May, 2022

4 Reasons To Plant More Trees

Trees are essential for our survival as human beings, but far too few of us are actually concerned with this, and with the rise of deforestation to build new cities and infrastructure, our planet’s lung is slowly dying out. Since the beginning of human civilization, our ancestors and we have cleared about 46% of trees globally.

This is something we should all be more aware of and should do our best to prevent the inevitable. In 2019 alone, we lost about 29 million acres (this is the equivalent of one soccer field worth of trees disappearing every 6 seconds) of trees thanks to deforestation, forest fires, and logging.

Climate change isn’t helping our case either, and because of the rise temperature and deforestation, our surviving forests are staying smaller and younger, which is not good for our planet. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn about some of the reasons why we need to plant more trees.

1. To combat climate change and purify our air

Forests are like traps of carbon dioxide and are a way to slow down climate change. They remove carbon from our atmosphere and store it in their trunk and soil. Older trees are also better able to store a larger quantity of carbon dioxide than younger and smaller trees. This is why we need to make an effort to plant new trees and converse older ones at the same time.

Trees are also responsible for the absorption of 1/3 of all global emissions every year, and when they are burnt, all of the pollutants they have gathered are released into the air. In 2019, forests’ loss released an amount of carbon dioxide equal to adding 400 million cars on the road.

2. The homes of millions of species

50% of all animals and plants on Earth live in rainforests, and more than half a million of these species are at risk of extinction. According to recent research, species are dying at a faster rate than we thought they were. More than a quarter of our medicine comes from plants that are found in the rainforest, and these species make up about 40 to 50% of our pharmaceuticals.

Currently, about 3 out of every 4 new infectious diseases in people come directly from animals, and this number is only doomed to increase as we move closer to wildlife habitats and increase contact with these species. But other studies have shown that higher levels of biodiversity actually have a dilution effect on the diseases within the hosts, and this makes the diseases less likely to jump to humans.

3. Trees cool down our streets and cities

2021 is among the hottest years on record, and 2022 is right on this track. Trees are a natural way to naturally cool down the Earth as it blocks sunlight and provides shade. According to studies, shaded areas can be 11-25°cooler than unshaded places. In laypeople’s terms, this means that trees also reduce the energy used for cooling and heating an area.

If you have only 3 trees around your home, it can reduce your accost up to 30%, and it also provides windbreaks that can save you anywhere from 10 to 50% of the energy needed for heating your home during winter. To help combat the heating effect of concrete in large cities, studies have suggested that these places need at least 40% canopy coverage.

4. They protect against floods and water pollution

Mature trees also protect communities against flash floods and landslides, and this is because trees stabilize the soil and absorb water. They usually absorb between 1500 and 2000 gallons of water per year. This is why a lack of trees can increase the likelihood of floods. They also filter harmful chemicals and pollutants from storm runoff that end up in rivers, streams, and lakes. Nearly 57 million people rely on forests for clean drinking water in the US alone.

Looking for help?

For all your bushfire risk assessment, environmental, weed, and vegetation management, call Land Management Systems now. Because we need to protect our planet’s lungs and because bushfires are the second cause of forest depletion, the number one being deforestation. Planting trees are a surefire way to protect our mother Earth’s lung and make them stronger.

So for all your bushfire assessment, environmental, weed, and vegetation management needs, Land Management Systems is here to help and provide their extensive experience in the matter. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call now for all your risk management and consultancy need. They are only one phone call away!

Apr, 2022

5 Most Sustainable Countries In The World

Now more than ever, more and more people and nations are concerned about the future of our planet; as far as most of us know, Earth is the only planet that is habitable to human beings, and we need to start treating it as such. Going green is something that all of us should strive to achieve, and this is why countries are being held responsible for their actions.

It is primordial for all countries to move towards going green and reverse the effect of global warming as much as humanly possible. The counties are ranked according to the EPI or the Environmental Performance Index. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about some of the most sustainable countries around the globe.

1. Sweden

It is considered by far the most sustainable country in the world and has the highest renewable energy usage in the world, and is among of one the countries that have the lowest carbon emission. Sweden is also known to have one of the best educational systems in the world, and environmental consciousness is one thing that they are taught.

By 2045, Sweden has vouched to reduce their carbon emission by 85 to 100%. More than half of the energy consumption in the country is produced by renewable energy, and it has lowered its emission through the use of electric buses, urban farming, and smart roads. They have also achieved sustainability by having food banks, gender equality, recycling systems, and housing for vulnerable people.

2. Japan

In my opinion, Japan is one of the most beautiful countries out there, and it is known for its innovations. It has planned to have 50% of its new cars produce zero carbon emissions within the next 10 years. Vehicles are one of the main creators of carbon emissions in the world, and this is why more and more countries are turning towards hybrid and electric cars to try to reduce this.

Japan’s biggest cities are also trying to cut down on their carbon emission, and they are aiming to be 100% carbon emission-free by 2050. Japan also has one of the best recycling systems around the world, and it currently has around 10 different categories of recyclable. Japan is slowly paving its way to the top of the ladder when it comes to the sustainability ladder.

3. Canada

It is one of the most diverse countries in the world and is currently working to become one of the most sustainable countries in the world. It aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emission by 30% by 2030. It is also committed to researching sustainable living, energy solutions, and environmental sustainability.

One thing about being a sustainable nation also includes treating your workforce and citizens equally and not putting one group on a pedestal. This is seen in Canada’s governance and how it is trying to be a more sustainable nation. Canada is also continuously trying to improve its social sustainability with a decrease in poverty and a push towards sustainability.

4. Denmark

It is one of the more sustainable countries around the globe and is currently the leader in wind power. More than half of the energy produced in the country is thanks to wind power, and this is because you can find wind turbines throughout the country, and it is almost like a landmark of this particular sustainable nation.

Copenhagen is also considered one of the largest green cities in the world, and it plans to be completely carbon neutral by 2025. Denmark also has around half of its energy supplied by renewable sources, and this is due to the usage and rise in popularity of bikes across the nation; thanks to this, the country’s carbon emission has decreased.

5. Norway

Norway is another one of the most sustainable countries around the globe, and its parliament has pledged to be entirely carbon neutral by 2030. It also has one of the most efficient recycling systems in the world, second only to Japan, and has even incorporated composting into its agenda. It also uses hydroelectricity to power itself, which works especially well due to its rainy climate.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about the most sustainable countries in the world.

Apr, 2022

7 Tips To Survive Without Electricity

It is hard to imagine life without electricity for cooking, heating, entertainment, and work. An energy crisis would overtake our lifestyles, and there may be significant power outages in many parts of the world in the near future.

Anyone can endure a power outage for a day or two, but how can we survive a blackout of several days or weeks?

You never know what kind of situation or emergency might cause you to be without electricity for an extended time. Some people voluntarily choose to live without electricity and make it their way of life, but many are not ready to do so yet.

Whatever the cause of the power outage, measures need to be taken. The trick to living without electricity is to start preparing now so you won’t be unprepared later!

1) Prepare Food Supplies

Start by making a list of the foods you will need in a power outage. Also consider, for example, whether you will be able to keep the food cold when making it, whether you will be able to cook it, and how you will prepare it.

It is beneficial to stock up on canned or prepared foods, especially if you use an induction stove in your kitchen. Prepare shelf-stable foods that do not need to be stored under special conditions, such as

Sugar
Flour
Oats
Honey
Pasta
Rice
Tuna or canned fish
Beans

2) Consider Ways To Collect and Store Water

Whether the outage is temporary or permanent, it is essential to have water available. Buy a water bottle, fill a jug, or install a rainwater filter system if more practical. Storing water is vital for your own health and the people in your home.

3) Alternative Cooking Methods

Without electricity, cooking can suddenly become more difficult than usual. Grills and small gas stoves for camping are options. Gas ovens are also available, but both require a cylinder to use.

The best option is a wood stove with a flat top. In addition to heating, you can place a frying pan on it and use it for cooking. Important: Always use cast iron pans!

4) Do What You Need To Do During the Day

Without electricity, there is no lighting, so things will not get done as soon as the sun goes down. Then, learn to plan what you need to do to make the most daylight. In other words, get up when the sun rises, and as soon as the sun sets, consider it a night.

5) Consider Lighting

If you live far from an urban area with no electricity, you may be in total darkness. We usually turn on the lights as soon as we enter a room, and this darkness can be unsettling if you are not used to it.

Lanterns and candles can provide light, but are a high fire hazard. Be especially careful in homes with children.

Other options include:

Candles
Light sticks
Oil lamps
Solar-powered lights.
Rechargeable torches

6) Consider Alternative Heat Sources

Living without electricity in the winter is difficult because there is no heat. Also, if you have children, you need at least a heating source.

You can help your family stay warm by:

Improving the insulation of your home.
Putting carpeting on the floor.
Looking for and close window vents.
Placing rags under doors.

7) Prepare an Alternate Washroom

If the power is out for a short period, you may not need to go to the bathroom. If the power outage lasts longer, the pumps on the aqueduct that bring water to your home may stop working. Consider using buckets or camp toilets.

How do you create a bucket system? It’s simple: put a garbage bag in the bucket, and put some moss or sand on the bottom. Once you’re done, put some more moss or sand on it to cover the odors.

Do you have any other tips? Share it with us in the comments below!

Apr, 2022

Sandblasting and Airbrushing Technique: For an Ecological Stripping

Sandblasting is a technique that allows the cleaning of all types of surfaces, plastic, wood, metals, concrete, glass, marble, and stone. On the other hand, airbrushing represents an ecological stripping technique that respects wooden surfaces. So, whether the surface is soft or hard, you give a second life to your wood. Let’s discover more about these two techniques in the following article.

Sanding: A useful stripping technique for any surface

This method is most often used for furniture renovation and monument maintenance. However, this technique is regularly used for smoothing, polishing, degreasing, deoxidizing, etc. Indeed, despite the efficiency and speed of metal stripping, it is a very aggressive method. Thus, the various techniques derived from sandblasting, such as airbrushing, represent the best alternative for the preservation of materials to be treated.

Sandblasting is defined as an industrial technique used to clean surfaces using an abrasive projected at low or high speed by means of compressed air through a nozzle on the material to be stripped. So to speak, after the diagnosis, we proceed to a sandblasting of the surfaces of an old real estate in order to give it back its aspect of time.

This industrial technique is very effective for stripping surfaces, removing traces of oxidation on metal surfaces, and removal of scale, dirt, and mold. The sandblasting technique is used for engraving marble, glass, or decorative effects. You can use different sizes and types of abrasives for the treatment of surfaces. It all depends on the dirt or the parts to be treated.

How to make a success of sandblasting?

The success of sandblasting is undeniable on all surfaces. This is one of the reasons why this technique is used for industrial cleaning, renovations, and also in the craft industry. Moreover, this technique remains more practical than manual and traditional stripping. It is less hard, and the result is impeccable. However, you must have the right equipment and take the necessary precautions to succeed in sandblasting.

Airbrushing: An ecological stripping technique

As a noble material, wood requires meticulous maintenance in order to last. Thus, no matter the quality and the origin of the wood to be stripped, most companies put there has the solution you need. With a thorough diagnosis and a choice of ideal abrasives for the material to be treated, you will be satisfied with the result obtained. The range of airbrushes, in association with the quality and hardness of abrasives, will allow you to discover the machine which is appropriate for you.

Most companies offer you solutions for ecological stripping that you can choose, no matter the nature of the material to treat. Even if it is a piece of furniture bought on credit, the result obtained will exceed your expectations. Thus, no matter your status (private or professional), the technicians will meet your expectations and will give you advice in addition to proposing solutions to your concerns.

How to start an airbrushing project for wood stripping?

First of all, you need to find out the nature of the wood to be airbrushed in order to determine the most suitable abrasive to achieve a better result. Then, there is no pre-established rule for stripping a wood surface, especially on an old building. Indeed, several factors come into play:

- Soft or hardwood

- Material present

- The ideal air pressure to the support

- The type of tool used.

Make surfaces shine again with sandblasting and airbrushing.

How to start an airbrush job to strip wood?

First of all, determine the type of wood to be airbrushed in order to define which abrasive will be best suited to obtain a good result. Then, there is no precise rule for stripping a wooden surface. Many factors are determining:

- Hard or softwood

- The material present on the wood (light stain, resistant paint, putty…)

- The air pressure to be adapted to the support is often very low.

In most cases, use a fine grain abrasive when airbrushing hardwood to avoid digging into the surface. Conversely, a coarser grit abrasive should be used for airbrushing softwood with thick and tenacious paint.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about sustainability.

Apr, 2022

Canadians And Quebecers Still On Top Of Water Consumption

In 2000, Canada was the second-highest per capita consumer of water (400 L per capita/day) among the 29 OECD countries. Now, despite a clear shift (down to 300 L per capita/day), Canadian and Quebec water consumption is still as high as ever (650% higher than the international average). This article explains how the country got to this point and the consequences of this overconsumption. As a bonus, tips on how to reduce your water consumption.

What are the reasons?

Canada is one of the 9 “water powers”. The volume of renewable fresh water in the country is approximately 2,902 km3. This is enough to supply all OECD countries. However, this abundance of water has created wasteful behavior among Canadians.

Indeed, despite the fact that there are only a few million inhabitants and that there is no lack of drinking water, Canadians do not deprive themselves. Just to mention residential pools or spas. For example, more than 50% of domestic water consumption is used for cleaning (dishes, linens, household, car) and running toilets.

The explosion of water consumption in Canada can also be explained by the high use of water in agriculture. This sector is a key component of the Canadian economy. Agriculture alone consumes 1.6 km³/year of natural sources. Moreover, a small proportion of the water withdrawn by the sector is returned to the source.

What are the consequences?

The waste of drinking water and its overconsumption leads to many consequences, especially for the environment. Indeed, when freshwater sources are depleted, they take longer to renew themselves. This is why some groundwater is drying up. More than a quarter of Canadian municipalities experienced seasonal water shortages between 1994 and 1999.

Furthermore, it is important to understand that wasted drinking water becomes wastewater. And it is the latter that returns to the source. As a result, the quality of water from natural sources is altered. Fortunately, the Canadian and Quebec governments are now committed to sustainable initiatives, of which water conservation is a part, to protect the environment.

How to limit your water consumption?

Do you want to reduce your water consumption, but more importantly, do you want to become an eco-responsible citizen? Remember and apply the following two tips:

Have water-saving habits

If domestic water consumption is very high in Canada, this implies bad habits. Most of us, for example, continue to drink bottled water when Canadian tap water is known to be very healthy.

Also, we have a habit of leaving the water running while we soap up. It’s no wonder that the bill is high. That’s why it’s important to change our behavior. Here are a few things you can do on a daily basis:

- Turn off the tap when you are finished

- Prefer showers to baths

- Wash your clothes in cold water in the washing machine

- Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash your car.

Harvest rainwater

Canada has a fairly high annual rainfall. It would be a shame not to use it. You can wash your car, water your plants with it, or even use it to flush your toilet. By doing so, each resident could save up to 20% of their domestic water consumption.

But to do this, you need to use a recovery method. The best alternative would be to equip your home with a gutter. However, installing gutters is not an easy job. You need to have the necessary zinc tools and some connection know-how to successfully install gutters yourself. So don’t take unnecessary risks and rely on the expertise of a professional craftsman.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about water consumption.

Apr, 2022

Building A Low-energy House: The Steps

The state of the planet is worrying because of human behavior, and the high energy consumption is at the center of the debate. State provisions have been created to encourage the implementation of systems to reduce the energy consumption of each household. It is in this context that since 2012, the Low Energy Building (low-energy house) standard has come into force for the construction of new buildings. Here are the different steps to take to comply with this standard.

What is a low-energy house?

A low-energy house is a new construction or a renovation respecting the Bâtiment Basse Consommation (low-energy house) standard. It is a house built to respect an annual energy consumption of 50 kWh/year. To reach such a level, it is recommended to insulate the walls and attics, airtightness, adoption of solar energy, and improvement of the ventilation system.

But the main objective remains the reduction of carbon emissions and the reduction of energy consumption. Since 2012, the low-energy house standard has become mandatory for new constructions. All real estate construction projects must take steps to acquire the low-energy house label.

The steps to take to comply with the low-energy house standard

Since the first bases for the construction of your house, some provisions must be taken into account.

Choosing the right building site

To have a low-energy house, it is important to choose the location of your land, especially its position in relation to the sun’s rays. The contribution of the sun’s energy is very important to meet the requirements of the low-energy house standard.

Vegetation is very important to having an ecological environment. The choice of land close to the basic essential infrastructures, namely schools and health centers, is favorably desired. You must also choose a plot of land on the ground and a basement in the least risky areas possible.

In addition, electricity, gas, telephone, sewage, and stormwater supply centers should not be far from you. This will save you a lot of money. However, it is strongly recommended to stay away from factories and power plants. As you can see, the quality of the immediate environment of your low-energy house is very important.

Ensure the feasibility of your project

This step is essential for the construction of your low-energy house. Go to the local town hall and make sure that the land is in a zone where construction is possible. The town hall will have to issue you with a positive urbanism certificate.

You should also consult the land use plan to make sure that your land is in a buildable zone. This is a large document that also defines the construction rules applicable in the zone.

Obtaining a building permit

The building permit is a very important document to start the construction of your low-energy house. Indeed, it is issued to you after a general inspection of your land on the basis of your construction plan. The administration then ensures that your construction respects the rules in force in the area.

The choice of the builder

This is the essential step in the construction of a low-energy house. You must then sign a construction and monitoring contract with this company to ensure the smooth running of activities on the site as well as a positive end to the work. This also gives you a ten-year warranty and insurance for damage to the work.

In conclusion, in the project of building a low-energy house, certain steps must be taken to ensure compliance with the procedure. Therefore, it is very important to know the steps to take during the development of your project. This article has given you all the information in this sense.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about low-energy consumption homes.

Apr, 2022

Beach Vert and Futnet Tour

Every year in July, the Pays de la Loire League organizes the traditional “Beach Vert” tour. This one often takes place in the five departments of the region: Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe and Vendée. This year 2021, the regional authority has also decided to set up the Futnet Tour, in parallel with the Beach Vert. Here’s an overview of these two practices.

The Beach Vert

During the summer seasons, the Pays de la Loire region inhabitants get together for the Beach Vert tour. It is a sport and eco-responsible event. The tour encourages children from 6 to 12 years old to learn about sports, especially soccer, and adopt eco-responsible behaviors. But how does it work in practice? The children will take part in a quiz with questions related to soccer and respect for the environment. They will also participate in health, nutrition, tree planting, and waste sorting workshops. And of course, they will play soccer. The objective of the Green Beach is to promote physical activity, make participants aware of the importance of ecology, and give visibility to the Loire territory. That’s why many animations (workshop on recycling, nutrition workshop…⁾ are set up, besides soccer.

This year, the Green Beach will take place from July 6 to 24, with 11 stages and nearly 900 participating children. There will be good humor, a distribution of T-shirts as a souvenir, and a team of animators on the program. It should be noted that all participants will have to respect the safety standards and the barrier gestures in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic that is still raging in France. Also, everyone must register on the Pays de la Loire soccer league website before coming to one of the sites where the tournament will take place.

The Futnet Tour

The Futnet Tour is a new practice that aims to encourage young and old to sport and protect the environment like the Green Beach. The participants will play Futnet, a mix between soccer and tennis. The goal? To sensitize the locals to take up sports and adopt environmentally friendly gestures. At each game, the Orange Recycling Challenge will be carried out. The goal is to drop off unused phones and accessories to be processed at a recycling center. So feel free to sort through your drawers before coming to the tournament.

But before participating or having your children participate in the Futnet Tour, it is essential to know how it works and its concept. The principle of the game is to bounce the ball in the opponent’s camp, with the foot, without the latter managing to send it back after two bounces. There will be two teams of one to three people. They will be separated by a net on a field. The first team to score 15 points wins the game. Note that players cannot touch the ball with their arms or hands.

The first edition of the Futnet Tour will take place in the Pays de la Loire region from July 3 to 28. Seven stages will be planned in the 5 departments of the region. The first tour will take place in Angers. There will also be many free animations for all the locals. You can also participate in other activities related to sport and health during the tour: Cécifoot, Fitfoot, Foot walking, Foot Golf…

Apr, 2022

Optimize Your Thermal Comfort While Reducing Your Energy Consumption

Regulating the ambient temperature in a home requires various means. The most common are ventilation and heating, both of which require the use of electrical energy. However, it is possible to achieve this thermal comfort without using an exorbitant amount of energy. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this article and learn more about thermal comfort and energy consumption.

1. Insulate the different rooms efficiently

Insulation is the most common method nowadays to obtain outstanding thermal comfort. This technique allows to regulate the heat inside a room during cold weather and keep it. This is also true in the summer, when insulation is more effective in keeping cool. Even if many people prefer to use air conditioning or heating systems, it must be said that thermal insulation is more advantageous.

The first advantage is that it is a technique that uses very ecological materials to reinforce the impermeability of the walls. It does not require any electrical energy to operate. By preferring sophisticated insulation to ensure thermal comfort, you reduce your energy consumption and save money. Your comfort is even more increased when you use an ecological material for your insulation. You will then be free of any pollutants.

2. Use a combined solar system

If you still prefer to stick with heating to optimize your home’s temperature, there are still ways to reduce energy consumption. Among the many techniques available, there is the combined solar system. It is a technique with multiple advantages that are based on renewable energy. The combined solar system consists in connecting the heating of the house to solar panels that convert solar energy into electric current.

All you have to do is connect the generator of the solar panels to the heating circuit of your house. Once the electrical current from the solar energy arrives at the heating system, it starts up, and the results are just as satisfying. It is important to note that this will not be totally exempt you from using electrical energy, but it will help you consume as little as possible.

3. Use double glazed windows

A thermal insulation or a heating system will not be successful without windows adapted to play the game. This is why optimization of thermal comfort should not miss this detail. A double glazing system should be installed to prevent heat loss.

Double glazing consists in paralleling two panes of glass to make them more impermeable to air and heat. The result is made possible thanks to a layer of air or gas in the middle of the two panes. As these elements are known to be less heat-conductive, this improves the thermal insulation of the house.

It is also necessary to seal the edges of the window, which could serve as a thermal bridge. Usually, an aluminum spacer is placed on the window frame precisely in the middle of the two panes. You are thus sure that your insulation is perfect and protected from probable heat leaks. The result is also valid for houses that use a heating system.

4. Carry out an energy performance diagnosis

The energy performance diagnostic is a series of tests that are performed in your home to evaluate the energy consumption of all your installations. It allows you to determine which of your appliances consumes more energy than it needs.

By performing this diagnostic, you can determine the state of your heating system with respect to energy consumption. This gives you the opportunity to carry out repairs and thus regulate the energy consumption in your home.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about energy consumption and reduction.

Apr, 2022

The Crossroads of Christianity and Climate Change

Climate change is trending – not like the latest fashion fad, but as one of mankind’s most significant concerns.

Decades before the World Meteorological Organization terms the long-term changes in weather conditions as “climatic change”, Joseph Fourier, a French physicist, identified the greenhouse effect. However, instead of agonizing over a warming planet, scientists from the late 1800s welcomed the idea of a changing climate. As goes by the Swedish chemist, Svante Arrhenius, “By the influence of the increasing percentage of carbonic acid in the atmosphere, I hope to enjoy ages with more equable and better climates, especially when it comes to the colder regions of the planet.”

If it wasn’t for scientists of the 80s, we would still have been in the dark; reports from U.S. National Academy of Sciences and Environmental Protection Agency sparked realizations over the possible catastrophic consequences of climate change.

After more than 35 years and hundreds of millions of dollars of research spent after these reports and climate change is still a point of threat to humanity.

Today, scientific evidence made it clear that human activity played a huge role in creating this environmental rift. And, if nothing substantial is done to stop it, there won’t be any “tomorrow.”

I heard about this “issue” when I was around 11 years old and I thought like, there were over 7 billion people living on earth, so if we all come together, we’ll make it work – you get the picture, right? But, it’s a pity that climate change became one of those flagship issues – like abortion, gun control and recreational use of marijuana. While some people would take it to the government and demand actions, others would deem the notion as a vacuous fad that will eventually, one day, fade into the background.

This isn’t an unusual comment for us to hear from a politician sometimes. But, imagine my surprise, when I learned that some Christians share the same view.

Who Are These Climate Change Skeptics?

I’m not a Christian environmentalist – even if I find their theories very interesting – but, I think when you are a believer and follower of Christ, you are called to understand God’s creation and be good stewards of nature. However, there are many individuals with a deep Christian faith who think that caring for the environment should not flow from spiritual beliefs.

Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap, the Vice President of EEN(Evangelical Environmental Network) believes that this attitude is the result of the strong ties between religious beliefs and political tendencies.

Historically, U.S. politics have had significant impacts on several religious interest groups and have influenced their attention on things like reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and family values, which have now expanded to climate change.

When a research was in press at the journal Global Environmental Change, a survey was conducted with over 2000 North Americans, including most evangelical Christians. The main purpose of the survey was to understand the perspective of evangelicals about climate change and to weigh up their views to those of non-evangelical individuals. As per the data collected, there was variation in believers’ views, but most American evangelicals didn’t believe that climate change was indeed “happening” or that it was an issue to be worried about.

A further study from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication with Christians revealed that some refused to believe that climate change is real. They think it’s just one of the greatest hoaxes ever made by men.

As per a research conducted by the Pew Research Center, around a quarter of American evangelicals deny the science behind man-made climate change.

A believer even told an environmental group that climate change is a part of a sinister political plot to seek more power.

Many of these believers, a.ka. climate change skeptics start out their statements with “I’m not a climate scientist but…”

Well, guess what? I’m not a climate scientist too, but that doesn’t mean I’m blind. As children of God, we cannot afford to close our eyes to the horrible things that are happening in the world.

What do you think?

Apr, 2022

Top 5 Best Tips For Living A More Sustainable Lifestyle

It’s 2022, and we need to start acting together. We have to do better because if we don’t start to get our act together, our planet is going straight to hell. We need to change the way we live and consume products. You can focus on the little things, and yes, even the little things can make a big difference.

Changing your lifestyle can sometimes be difficult, but according to some research, if you do something continuously for 21 days, you can adopt that lifestyle. Without further ado, let’s take a look at how you can adopt a greener lifestyle.

What is a sustainable lifestyle?

It is difficult to clearly define the concept of sustainability. The basic ideas behind it have been known for centuries. But for a long time, there was no word for it. Basically, people have always tried to live by this principle. Sustainable living means not consuming more than can be grown, regenerated, or made available in the future.

It is especially in the case of indigenous peoples that we can still see the corresponding action plans today. As a rule, they only produce or harvest what they need. Sustainability first appeared as a term in 18th-century forestry literature. However, the concept at that time was based more on economic interests than on environmental protection.

It was not until the United Nations conferences in the 1980s and 1990s that a somewhat clearer picture of sustainability developed. Since then, the main concern has been “to live in such a way that a life worth living is still possible on earth for future generations”.

1. Consume less fast fashion

The first way to adopt a sustainable lifestyle is to abandon fast fashion and buy from ethical companies instead. By consuming eco-friendly brands, you can minimize the damage to our society and environment. Reformation and Vetta are among the many fashionables and sustainable companies that practice ethical means of production in hopes of minimizing the fashion industry’s impact on the environment.

However, the best way to make a positive change when it comes to clothing consumption is to recycle your current wardrobe or donate or buy from thrift stores. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to save the Earth in a pair of vintage Levis? These pieces are always chic and timeless and minimize the damage to our environment.

2. Promote reusables in the bathroom and kitchen

As our grandmothers and previous generations did, favoring reusable items in the home is an ecological gesture that avoids finding disposable products in the wild afterward. Especially since some products can take up to hundreds of years to degrade, for your hygiene, prefer, for example, washable discs and wipes to remove your make-up and to wash your baby, rather than the classic disposable cotton pads.

As for the traditional sanitary napkins, cotton swabs, paper towels, aluminum foil… ecological alternatives exist, such as menstrual cups and panties, oriculi, or even beeswax conservation paper: they are reusable and biodegradable! Use glass jars for your groceries to limit plastic packaging that pollutes the environment in the kitchen. The result is zero waste and great savings!

3. Avoid single-use plastic

Most plastics are not biodegradable and end up in landfills or the ocean, causing damage to wildlife and the environment. Often, plastics also contain chemicals that can make animals sick or injured. Single-use plastic can be easily replaced with reusable items such as straws, water bottles, etc. You can also use reusable containers instead of wrapping food in foil, plastic wrap and/or Ziploc bags. If you have no alternative to single-use plastic, recycle it like many of us on a college campus!

4. Limit your meat consumption

It’s not for everyone, but stopping or completely limiting your meat consumption has a huge impact on the well-being of our planet. Not only will it promote a healthier lifestyle, but it will also promote a healthier planet! The meat industry is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so by supporting it, you are directly supporting its unethical and unsustainable practices. In terms of food production in general, anything produced organically has a more sustainable value than the alternative.

5. Reduce water waste

In my experience, limiting unnecessary water use is easier said than done. However, I have found that shortening my showers from 15 minutes to 5 minutes is a good place to start! Other ways to reduce water waste are: not leaving running water unattended or unused, doing laundry only when there is a full load, etc.

Many environmental and societal benefits can be reaped by reducing water consumption, including minimizing droughts, reducing carbon, and preventing pollution from infecting our global water supply.

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