New Years Eco resolutions

As we enter 2015, many minds will be filled with promises for the coming year. 'go to the gym', 'eat healthier', 'spend less time on the Internet'. The changes we promise to make seem big to us but we are half way through January and how many resolutions have you broken already? What about considering a resolution that benefits not just you but the wider environment? Here are some green resolutions that are so easy to keep. Not only will they decrease waste but improve the quality of the earth. Take the plunge for 2015!

1. Remember your reusable bags
Here in Oman, the amount of plastic bags used is phenomenal. Supermarket packers often put single items into bags, sending shoppers home with a staggering amount of plastic after a weekly shop. More than 1 million bags end up in the trash every minute. Taking reusable bags is one of the easiest and most effective ways of reducing your carbon footprints. Most supermarkets sell reusable bags so what are you waiting for?

2. Limit bottled water
Depending on the quality of your local supply, switching to tap water, an at home filtering system or even large dispenser bottles are far better than using lots of small bottles. 1.5 million barrels of oil are used to make plastic water bottles each year. Opt for a refillable alternative such as glass, aluminium or recycled plastic and nature will thank you!

3. Cut down on paper towels
3000 tonnes of paper towels end up in landfill each year so opt for cotton cloths that can be washed instead.

4. Try being a weekend vegetarian
Meat free meals a couple of days a week can reduce your carbon footprint by a huge amount. Not only will it reduce your environmental impact but will help you in your way to a healthy 5 a day.

5. Switch off those devices!
How many of us have left our chargers plugged in and switched on? It takes no time at all to switch if that plug and eliminate phantom power. Unplug fully charged devices and turn off appliances rather than putting them in standby mode. All of which will make a huge difference.

All of these make a big environmental difference without needing a drastic change. So take the plunge for a greener 2015 !

Cities of the future??

After looking at our high ecological footprints last week, grade 9 and I explored ways in which we and science could reduce human impact on the world. After exploring the London community of Bedzed and the UAE green city of Masdar, I came across an eco city on a whole new level known as the Lily pad.  With Global warming melting ice caps and causing sea levels to rise, low lying areas are likely to be displaced very soon. Which is why architect Vincent Callebaut came up with the idea of the Lily pad. A self sufficient floating city that could accomodate up to 50,000 people.

Using biomimicary, the cities are designed to look like water lillies and are intended to be zero carbon emission floating communities. Through various renewable power options, the city could not only produce its own energy but also absorb carbon dioxide through its titanium dioxide skin.

Don't pack your bags just yet though, this project is just a concept and Callebaut hopes to make it a reality by 2100. One thing is sure, this is an expensive venture and one wonders whether a displaced climate refugee will have the cash to live on this floating metropolis.

Whilst it's only an idea right now, I would definitely be keen on inhabiting one of these lovely islands. Would you?

Ecological footprints

Living in the GCC, my ecological footprint is much higher than I'd like it to be. We rely on a lot of foreign imports and the limited public transport, large cars and increased industry adds to this. 

Our ecological footprint is the amount of the environment necessary to produce the goods and services necessary to support a particular lifestyle.

The Human impact
This documentary is an eye-opening look at what the average UK citizen will use and consume in their lifetime. Its a staggering glimpse at how we take from the earth throughout our  lives.
http://www.veoh.com/watch/v14272337NXkjNrmY?h1=The+Human+Footprint

Calculate your ecological footprint
Follow the link to calculate your ecological footprint:
http://footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/

Reducing our footprint
Based on the footprints of many developed countries, we would need several planets if everyone in the world lived in the same way as an average citizen in these countries.This is clearly unsustainable and the impact on the environment is huge.  With a dwindling supply of resources, an increasing population we need to act now.

We need to make a change in our lifestyles to reduce our impact. Small changes could include:

• Recycling paper, cardboard and plastics. With readily available recycling banks in most countries, this would be easy to do.
• Composting food waste and newspaper. This could be used to grow your own nutritious veggies!
• Conserving water. Fill milk bottles as you wait for water for washing dishes to run warm. Shower into a bucket and use the water for plants
• Buying locally grown produce
• Using public transport

There are many more things that you could do. If everyone made a small change, the impact would be huge. How will you reduce your footprint in 2015? 

Welcome

Welcome to 'Environment Matters'; a blog that aims to deliver information and promote discussion about human interaction with the environment

The blog will include links to articles, video clips and challenges as well as examples of some of the great work going on in our environmental management lessons. Remember, wider reading is a key ingredient to success in environmental studies.

As an avid supporter of preserving the natural environment, I hope you appreciate reading this blog as much as I will enjoy writing it.