Saturday, May 29, 2010

How I may save the world

In my last post, I stated why it is so important to save the environment of this planet, and to use the resources of it in a responsible way. Also I mentioned some possibilities to take action for this matter.

Today, I want to say what I personally do for it in my daily life, how I integrate this in my consuming habits, and what actions I consider to be good for the environment. This will not be a complete list, but I hope it will inspire and inform you.

1. Since a certain time (more than a year) I particularly look for Bio products especially in the sections of cosmetic products (shower and hair care, skin cream etc.) and of nutrition. In Germany there are a couple of brands and logos which garantee such a quality.

Bio products only contain natural ingredients from ecological cultivation. This means under other that the crops are totally free of chemical fertilizers. And of course they all are free of any non-natural additives, preserving agents or flavours. So the risk of allergical reactions also is minimized with such products!

On the other hand, the pollution through genetically modified plants is minimized (I think it is actually utopistic to assume 0% genetic engineering, because it isn't possible to avoid that the genetically modified grains reach a Bio field through wind and weather - at least unless genetically modified plants are not prohibited completely).

Often, their ingredients have shorter transportation ways (another important environmental aspect!). Unfortunately, I remarked sometimes that the last is not automatically standard in such products. In reality, it can occur that Bio products contain ingredients from far away which could also be provided from regional sources.

Another aspect is that this products generally are made without being tested in cruel animal experiments.

2. Additionally, I buy from time to time certain products which are traded fairly. I regularly do so for example with coffees and teas, but also with sugar and sometimes chocolate (as I love savouring it and wouldn't like to surrender it). By now there are different brands for fair trade articles.

3. I often use the public transport means to travel from A to B, and I usually build car pools (I don't own a car myself and I don't need it). For travels within my country, I only use means of terrestrial transport and don't fly. Because the short distance flights are the most pollutioning ones regarding the kerosine blowed into the air.

4. I cut my electric devices off when I don't use them. Notice that without doing so, the Stand By modus also consumes electric energy! In the same way, I only lighten rooms I actually am in and need the light (why lightening a room or spot in full daytime, when I am able to read or work with the daylight?).

5. Before opening a window in winter, I turn off the radiator. Also, it is better to open the window for a short time completely than to tilt it for a longer period.

6. Last but not least, to save the environment and to spend the energy more economically, it is recommended to think about a good insulation of your house so that no warmth and energy get wasted.

You see that it is not so complicated to act eco-friendly. In fact, often the "little" actions make the difference and great results. So let's begin with it now!

Have you other ideas for a responsible and more environmental consuming and living customs?

Thursday, April 22, 2010

World Earth Day










If you have the Google site as welcome page in your internet browser, you should have noticed that today the 22th of April is the international Earth Day.

This day was created in 1970 in the United States and since then takes place all years at the same date to remind people the importance of environmental matters which in all cases are global. For that, there are a lot of actions and events made then, informations are provided, and also discussions about different environmental topics and helpful ideas to turn the development of the environment and the climate of the earth have been started then (well, I hope not only then - I hope the ideas will be carried in the daily life and the future too).

As we all live on this planet (and I hope we would be able for a long time further) it is something that concerns us all - not only this or that region. For this reason it is essential that every country at this giant blue ball - and every single person - takes his or her responsiblity to save the environment and climate. There are many possibilities to do so, and every little step is a step toward this goal.

On this occasion, I especially want to refer the American readers to the actual Climate Petition to your Congress. Please sign it numerously so that them can see that this is especially important for you!

Instead of listing now a couple of ideas for a better world, I'll first ask you - the reader: What would you do, or have already done, for the environment and the climate of this planet? Which are your suggestions to live in a manner that minimizes (or even prevent it completely, if possible) the damage of the environment, to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide and to avoid toxic materials etc. What do you think about BIO articles (nutrition, cosmetics etc.) in the supermarket? And also: Do you share the opinion that atomic energy in long term should be replaced by "green" energies (like solar, wind and water energy)?

I am very interested in your answers. I guess I will take this topic on with the one or other aspect from time to time.