green in our day-to-day life. Such products are not only bio degradable but also environment-friendly.
Handmade paper is one of the best eco friendly products that have gained immense popularity these days. This paper is used to replace the plastic-made products. One of the green environmental products that can be incorporated in the day-to-day life is eco-friendly furniture that is made up of recyclable materials like straw whose design can be changed again and again any number of times. Such furniture helps saving the consumption of wood which is already in shortage and requires felling of trees.
Another way to conserve energy resources and minimise environmental pollution is to use solar energy that is pollution-free. Use of solar water heater, solar panels, and solar-cooker must be encouraged specially in hot climatic areas where solar energy can be synthesized almost daily. Thermal energy a type of green solar energy is harnessed through the design and materials used to construct a building. By integrating south facing windows and materials that retain heat, like brick and stone, we can lower our energy needs and build an energy efficient structure.
By being energy smart in the home, we can not only reduce our impact on climate change but can also save a decent amount of money by switching to green power. This is electricity which comes from renewable energy sources, like wind and solar instead of coal. Meat, particularly beef, has a very high environmental impact, using a lot of water and land to produce, and creating significant greenhouse pollution. To produce a single 150g serve of meat, it takes over 200 litres of water and creates five kilograms of greenhouse pollution.
We should not over-heat our home; turning down the heating by just one degree can reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse pollution by up to 10%. The thermostat should be on an internal wall, and set at a lower temperature.
AHSAN IRSHAD
Sindh
