How sustainable is your lifestyle?

‘Climate change is the most significant environmental threat facing the world today. There is overwhelming scientific evidence the climate is already changing and it is very likely that most of the warming is attributable to human activities.’ (Theccc.org.uk, pg.17)

Individuals now days are living a different lifestyle compared to previous ancestors with an estimated 1.7 trillion tonnes of CO₂ being emitted into the atmosphere since 1990. As a result of creating new technology, changes in land usage and waste disposal the environment has experienced events such as the summer floods in 2007 and the heat wave in 2003. Therefore, urging the former government to implement The Climate Change Act 2008 to help reduce the amount of emission released into the atmosphere.

Climate change has occurred due to the increase in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. Since the 1970s temperature rates have increased on average by 1°c causing more heat waves, rainfalls and raising sea levels. In a recent report published by The Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Committee of Climate Change it stated that ‘sea levels around the UK have risen by around 1mm per year during the 20^th century.’ (Theccc.org.uk, pg.20) Data found from research such as the above has caused an increased concern in the extinction of the world’s animals. For example, the International Arctic Science Committee believes that ‘polar bears won’t survive if there is a complete loss of the Arctic’s summer sea-ice cover.’ (charityguide.org)

Guidance and solutions created by the government to help minimise the amount of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere to help protect future generations of human beings and animals has influenced me to think about my lifestyle choices. As a result I currently recycle cans, bottles, glass, plastic materials and cardboard to reduce the amount of waste being taken to landfills. ‘By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually’ (www.eastgwillimbury.ca) however, individuals still continue to dispose of domestic waste incorrectly. The Young People’s Trust for the Environment found that ‘almost 90% of domestic waste in the UK goes directly to landfill or dumping sites to be levelled and covered with earth.’ (ypte.org.uk)

After watching television, listening to the radio or using a laptop and other electrical appliances I make sure they are switched off. To further save energy I use florescent light bulbs and make sure I switch lights off after usage, as well as plug sockets. When buying new electrical products I tend to look for products with the energy star label and correctly recycle the old product. Also, when disposing of any product I look for the recycle symbol to see if I can recycle it.

Since moving to Northampton I have recently started to use public transport again or if possible walk to get around. Although this is more efficient then using a car, whilst back home I tried to car share as much as possible for instance, when travelling to work or college I offered lifts to colleagues and friends. Finally, I also try to wash clothes in warm or cold water to reduce the amount of energy produced.

References

·         Charity Guide (2007) ‘Reduce your impact on the greenhouse impact’ (Online) Available: http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/greenhouse-effect.htm (Accessed 14/10/10)

·         Committee on Climate Change (2010) ‘How well prepared is the UK for climate change?’ (Online) Available: http://downloads.theccc.org.uk.s3.amazonaws.com/ASC/CCC_ASC_Report_web_1.pdf (Accessed 14/10/10)

·         East Gwillimbury ’10 ways to reduce greenhouse gases’ (Online) Available: http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca/Environment/10_Ways_to_Reduce_Greenhouse_Gases.htm (Accessed 14/10/10)

·         Informedvote.ca (2009) ‘Climate-change-cause’ (Online) Available: http://trendsupdates.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/climate-change-cause.jpg (Accessed 15/10/10)

·          Northwestern.edu (2009) ‘Green’ (Online) Available: http://www.it.northwestern.edu/ecommunicator/2009_fall/images/green.png (Accessed 15/10/10)

·         Sciencekids.co.nz ‘Recycle’ (Online) Available: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/images/pictures/biology/recycle.jpg (Accessed 15/10/10)

·         Young people’s Trust for the Environment ‘Recycling’ (Online) Available: http://www.ypte.org.uk/environmental/recycling/93 (Accessed 14/10/10)