Zero Emissions Day
Today is Zero Emissions Day! The goal of this day is to raise international awareness of our need for clean air and how emissions pollute our environment. Most people hear “emissions” and think of cars, and while deciding to bike to work can certainly be one way to celebrate, there are many other things that emit pollution into our air, some sneakier than others. While Zero Emissions Day aims to put a hard stop to air pollution one day a year, being mindful of what contributes to these emissions every day can help you make small, sustainable changes that will add up to an even bigger change over time!
As mentioned, our vehicles play a huge role in air emissions, so bicycling to work is always an option if you live close enough, and would fit the “zero” emissions goal. However, even if you only sometimes commute via bicycle, carpool, rideshare, or public transportation, you’ll be reducing emissions year-round and have a greater overall impact.
Similarly, today is a good day to take a break from ordering things that require shipping, as delivery vehicles are also a huge source of emissions. Purchase in-person and in-bulk, and if you participate in a buy-nothing group, keep it local (or if you order online from us, you can choose to pick it up or have it dropped off on the way to somewhere else rather than shipped!).
Another huge source of air pollution is manufacturing. There is pollution both from chemicals and as a byproduct of energy usage in the manufacturing process, so remember the 3 Rs (Reduce/Refuse, Reuse, Recycle, in that order), and avoid the corporations telling you to buy MORE. Buying fewer new products reduces air pollution from manufacturing, saves on shipping, and keeps waste out of landfills.
Speaking of landfills, they also contribute to the problem! Landfills give off ammonia, sulfides, methane, and carbon dioxide. *COUGH* Much of what we put in the landfill could be avoided if we stop thinking of items and packaging as “disposable” and start thinking sustainably. Choosing products with biodegradable or no packaging, using reusable cleaning items, and getting creative with upcycling or composting can all help with reducing the size of the landfills and thus, the gasses that harm us.
Lastly, our energy consumption also gives off emissions, though not directly. It is the pollution that is a result of the way we get that energy that is the problem. Using renewable energy sources like solar or wind is of course helpful, but in general, our everyday usage of electronics is a heavy energy burden that we could greatly reduce simply by turning off electronics at night, unplugging items not in use, and turning off lights. That way, no matter how our energy is delivered to us, we are reducing our impact on the environment.
There are so many ways to reduce our emissions and that of manufacturers and energy providers that it might be impossible to hit “zero”, but if we stick to small changes over time, we can greatly reduce the pollution to our air and our planet and breathe a lot easier!