We all exist in a world powered by technology. From the cars we drive, to the materials we use made from plastics, from the gas we use to heat our house–everything in our daily life has been produced by technology and the humans who created it. Our lives are centered around these products and concepts. We would not function the same in a society that exists without them. However, the earth as we know it may not exist in the same fashion if we continue to function as we do currently.
Everywhere we look, there are promotions regarding environmental protection and safety. It is taught from elementary school how to recycle, how to reduce the amount of waste created, and even how to save the amount of water we use. Despite this information available to us and solutions that have been presented, the earth and its environment is still taking a toll due to human behavior. If we are living in a society centered around products and systems that are actively hurting the environment, it can be difficult to find sustainable ways to protect our world while living our day-to-day lives. However, searching for the basic implementations rather than the large changes can make even the smallest of difference.
Many individuals drive their car on the daily, but usually do not give a second thought to the reality behind vehicles. Out of all of the United States greenhouse gas emissions, 28% accounts for transportation. Cars release pollutants and chemicals through the exhaust and fuel evaporation, and these pollutants lead to climate change, smog, and reduced air quality. Motor vehicle emissions are responsible for approximately 68% of pollutant-related health cases, with the main pollutants released being nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. While many of us rely on our cars for transportation, there are some small ways in which we can reduce our motor vehicle usage. Many cities have public transportation that helps to reduce the overall emissions from the individual. Cities have also increased the amount of non-motor related public transportation, such as bikes, scooters, and even segways. Walking when applicable, especially within cities or shorter distances, is one of the most sustainable methods of transportation for the environment. The increased amount of electric vehicles, or even hybrid vehicles, eliminates the amount of fuel-related emissions contributing to the environmental problems, and are a good solution for those who do not have access to public transportation or do not live in an area where walking could be applicable.
Plastic usage and waste is another human-made factor causing harm to the environment. On average, an American uses 562 pounds of plastic every year, and wastes an estimated 287 pounds of plastic every year. Think about it–every coffee cup we get from Starbucks, the straws we drink out of at the bar, the take-out containers from every restaurant we go to–it is all plastic. Globally, around 353 million tons of plastic waste is generated by humans. To combat this statistic, many individuals have taken personal steps to reduce the amount of plastic waste they generate. Paper straws are offered at many food and drink establishments, with states such as California and New York having strict regulations regarding plastic straws. The same goes for paper bags at grocery stores or convenient stores, as they are starting to replace plastic bags across the country. Some businesses have taken initiative regarding their plastic waste, with coffee shops offering discounts if a customer brings their own reusable cup, or restaurants giving coupons to those who supply their own reusable take-out containers.
Furthermore, those simple ideas we learned in elementary school still apply to our personal efforts of saving the environment. Recycling is key, and only throwing away actual waste prevents plastics from going to landfills and into the earth. Shorter showers, or using less water, allows for fresher water and cleaner marine environments. Finding alternative heat sources that are not gas fueled, such as geothermal systems or solar thermal systems, allow for an environmentally friendly approach to both heating and lighting up our homes.
The road to actually saving the environment stretches further than we may be able to reach in our lifetimes. Starting now, with the most simple of steps, helps to clean up at least a fraction of the damage that has been done to our earth. The earth is our only home we will ever have, and saving it goes way beyond any human-made technology we can think of.
