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Relooking at Sustainable Energies During Summer

by Ariel Toh
written by Ariel Toh

It is that time of year when most people are on summer vacations or travelling. Imagine feeling free on a road trip, with the window wide open to catch a cool breeze. As the vehicle passes by the attractive landscape, we catch sight of the vast, tall wind turbines. Some turbines spin at a slow, gentle speed, while other wind turbines remain dead still, unmoved by any breeze.

Sustainable energies: wind power

Photo by Matthias Boeckel from Pixabay.com

Often, when we pass such a large power plant, we can ask ourselves: “How much energy generated from a wind power plant is distributing 100% clean energy to my household?”

Then, we begin to justify how our energy consumption habits can be free from a negative carbon footprint. Reflecting on such scenarios; we are interested to discover the benefits of clean energy and affordable energy.

Energy Efficiency At Home Starts From Effective Planning

Monitor HVAC Systems

One of our previous articles has shared how to keep energy bills affordable. If we have a home occupied by multiple people, the indoor temperature is more likely to need improved temperature regulation. In this case, having proper cooling systems like air-conditioning can become inevitable during summer. We can explore wiser habits to efficiently regulate indoor room temperature without incurring high electricity bills.

HVAC systems

Photo by Mixmedia from Istockphoto.com

Using the remote control for HVAC systems, maintain the air-conditioning system to operate at an optimal temperature between 70°F and 73.4°F (21°-23°C). A consistent optimal temperature results in more efficient energy consumption levels. Here are some tips for setting your thermostats when leaving the house:

  • Summer: Aim for a higher temperature setting than usual, ideally between 85°F (29°C) and 88°F (31°C). This saves energy while protecting your belongings from extreme heat. However, it heavily depends on the area where you live and thus the weather! Try to set the thermostat to temperatures relatively close to the outside. A good rule of thumb is to raise the thermostat by 5-10°F (2.8-5.6°C) from your normal comfort setting when you’re away. For example, at 25°C outside temperature, your home might not require much cooling at all. Raising the thermostat to 31°C would likely allow the indoor temperature to climb much higher, potentially becoming uncomfortable upon your return.
  • Winter: Prevent pipes from freezing by setting the thermostat to a minimum of 60°F (15°C). If concerned about burst pipes, consider a slightly higher setting.

Here are some further energy-efficient recommendations for your time away:

  • For short trips (weekends), minimal adjustments might be needed. However, longer absences require a more significant temperature change.
  • If you are leaving some pets behind, don’t forget to adjust the temperature based on their comfort as well.
  • If you have a Smart Thermostat, program it to automatically adjust the temperature while you’re away and return to your preferred settings upon your return.
  • Reduce overall energy consumption by powering down electronics, lights, and appliances not in use during your absence.
  • If you intend to leave home for only 30 minutes or less, it is best to keep the air-conditioning/thermostat operating. This further applies if you intend to occupy the same home space, avoiding switching the system on and off repeatedly. A repeated on-and-off function can cause fluctuations in power systems, which can result in energy inefficiencies.

Regularly Upkeep Electrical Units

Maintaining your home’s electrical system is crucial for safety and efficiency. Here are some recommendations for regularly upkeeping typical household electrical units:

upkeeping electrical units

Photo by Vershinin from Istockphoto.com

  • Always unplug or turn off the power to appliances before cleaning them.
  • Dust can build up on vents and electrical components, hindering airflow and potentially causing overheating. Therefore, we recommend using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust gently.
  • Look for any signs of damage, such as fraying, cracks, or discolouration, on electrical cords and outlets. Replace damaged cords immediately, and have a qualified electrician address any issues with the outlets.
  • Consider having a qualified electrician inspect your entire electrical system periodically, especially if your home is older.

Further Maintenance Recommendations

  • Clean the filter and fan of air cooling systems every 12 months. A dirty filter in a cooling unit’s mechanical system can slow down the airflow. In fact, any obstruction to the cooling unit’s operation can decrease its power efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption.
  • Locate your fuse box or circuit breaker panel and familiarize yourself with the location of each breaker. Test them periodically by flipping them off and back on to ensure they’re functioning properly. Visually inspect the fuses for signs of damage or blown fuses and replace blown fuses only with the correct amperage rating. Consider upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel for increased safety and functionality.
  • Clean the condenser coils on the back of your refrigerator regularly (at least once a year). This improves efficiency and helps your fridge function properly.
  • Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace the batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

An Adaptive Home to Climate Changes

adaptive homes

Photo by Ursa Catalogue from Ursa

Summer is the best time of the year to update or refurbish homes. This bright weather makes indoor work more conducive for those who may not be travelling much; undoubtedly, taking the time to study the benefits of wall insulation and curtain choices leads to wise investments. In the first place, this means cost-effective refurbishments or maintenance of the inner walls and floors. Before the cold season arrives, switching to an ideal curtain colour or a specific curtain material can affect the indoor room temperature.

Sustainable Energies Labelling

energy labelling

Photo by Gree from Gree

Attractive designs and promotional prices can distract us during a shopping spree. However, it is important not to judge a book by its cover and to select an appliance with the best energy rating. Thus, choosing appliances classified from A to B offers the best advantages, as they have minimal power consumption.

Manage Energy Load Profile

Lower power consumption may not necessarily mean lower energy bills. However, it provides a better gap for users to access a cleaner energy supply. In a smart home system, for example, equipped with a rooftop solar PV system or connected to a micro-grid community, the household is more likely to consume the 1st energy consumption section using the available clean energy that has been generated. Household users can maintain a healthy ratio of energy consumption through the use of energy-efficient appliances, and a significant share of this energy consumption can be sourced from clean energy.

Sustainable Energies Can Be Small Systems

Energy efficiency not only occurs indoors but is also dependent on the size of a home. Outdoor fittings and appliances cover at least 30% of the total energy consumption of a home. This means the type of motor that powers the auto-gate at our driveway, fences, or garage door. Alternatively, the type of outdoor lighting at our patio, garden, home doors, and pillars. These small systems, such as swimming pools, fish ponds, or jacuzzi systems, can be ensured to use sustainable energies in certain cases.

sustainable energies small systems

Photo by Gbeaty from Pixabay.com

We can take precautions about the holistic power systems of outdoor fittings and appliances. The system functions efficiently when kept in such a state. Buyers often overlook the required electrical work and power consumption (e.g. kWh) when purchasing fittings and appliances. Studying the brochure carefully before investing in these fittings and appliances can make a huge positive difference and ensure that we are buying a holistic system that operates at energy-efficient levels.

sustainable energies infographic

Photo by Lorentz De from Sines Export

Relevance of the SDG7 and SDG11

Global SDG initiatives have long been vital subjects that require citizen participation. These goals, SDG 7 and SDG 11 are key indicators of the role of clean energy and energy efficiency solutions in our lives.

  • Supporting sustainable energy transitions at home and within communities promotes a higher quality of life, induces more jobs in the market, and increases the value of our household (e.g., energy, rated buildings).
  • Sharing sustainable energy practices outside our homes and setting examples as best practices ensures that innovation, as well as society’s commitment to sustainable development aspirations, will persist.
  • Vast land use has been made to support clean power plants such as on-shore solar power plants and large power plants wind turbines. If the land area is not wisely managed, the opportunity cost and risks must be accounted for.

The young generation will need to continue adapting to an environment where zero fossil fuels are the ideal sustainable future. Present society needs to be resilient in terms of how sustainable energies will become a prominent solution in the daily lives of the young generation. 

Sustainable Energies and Efficiency Does Matter

Naturally, as a society, we tend to want to understand the effectiveness of the policy and technology of sustainable energies. How much we commit and participate in the sustainable energy market can affect the usefulness of this technology in its survival. Sustainable energies not only begin from the external environment. For instance, how do both policies and technology innovation spur transformation in the markets? Sustainable energy markets are affected by the tiniest decisions related to systems. One way is to reflect on this matter at every season of the year.

Ariel

Hi, I am Ariel Toh. Trained in sustainability research from academic institutes, I take meticulous detail to article write-ups. By working with like-minded professionals and companies, I believe we can harness “more sustainability” in the world. I share articles here which suit a wide-profile of audiences seeking valuable information.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.



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Summer Volunteering Opportunities
Living SustainablySocial ProjectsWith Yourself

Be the Change: Volunteer Opportunities for Your Holiday Time

by Bibiana
written by Bibiana

Summer is approaching, and for many young people, this means a lot of free time. For others, it’s a season of holidays and travelling, but what about making a difference? 

Volunteering is a fantastic way to spend your summer break or even family holidays, developing new skills, helping others, making an impact, and all while having fun. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources to find the perfect summer volunteer opportunity.

Benefits of Volunteering

First of all, volunteering provides benefits far beyond helping others and making an impact. 

  • Volunteers may contribute to the economic development of the area through an increase in resources, knowledge transfer and skill development. 
  • It can support social development through the promotion of cross-cultural understanding, vivid engagement, and community participation. 

“Humans are social creatures, and cooperation has been essential to our evolutionary success. Helping others not only benefits them, but it also strengthens social bonds and increases our chances of survival.”

Evolutionary Theory
Volunteering benefits - personal growth
Photo from Canva.com

Through these experiences, we can learn from each other and widen our perspectives on the world. Moreover, volunteering can also be a transformative experience for the volunteers themselves. Compassion, the feeling of concern for another’s suffering and the desire to help, literally activates parts of our brain. Interestingly, these same areas are also linked to reward and motivation. This suggests that acts of compassion, like volunteering, can be intrinsically rewarding, lighting up the pleasure centres in the brain. By helping others, we not only contribute to their well-being but also experience positive emotions ourselves.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Mahatma Gandhi 

Studies show that volunteering activities promote our social, mental, and physical health as well as well-being. Engaging in impactful activities fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility, further helping us to develop leadership skills. Even the youth can benefit, as long-term positive effects have been recorded. By actively contributing to environmental solutions and social action, young people gain valuable knowledge and build confidence to advocate for change.

Guide to Volunteering

There are many different ways of volunteering, and in most cases, you don’t need extra experience. However, if you do have special skills, many organisations need volunteers with specific skill sets to help with tasks like legal aid, financial counselling, or website development. Let us guide you through the most common categories:

  • Social Services: Eg. homeless shelters, soup kitchens, or food banks. You could also assist with senior care, disability support, or crisis intervention programs.
  • Education: Support children and adults in their learning journeys by volunteering as a tutor, mentor, after-school program helper, or literacy coach.
  • Animals: You can care for and walk animals at shelters, assist in wildlife rehabilitation centres or foster animals in your home.
  • Environment: Volunteering for conservation efforts, park clean-up projects, tree planting initiatives, or community gardens.
  • Arts & Culture: Share your passion for art, music, or history by volunteering at museums, libraries, theatres, or historical societies.
  • International Development: Use your skills to support communities abroad through organisations focused on education, healthcare, or infrastructure development.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

Now that you have an idea of the possibilities, here’s how to decide which volunteering opportunity aligns with your interests and skills:

  1. Self-reflection:
    • What are you passionate about?
    • What skills and experiences can you contribute?
    • Do you prefer working with animals, people, or the environment?
    • How much time can you realistically commit?
    • Are you comfortable working independently or as part of a team?
  2. Explore your options:
    • Research volunteer opportunities online or through local community centres, non-profit organisations, animal shelters, rescue groups, or government agencies.
    • Talk to friends and family who volunteer to get recommendations.
    • Consider attending volunteer fairs or information sessions to learn more about different institutions.
    • If you are going on holiday, you can research the specific location and tailor your experiences based on that.
  3. Interview the organisation:
    • Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the volunteer role and the company’s mission.
    • Make sure the values and goals align with your own.
    • Inquire about training and support provided to volunteers.

Remember, volunteering is a two-way stream. You should feel excited and fulfilled by the experience. Choose an opportunity that allows you to use your talents, make a difference, and grow as a person.

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

Many of us think about volunteering as an individual experience, something that we mostly do locally in our spare time. But volunteering can also be a way of more sustainable travelling, giving something back to the culture and locals. Whether you are alone or with your family, volunteering can create a truly unique bonding experience that enriches you and many others.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Family Volunteering Ideas

Ditch the usual beach routine and swap souvenirs for service! This summer, families can trade flip-flops for work boots and turn their vacation into a life-changing experience through volunteering. These shared experiences not only strengthen family bonds but also broaden horizons and leave a lasting positive impact on the communities they visit. 

Instead of learning about foreign cultures in the museum, learn directly from the locals. Instead of listening to a tour guide, lend a hand in restoring ancient landmarks. Don’t forget to research and tailor your experience based on the interests of the family members. And even if you don’t find an organisation like you wish to, you can always grab a bin and start collecting trash around beaches or parks; just remember to dispose of the trash properly. 

Family friendly volunteering - volunteer with family
Photo from Canva.com

So, this summer, skip the typical tourist traps and embark on a volunteer adventure that will create memories and make a real difference. And after you return from this trip, you and your family can keep volunteering in your local area. You can go for example, tree planting regularly, even if it’s just a few times a year. Why not spend family time doing something impactful while creating everlasting memories? 

Travellers Volunteering Guide

Do you crave adventure and cultural immersion? Volunteering while you travel allows you to combine your wanderlust with meaningful work. The project possibilities are vast, ranging from animal care and teaching English to construction projects in developing countries or environmental cleanups. Volunteering lets you delve into a new culture, learn new skills, explore a different way of life, and make a positive impact all at once.

Volunteering while travelling
Photo from Canva.com

Individual Volunteering Tips

Maybe you’re not planning a trip but still want to volunteer. The beauty of individual volunteering is the ability to focus on a cause you’re truly passionate about. Do you love animals? Volunteer at your local shelter. Are you concerned about homelessness? Soup kitchens and homeless shelters need your help. Do you like scrolling through social media? Help non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with content and social media management. The options are endless, from environmental cleanups and mentoring programs to working at a community garden or even on your laptop. Individual volunteering allows you to make a difference in your own community, gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded people.

Individual volunteer at animal shelter
Photo from Canva.com

No matter your age, background, or travel plans, there’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you. Do your research, choose a project that aligns with your interests, and get ready to make a difference!

More Tips Up Our Sleeves 

Leveraging Social Media

The power of social media can be harnessed to promote these volunteer opportunities and inspire others. Young people can create engaging content showcasing their experiences and encouraging peers to get involved.

Managing Expectations

Volunteering can be challenging and not always glamorous. Be prepared for hard work and a different pace of life. Consider local volunteering before embarking on a larger project abroad. This helps you gauge your interest and preparedness. 

Local volunteer at food shelter
Photo from Canva.com

Remember that volunteering often doesn’t bring any short-term visible effects, but maybe that can be simply another way of engaging with the locals and your community. Stay in touch with them and check in on the project to see the long-term result that you were part of. 

Time Commitment

Be realistic about the time you can dedicate. Don’t sign up for a month-long program if your trip is only two weeks long. Nonetheless, even short trips can include volunteering! Research local opportunities like beach clean-ups or helping at a soup kitchen.

Budgeting

Some volunteering programs, especially long-term ones, may involve program fees, travel costs, and living expenses. Factor these into your trip planning. You can look for volunteer programs that offer work exchange opportunities, allowing you to volunteer in exchange for accommodation and meals. You can also consider volunteering with a local organisation to minimise travel costs and program fees; however, volunteering while travelling is also an amazing way of giving back to the locals and making your trip more sustainable. 

Want to volunteer abroad but struggle financially? Consider these:

  • Set up an online fundraising page or organise events to raise money for your trip.
  • Several institutions offer scholarships and grants specifically for volunteer programs. Research and apply for ones that align with your project. These are a few of our tips, but you can find many more financial aid opportunities:

Popular Websites To Start Your Volunteering Journey

The internet offers a vast world of volunteer opportunities, but navigating it all can be overwhelming. We compiled a list of popular websites that can connect you with the perfect volunteer program that aligns with your interests and goals. Let’s explore some of the top resources to kickstart your volunteering journey!

  • The European Solidarity Corps offers a wealth of volunteering opportunities in many different fields, from digital technologies to health and the environment.
  • Volunteer Match is a highly popular and user-friendly volunteering platform.
  • A global hub called the Idealist has a variety of nonprofit organisations that need your help.
  • Points of Light Engage pulls volunteer opportunities from sites around the web to provide the most comprehensive database of volunteer opportunities.
  • Catchafire caters to volunteers with specific skills and expertise.
  • United Nations Volunteers (UNV) offers opportunities for individuals to work on international development projects. 
  • For travellers, Go Overseas offers a directory of volunteer opportunities abroad.
  • Volunteer World offers an extensive range of volunteer projects, from environmental conservation to social work.
  • Make a sustainable impact while boosting your personal and professional growth with GVI. This platform also contains online opportunities.
Bibiana

Article by Bibiana Eva Bartschova. I am an impact-driven researcher from Czech Republic. My passion for volunteering led me to Green Cloud Nine, as a writer and editor I am able to share with you knowledge contributing to a better world. Join me on this exciting journey and explore the world through the lens of kindness and compassion.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

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Digital Decarbonisation: Business Edition
Green & Social EntrepreneurshipSustainable Businesses

Introduction To Digital Decarbonisation: Business Edition

by Bibiana
written by Bibiana

Posting on social media, receiving an email, creating a document or downloading a pdf. Our world thrives on digital data, especially due to the hit of COVID-19, adoption of digital technologies has rapidly increased. Both individuals and companies are harnessing the advantages of digitalization, which, to some extent, is beneficial to the environment. How? Well, technologies allow us to create efficient systems, lower energy consumption, improve monitoring, reduce commuting due to hybrid and online working options and even reduce paper consumption. With all these advantages and the push of the global pandemic, companies are grasping this opportunity, often relating it to their transformation towards more sustainable operations. 

70% of companies either have a digital transformation strategy in place or are working on one and 21% of companies think they’ve already completed digital transformation. 

By Blake Morgan, Forbes

Nonetheless, all this data has to be stored somewhere. And so it is that we are battling a silent enemy, a type of waste that is related to our use of technology not only physically but also digitally. Let us introduce you to digital decarbonisation, offering actionable steps for companies, offices, and individuals to minimize our impact on the digital sphere.

Getting Started With Digital Decarbonisation

Firstly, digital decarbonisation focuses on the utilisation of data and technology responsibly within organizations to minimize the environmental impact of digital activities. After all, by adopting sustainable digital practices, organizations can achieve digital decarbonization, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with data storage, processing, and use.

Optimization through digital decarbonisation
Photo from Canva.com

Let’s have a look at the key concepts of digital sustainability! 

Key Digital Sustainability Concepts

ConceptDescriptionEnvironmental ImpactSocial ImpactEconomic Impact 
Cloud wasteUnnecessary data stored in cloud storage (emails, documents, etc.) that are rarely or never used. The concept focuses on data storage and management within cloud computing environments. High energy consumption by data centers to store and maintain unused data.
Cloud computing requires data centres and servers that consume significant energy.		Reduced data volume lowers the risk of data breaches.Increased cloud storage bills for companies and individuals.
Reduction of cloud waste can improve efficiency. Faster access and easier organization of important data saves time and effort.
Digital wasteThe lifecycle of electronic data across storage locations. The broad term encompasses all forms of unnecessary electronic data, including cloud waste, old files on devices, and spam emails.High energy consumption for data storage and processing. It can also contribute to e-waste if data resides on unused devices.Fewer unnecessary files reduce vulnerability to data breaches.Costly storage fees and need for infrastructure optimisation.
Potential loss of productivity due to difficulty finding important information.
E-wasteElectronic waste refers to physically discarded electrical or electronic devices.Pollution from improper disposal of hazardous materials in e-waste. It can also contribute to resource depletion if not recycled properly.Health risks from toxic materials in landfills.Job creation in the e-waste recycling sector. Potential loss of valuable resources if not recycled.
Digital decarbonizationAddresses the overall environmental footprint of digital technologies and the efforts to reduce the environmental impact of digital tech by minimizing digital waste and e-waste and promoting energy-efficient practices.Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from data centres and electronic devices.It creates awareness and promotes responsible digital habits.Potential cost savings from reduced energy consumption and cloud storage needs.
Table of Digital Sustainability Key Concepts

Digital Sustainability Concepts Empowering Consumers

Each concept focuses on a specific aspect of digital sustainability. Cloud waste and digital waste focus on data, while e-waste focuses on physical devices. Digital decarbonisation considers the broader environmental impact, while planned obsolescence and right-to-repair influence e-waste generation from a design and consumer rights perspective.

ConceptDescriptionEnvironmental ImpactSocial ImpactEconomic Impact 
Planned obsolescenceThe practice of designing devices with a shorter lifespan encourages frequent upgrades.Increases e-waste as devices are discarded prematurely.Limits consumer choice and satisfaction. Increased profits for manufacturers due to more frequent device sales.
Right to repairThe movement advocates for consumer rights to repair electronic devices, potentially extending their lifespan and reducing e-waste.Reduces e-waste by allowing consumers to fix devices instead of replacing them.Empowers consumers and promotes product sustainability.Potential loss of profits for manufacturers if consumers repair devices instead of buying new ones.
Table of Other Digital Sustainability Concepts

The World of Data

The world’s focus on achieving net zero emissions, often seen in national strategies and new environmental policies, has specifically emphasized reducing physical emissions from businesses. Evidently, this serves as an additional push factor for companies to acquire digital alternatives.

The world of data
Photo from Canva.com

However, data generation and storage from individuals and devices, coupled with the rise of the blockchain, metaverse and artificial intelligence (AI), is creating a significant environmental burden. Not to mention that, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), “electricity consumption from data centres, AI and the cryptocurrency sector could double by 2026”. Despite this, government policies largely ignore these costs. Data centres, for example, are major energy consumers, and the data they store often goes unused. 

“Data centres are significant drivers of growth in electricity demand in many regions. After globally consuming an estimated 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2022, data centres’ total electricity consumption could reach more than 1,000 TWh in 2026. This demand is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of Japan.” 

International Energy Agency (IEA)

Data Adding To Global Emissions

All of this “digital waste” contributes substantially to global emissions. While headlines focus on traditional industries like transportation, the data industry’s future emissions could eclipse them all. The way organizations view digital data needs a revolution. Therefore, we must recognize that using, processing, and storing data comes with an environmental price tag. In order to tackle this, collaboration is crucial. By bringing together academics, data scientists, policymakers, and businesses, we can surely foster responsible data practices. Sharing knowledge on energy-efficient methods, establishing clear best practices, and promoting transparency in data’s carbon footprint will allow us to unlock the power of data while minimizing its environmental impact.

Digital Footprint

Our insatiable appetite for data storage comes with a hidden cost, but we can still do something about it.

Digital Footprint
Photo from Canva.com

In detail, storing massive amounts of data requires enormous storage devices, which run 24/7. Without a doubt, this relentless operation demands significant power to keep everything running smoothly. Furthermore, beyond the data centres themselves, additional hardware and support systems are needed to prevent overheating, like cooling fans and fire suppression. The more data we generate, the more storage devices and support systems we require. This also translates to a surge in electricity consumption, leading to increased carbon emissions. These emissions further contribute to global warming and climate change and, ultimately, threaten the health of our planet.

Digital data is generated by humans, every second, in every corner of the world.

The rapid growth of cloud adoption is a double-edged sword. Hence, as companies opt for the cloud with their workloads, the potential for cloud waste expands alongside it. In particular, businesses eager to embrace these advancements often add services without fully considering their long-term use. For organizations, this can be especially costly, as the money used for cloud storage can be used to run other projects beneficial for the organization, making the organization not only more efficient but also more sustainable.

Tips for Digital Decarbonisation

Cloud and digital waste

Minimise Impact, Maximise Efficiency:

Unleash Digital Decarbonisation

Photo by Bibiana E. Bartschova from Canva.com

Organisational Digital Decarbonisation

  • Use renewable energy sources
  • Assess digital landscape 
  • Development of efficient software as well as hardware
  • Implement data governance & lifecycle management
  • Optimize cloud storage
  • Invest in green IT practices 
  • Employee training and awareness
  • Practice responsible e-waste disposal

Office Community Digital Decarbonisation

  • File management
  • Email practices
  • Go paperless 
  • Optimize device use 
  • Network optimization
  • Unplug devices 
  • Optimize power settings
  • Implement efficient digital project management

Individual Digital Decarbonisation

Do you want to help your company become more digitally green? If your company hasn’t heard about digital decarbonisation, please share the word. Until then… here are some actions that you can take by yourself: 

  • Raise awareness 
  • Cleanup your desktop
  • Manage your inbox 
  • Embrace cloud storage
  • Declutter your digital space 
  • Be mindful of email habits
  • Choose energy-efficient devices 
  • Think before you share

A Behavioral Approach to Decarbonization

Digital decarbonization isn’t just about technology; it’s about understanding how people make choices. Traditional economic models often assume people are rational, but behavioural economics recognizes that people are not always perfectly logical. There’s a clear difference between intention and action – people may want to be environmentally friendly, but they often stick to the default option or avoid changes due to cost or aversion to losses.

Photo by Magic Media AI from Canva.com

After all, looking at behaviour helps us understand cognitive biases and difficulties in decision-making. By using small incentives, stimuli, or “nudges,” we can subtly influence individuals to make further environmentally friendly decisions without restricting freedom.

By implementing these strategies, your company can become a leader in cloud sustainability. Remember, every byte you save makes a difference!

Let’s work together to build a cleaner and more efficient digital environment

Would you like to know more about solution-driven actions for businesses and individuals? Stay tuned and follow our social media for more tips or guides. Get the full step-by-step DIGITAL DECARBONISATION GUIDE here.

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Bibiana

Article by Bibiana Eva Bartschova. I am an impact-driven researcher from the Czech Republic. My passion for the circular economy led me on a journey of discovery, equipping me with research skills and a desire to contribute to a sustainable future through innovative solutions.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

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Travelling in nature
EnvironmentLiving SustainablyMobility

Travelling As a Way To Reconnect With Nature

by Merve
written by Merve

Yes, we all wait the whole year for our work or school break, even to plan just one simple week of holiday. Depending on our wishes and tastes, some of us prefer a relaxing hotel holiday, while others prepare different travel plans such as camping in nature.

Travelling, which is the focus of this article, is basically moving from one location to another; however, it transcends being merely a physical act and creates unforgettable memories since different senses, experiences, and excitements are involved. 

But where does it come from? Why do we need it? To what extent does it help us? Let’s dive deeper and explore.

The Evolutionary Roots of Travelling

From an evolutionary perspective, the origin of travelling can be traced back to hunter-gatherers. Their reason for travel was quite basic: Survival. 

In a nomadic system where agriculture was not yet adopted, the depletion of limited resources in a region pushed them to discover more suitable places. They needed to find food and drink. In addition, difficult environmental conditions as a result of seasonal changes were one of the reasons why they were often “on the road.” 

Voyagers representing ancient nomads
Illustration from Grand Voyages (1596) by Theodor de Bry (1528-1598) on rawpixel.com

Although their consistent movement came from their necessities, there is a big possibility that those compulsory travels activated their curiosity. During this period, they gained experience, explored, and learned. All of these became important parts of their lives. Well, can travelling be one of the hunter-gatherers’ cultural behaviours that persist in our modern days? 

We don’t have to search for food and water anymore. Yet, we still find ourselves drawn to new adventures. So, what are the new motivations behind these trips nowadays?

Our Travel Motivation 

Different psychological theories explain “our motivation to do something,” but self-determination theory can give one of the best explanations for our “travel motivation.” Based on the theory, there are two types of motivation for action, which are called intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Here, intrinsic motivation stands out as an important approach to explain why we travel. We do an activity for its inherent satisfaction and joy without expecting any external reward. The motivation comes from the pure interest to learn and explore; therefore, the reward is considered the activity itself. When we travel, we explore brand-new places and people, open a new world, and broaden our horizons. While we are doing it, we even share our time, energy, and money and somehow compromise ourselves. 

Awesome luggage
Photo by Ralph on pixexid.com

Considering all, travelling can be one of the greatest fully intrinsically motivated activities we can think of.

Travelling also provides us with numerous advantages. We move away from our daily routines and burdens. We primarily focus on ourselves and experience the “here and now.” All of them help us feel relief and discharge. When we are back in our daily lives, we become more active, productive, and satisfied with our activities.  

Alternative Travel Ideas to Reconnect with Nature

Generally speaking, travelling encompasses going to new places, seeing landmarks, experiencing new cultures, being a part of the visiting places, meeting with locals, and so on. They are all valuable and incredible aspects of travelling. However, we can make it much more valuable with alternative travel experiences. 

Planning a journey with a map
Photo by lil artsy on pexels.com

Time Travel

Unfortunately, as far as we know, travelling in time is not possible, at least for now, but the idea enriches many literary works and science-fiction movies, and many of us love them.

It would be really interesting, but it is not the topic of this article. We will now mention some “possible” travel options, which are also fun, interesting, fulfilling, and may connect us to nature. 

Let’s have a look at them.

Reconnect with Nature Through Rural Tourism

According to UN Tourism, rural tourism includes a series of nature-based activities within rural life, where life is experienced and the culture is learned. As people living in urban areas, we do not have enough knowledge about life in rural areas. We do not know its economy, livelihood, culture, tradition, and reality. Gaining an insight from the rural lifestyle can shed light on and improve our urban way of life. 

Rural areas can also be shelters when we want to get away from the chaos of the city, as it will create space for us to breathe. In an internet search of the term “rural tourism”, encountering various activities that are linked to animals and plants is inevitable. However, some of these activities involve using or harming animals, which we should avoid due to their undesirable impacts. Instead, complete immersion is the ideal approach when engaging with nature.

Attention! Protect the Nature

Nature-based tourism or wildlife tourism activities might seem within the same category of travel options we mentioned above; however, they may cause environmental and wildlife damage. It is crucial to be careful with our actions and activities and never forget our primary responsibility to protect nature, whatever activity we do. Reconnecting with nature means also respecting it. Remember that the ultimate goal is environmentally friendly travel! We can arrange our trips in a way that minimizes our negative impact on the environment while maximizing our benefit to a healthy environment. Our preferences, including means of transportation, products we use during preparation and within the process, accommodations, and more, can significantly enhance the eco-friendliness of our journeys.

Nature from a different perspective
Photo from Canva.com

For more information on this subject, you can check our article: Green Journeys: Enjoying Sustainable Adventures.

Ecotourism

Although it may seem similar to rural tourism, ecotourism offers a broader understanding. The International Ecotourism Society explains ecotourism with three pillars that are strongly connected: conservation, communities, and interpretation. 

While this responsible trip offers people the opportunity to be in nature and get to know it more closely, it also aims to contribute to the local people’s economy by keeping them in the experience. We must emphasize the importance of the protection and development of local areas. Therefore, environmental education and awareness are also a big part of this travel experience for those who are travelling or working.

Various companies offer ecotourism options to travellers. When we plan our next travel, we can quickly search for them and find the best option for our destination of interest. The concept of ethics, woven into many areas of our lives, can also be applied to how we travel. It can be a great investment both for the environment and ourselves.

Ecomuseums

The ecomuseum is not a new concept; it descended in France in the 1970’s. There are now around 300 ecomuseums worldwide, but most of them are located in Europe. Ecomuseums are different from traditional museums that we regularly visit on our trips. We do not only observe and learn about the piece of art or the cultural background of an object in offered closed areas. We become a part of the culture and directly experience it. Ecomuseum visitors can learn about the cultural heritage of a community and support its development and protection!

The free e-book “Ecomuseums and Climate Change” provides valuable information about the significance of ecomuseums to combat climate crises and their contributions to Sustainable Development Goals. How does this idea sound? On our next trip, let’s find a nearby ecomuseum, explore its cultural heritage, and enjoy the time.

Hunter-gatherers lived purely depending on nature, which provided them with significant skills to interact with their environment properly. They showed us “the possibility of living in nature without destroying it.” This is exactly what we should re-learn and adopt in our lifestyle.

Although we sometimes forget about it, we still depend on the environment. Our healthy lives depend on a healthy nature. With conscious and responsible travelling, we can connect with nature and transform ourselves together with nature. 

Nature Connectedness

Nature connectedness is a subject frequently explored in psychology, with scholars identifying its various positive aspects. The best way to connect with nature is through contact. Nature contact may include spending time in green areas, observing nature, and listening to its sounds, including animals, water, wind, and other related activities.

According to the study, nature contact in real or virtual settings, for instance, being in the natural environment or watching relevant videos, can enhance our bonding with nature, improve our attentional capacity, and help us better reflect on a life problem. However, these benefits are stronger in real environmental exposure than in indirect exposure. Moreover, when we connect with nature, we gain more benefits from our time engaging with it.

Girl reconnecting with nature
Photo from pixabay.com

Mental Health Benefits of Recennecting With Nature

One of the most important benefits when we connect with nature is its positive impact on our well-being. By saying well-being, it does not only mean our positive emotions and life satisfaction but also other aspects of well-being related to better functioning, such as personal growth. When we connect with nature, we experience increased well-being on multiple levels. This bond with nature and everything it contains can improve us. The peace and beauty of nature provide us with self-exploration and help us to gain new insights that contribute to our overall well-being. 

Nature Helping To Manage Anxiety

Individuals with a greater connection with nature might exhibit lower levels of anxiety. Anxiety is an emotion that we cannot escape in the course of life, often related to work, relationships, study, and even our personality. The potential for nature connection to lower our anxiety levels should motivate us to spend more time in natural settings. On the contrary, a positive association was found between nature connection and climate anxiety.

Climate change is an important global issue, and more connection with nature can make us more conscious of its severity, potentially intensifying our climate-related negative emotions. Yet, we also know that the optimum level of anxiety protects us from threats and helps us to take action. As with any type of anxiety, learning how to manage climate anxiety is the most crucial aspect in this regard.

Environmental Benefits

So, are we the only ones who see the positive effects of nature’s connectedness? Actually, not. Nature itself can also benefit from our connection. The link between nature connection and participation in climate action shows that when we connect with nature, we also become more concerned about its protection. We become more aware of its beauty, sensitivity, strength, and the aliveness of various creatures, including human beings. We see the mutual relationships between us and our nature.

While there are numerous benefits to connecting with nature, and we have the opportunity to establish or reinforce this connection through enjoyable experiences such as travelling, it would be a fantastic idea to think of planning a trip near nature as the holiday season approaches.

Merve

Article by Merve Kuloglu.I love nature and its vibrant colors. My goal is to understand and embrace all life, present and future, beyond just humanity. Guided by the principle of sustainability, I aim to integrate it with my background in psychology to foster a more harmonious world.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

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Living SustainablyWith YourselfZero-Waste

Digital Wedding Invitations for a Modern Sustainable Wedding

by Lola
written by Lola

Welcome back to our green wedding journey! Today, we’re diving into the world of digital wedding invitations and how we opted for a sustainable, multilingual approach using an online wedding website. Going digital isn’t just eco-friendly—for us it’s also practical and personalized, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves!

Embracing Digital Wedding Invitations: Less Paper, More Love

When it came to wedding invitations, we faced a delightful challenge: our guests are from all over the world and speak three different languages! So, how could we invite them in style while minimizing our environmental impact?

Printing traditional invitations would have been a waste of paper and resources. We would have had to print them in 3 languages: Spanish (my mother tongue), German (my fiance’s mother tongue) and English as a universal language for the rest. As you can imagine, that was utterly impractical and expensive. Also, it would have been a waste for the environment because, after a while, all those cards end up in the rubbish or collecting dust in a draw.

Roland and I have a strong affinity for digital solutions, so I went on a quest to find specific tech-friendly alternatives. That is how I found Joy—a free wedding website that allows us to create beautiful digital wedding invitations and much more. By going digital, we’re reducing paper waste and carbon emissions associated with printing and shipping. It’s our way of extending our love for the planet to every aspect of our wedding preparations.

Online Wedding Websites: More Than Invitations

Nowadays there are many options to create a free or low-budget website, anything from WordPress, Wix or Jimdo. The issue with these is that they still require a certain skill and knowledge, and they are not specific to weddings, so your brain will need to work overtime to design, build and customise all the sections you need. Moreover, you may have some costs if you want to use your own domain or paid plugins.

A good and easy alternative is Canva. Canva offers the option to create and publish simple websites and even if you are a newbie, you can surely find a great-looking template from the many free ones they offer. They are super simple to customise, and you don’t really need to have any previous knowledge to get quality results. In fact, I started drafting our site there, but it got a bit complicated with the languages and other content we wanted to include, so in the end, we opted for a SaaS Wedding Website.

There are many dedicated wedding websites out there that offer easy-peasy and free high-quality services. Some of the nicest ones I found are Say I do or The Knot, where you get a wide array of free resources and some paid ones on demand. There are some also available in other countries and languages. Of course, it all depends on what you need and want. After researching many of them we decided to go with Joy.

What makes Joy extra special? It’s not just about invitations. You can build your whole Wedding Website with it. They have hundreds of beautifully crafted templates to choose from, and you can customise your colours, fonts, graphic elements, etc., so the whole thing will look super professional and impressive.

This versatile platform lets us do an awful lot of stuff that makes managing your wedding a breeze:

1 Design with Ease your Digital Wedding Invitations

Choose a design template from the many available, customise it and bang! In just a few minutes, your professional-looking Save the Date, Ceremony and Email Invitations are ready. From here, you can send them electronically to your guests or print them if you prefer.

planners and papers
Photo by Natasha Fernandez on Pexels.com

2 All Your Wedding Details in One Place

Add all the important information about your wedding to your Wedding site, from venue details to the program schedule or hotel suggestions. Guests can access them anytime, from any device without printing anything. You can even post updates to the site and send them emails with changes or news.

3 Manage your Guest List Like a Pro

This is probably one of my favourite features! It is much more than adding your guests to a list; it is, in fact, a guest-managing tool that will save you so much time and effort to have all your guest details in one place. You can send them the invitations directly from the platform, track their RSVPs, send them updates, and include questionnaires to collect all the details you need from them (such as food allergies, accommodation needs…) etc.

4 Hotels and Accommodations

You can include the details of your hotel block bookings or recommendations for eco-friendly hotels and lodging options nearby.

black outdoor lounge chair in between blue swimming pool under white cloudy blue sky
Photo by Donald Tong on Pexels.com

5 Gift Registry

We are not using this option because we have lived together for many years and don’t need more physical items. But I can see that if you are setting up your love nest for the first time, this gift registry can be extremely useful. You can select the presents that you want and align with your values, and then guests can easily select something from the list.

6 Guest Mobile App

In addition to the normal website, The Joy app allows guests to access all your Wedding details on the go. It includes some practical and cool features like a Personalised Schedule or the Add to Calendar functionality. But it is also fun, it lets guests upload and share photos, capturing precious moments from your special day.

7 Multilingual Magic: Bridging Language Barriers

With guests speaking different languages, creating multilingual invitations and sharing all the wedding details in several languages was essential for us to ensure that everyone felt included and informed.

Unfortunately, none of the wedding websites I checked support multilingual content. I had to put my problem-solving hat on, and eventually, after some research, I found a workaround. Joy’s site is only in English, but thankfully, it offers extensive customisation possibilities. In the end, I created 3 different websites, each in one language. It took extra time, but once the English version was done, it was a simple copy & paste process.

In my opinion, this is a thoughtful touch that reflects the diversity and unity of our global guest list.

Sustainability Benefits of Going Digital

Choosing digital invitations isn’t just about convenience—it’s a sustainable choice with multiple benefits:

  • Reduces Paper Waste: No more stacks of paper invitations destined for the recycling bin.
  • Minimizes Carbon Footprint: By eliminating printing and shipping (to us and each of the guests), we’re lowering our wedding’s environmental impact. Often, these aspects get overseen. Printing inks can be harmful and contaminate water and soil, so if you go for a printed version, look for companies that use eco-friendly alternatives.
  • Accessible Anywhere: Guests can access our wedding details anytime, anywhere, without relying on physical mail.
woman sitting on sofa while looking at phone with laptop on lap
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Personalized and Practical: Our Joyful Wedding Experience

By embracing a digital Wedding Site for our wedding invitations, we’re not just throwing a wedding; we’re making our guests feel special and keeping things easy-breezy. With a sprinkle of sustainability, of course.

Here’s to a joyful celebration that is as eco-friendly as it is unforgettable!

Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll deck out our wedding with sustainable decor that’s straight out of our green dreams. Get ready for more tips, tricks, and a whole lot of love! 🌿💍💚

Lola is the founder of Green Cloud Nine. Nature lover and environmental activist since she was a teenager, Lola has always been a great fan of homesteading. She is continuously experimenting and finding her way to be more self-sufficient and sustainable.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

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Digital Waste
Living SustainablyWith Yourself

Tidying Up Your Digital Space: Simple Steps to Reduce Digital Waste

by Jahnvi Vyas
written by Jahnvi Vyas

Do you ever run out of space on your phone or your computer because of too many photos, videos and documents? or do you find your email overflowing with promotional emails that you will never read? We’ve all been there! But did you know this digital clutter is like a type of trash called “digital waste”?

Digital waste, simply put, is just all that useless stuff, like old pictures, extra files, and unwanted emails, that piles up on our devices and online. Unlike regular trash we throw away, we often forget about this digital mess, and it keeps growing!

Nowadays we can store a ton of stuff in the cloud, making it super easy and cheap. But well, it turns out there’s a little downside to it – it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Storing data actually has a carbon cost, like a sneaky environmental fee.

Let’s break down the Digital Mess problem

Here’s the surprising part: this digital waste isn’t just annoying; it’s also bad for the environment. It adds to the carbon dioxide emissions, and contributes to global warming.

100 unnecessary emails can pollute as much as 125 light bulbs, according to experts.

Accenture

Digital waste is, basically the carbon footprint of storing data in a not-so-smart way. It’s like having a messy room, but in the digital world. It includes all kinds of badly managed data – stuff that’s just sitting there taking up space, unused, redundant, or even just plain wrong because someone goofed up.

Now, about the energy part – storing data needs power, and it’s not a small amount. Imagine saving 100 gigabytes of data in the cloud – that’s like posting a bunch of photos and videos. Well, doing that adds up to around 0.2 tons of carbon dioxide every year. It’s not as much as what a car spits out, but for big businesses dealing with massive amounts of data, it starts to make a dent.

Back in 2016, the average business stored a whopping 347.56 terabytes of data. If they kept all that data hanging around, it would be like releasing nearly 700 tons of carbon dioxide into the air every year. That’s a lot, right?

And talking about big numbers, in 2023 we generated 120 zettabytes of data, that is: 1021 (1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000) bytes. I don’t know you but i have trouble making sense out of so many zeros!

So, while cloud storage is super handy, we need to be aware that it’s not just about convenience – there’s a carbon cost involved. Let’s try to keep our digital spaces neat and tidy to help out the planet a bit. What do you think about that?

How does data become digital waste?

Digital Waste Accumulation

Storing data, especially, large amounts of data, requires enormous storage devices. These physical devices run mostly 24/7 which in turn requires even more power, for all the hardware and support components needed to prevent system burnout like cooling fans and fire suppression systems. 

More data means more storage devices and support systems. More devices mean more electricity requirements and power consumption. These in turn produce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, climate change and the planet‘s health. 

How can you help combat data waste on an individual level?

Of course, the biggest contributors to Digital Waste are big companies and Networks but we cannot ignore our responsibility, because the cumulative effect of what each of us does, is also very significant.

The good news is that there are many little things that you can do to reduce your own Digital Mess and keep your Digital Space clean and lean. Check our suggestions below:

  • Empty regularly that trash bin from your online mailbox and gallery. Also, delete the spam, promotional emails and messages that you don’t need regularly. You could set yourself some calendar reminders to do this at regular intervals. That is in fact what we do as a team at Green Cloud Nine. It is calculated that one newsletter emits around 10 g of carbon dioxide!
  • Review regularly your files and folders on cloud storage and personal drives and delete anything that you no longer need to free up space.
  • Check out your social accounts to see if there is something that you can delete. Also, limit the time you use digital devices and social media. 
  • Remove applications from your devices and close browser windows when you are not using them. 
  • Choose dark mode and reduce the brightness at which you use your devices. This can significantly reduce electricity consumption, CO2 emissions and your bills too. 
  • Practise to shut down and unplug your devices when your work is done. They also need a break, you know!
  • Try not to use screensavers on your devices. Turn off the screens instead.
  • Change your settings to enable sleep mode after a short amount of inactivity.
  • Use a wifi network instead of using cellular data to reduce carbon emissions. The latest technology requires the least amount of energy. 
  • Disable the connectivity options like Bluetooth and Airdrop when not required.
  • Use a digital detox or digital cleaning application if you are not able to manage it on your own. 
  • When choosing cloud applications, look for those that already manage and compensate for their CO2 emissions.

What if we do not become responsible towards our data use?

Data Waste

The trend of digitalization of documents, Artificial Intelligence, and remote work keeps going up, so if we do not make any changes to our behaviour, experts foresee that the amount of carbon emissions these activities create could possibly cause a rebound effect.

In theory, digital utilisation could have a positive impact on carbon emissions as it reduces the need to travel and the workplace infrastructure would require less energy. However, in reality, at the rate that digital consumption is increasing, it is projected, that the total digital energy consumption and carbon emissions will be the same or even higher, compared to when we had to go to work every day.

So, we leave you with this food for thought and we hope you like our suggestions. Drop a comment if you found these useful. 

Hi, I am Jahnvi Vyas. I have a Master’s in environmental science and my love for nature inspires me to be a more sustainable person. I am also an editor with a passion for graphics and video editing trying to learn new things.

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DIY Kitchen cleaner with rosemary, orange and vinegar in upcycled jars.
At HomeLiving SustainablyZero-Waste

DIY Cleaning Hacks: How to Make Your Own Supplies

by Lola
written by Lola

Tired of spending a fortune on commercial cleaning products filled with harsh chemicals and wrapped in unnecessary packaging? I know the problem very well and I can understand the frustration of maintaining a clean home while minimising the environmental impact. That’s why I’ve turned to DIY cleaning supplies using simple, natural ingredients.

I don’t like cleaning. And who does, right? But in my case, it is more than just finding it boring. For many years now, I have been suffering from allergies, and often those were triggered during cleaning and washing, which strongly motivated me to find natural alternatives and I started to experiment, making my own cleaning supplies.

Not only is this more economical, but I’ve found that it’s also a healthier and more sustainable option for me, especially because I avoid harsh chemicals. In this article, I want to share some of my favourite DIY cleaning recipes you can easily make at home. Whether you’re a hardcore homesteader or just want to create a more eco-friendly cleaning routine like me, I’m sure these tips and tricks will inspire you to take a more natural approach to cleaning. So, let’s get started!

A glass spray bottle filled with a DIY cleaning solution made from fresh lemons, vinegar and water sitting on a wooden surface with fresh lemons.
Photo by Precious Plastic Melbourne on Unsplash

Why DIY cleaning supplies are the right choice?

There are many reasons to try creating your own cleaning products, but probably health and budget make the top of the list. But let’s have a more in-depth look into these 2 topics

Industrial cleaning products are bad for our health

As I kept suffering from nasty allergy reactions every time I cleaned, I started doing some research on the topic. It is surprising how much information there is out there on the internet, but how little the producers themselves share.

Household products usually contain any or all of the following component categories:

  • Cleaner
  • Disinfectant
  • Preservatives
  • Solvents
  • Fragrances
  • Optical brighteners
  • Bleaching agents

If you dig even deeper, you may find complicated names like Tensides, Phthalates, PERC, and Sodium Hydroxide…You can learn more about them here but for now, enough to say that they are not good for our health, and are also quite damaging to our environment.

Unfortunately, we have got so used to all of these products that we don’t realise how dangerous they can be. For example, fragrances are often toxic and they do not add any value to the cleaning process, apart from masking bad smells from other ingredients. Also using disinfectants regularly can trigger immune system issues and several of their regular ingredients are known to cause cancer and respiratory problems.

Hands wearing blue, plastic, cleaning gloves.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Beware of “greenwashing”

If you care about the environment and want to make eco-friendly choices you have surely noticed that many products on the market nowadays claim to be “green,” “natural,” or “biodegradable.” But don’t be fooled by these buzzwords – just because a product claims to be environmentally friendly doesn’t mean it’s safe for the planet or yourself.

A 2010 report by the environmental consulting firm TerraChoice Group found that over 95% of so-called green consumer products had committed at least one “greenwashing sin.” Greenwashing refers to the practice of making misleading or exaggerated environmental claims to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. For example, a product may tout that it is “CFC-free,” even though CFCs have been banned by law for decades.

When it comes to making eco-friendly choices, it’s important to do your research and not just rely on marketing claims. By staying informed and looking for specific details, you can make sure that the products you choose are truly safe for the planet.

Cleaning your home does not need to cost the world

As I wandered the aisles of the supermarket, I couldn’t help but notice the ever-increasing prices and the amount of plastic in the exaggerated packaging of commercial cleaning products. A glance at the ingredients list on the back of these products confirmed my suspicions; harsh chemicals were present that could damage the environment and harm my family’s health.

“Cleaning is not just about wiping down surfaces. It is about creating a healthy and happy environment for you and your loved ones.”

Unknown

It was then that I discovered the beauty of DIY cleaning solutions made from natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. These homemade remedies are not only safe and gentle for your home and your loved ones, but also incredibly effective. Creating your cleaning supplies can also be a cost-effective alternative to constantly buying expensive store-bought cleaners.

With just a few simple components that you already have at home and some easy-to-follow recipes, you can make a variety of cleaning solutions tailored to your unique needs. From stain removers to all-purpose or glass cleaners, the possibilities are endless. Homemade cleaning products provide dependable and efficient results, leaving your home looking, smelling, and feeling clean.

Additionally, by incorporating natural essential oils such as lemon, orange, and lavender, (which are btw full of amazing properties, including disinfection) you can infuse your DIY cleaning products with a delightful fragrance and personal touch that store-bought cleaners simply can’t match. In summary, with a little creativity and experimentation, anyone can create DIY cleaning products that are as good or even better than their store-bought counterparts.

Are DIY cleaning products really effective?

Many people are often sceptical of the effectiveness of DIY cleaning supplies. They assume that commercial products are more powerful and reliable. But as mentioned earlier, it’s important to do your research and not just rely on marketing claims, to make sure that the products you choose are truly safe for you and the planet.

However, with the right recipes and techniques, homemade cleaning supplies can be just as effective, if not more so, than their store-bought counterparts. For example, vinegar and baking soda, which are common in many DIY cleaning solutions, are highly effective in removing tough stains.

"A collection of repurposed and labeled DIY cleaning supplies bottles made from recycled materials, featuring a variety of cleaning solutions such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, displayed on a wooden surface.
A Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

Additionally, many essential oils have natural antibacterial properties that can help kill germs and prevent the spread of illness without the negative effects of industrial disinfectants. This makes them an excellent choice for disinfecting surfaces naturally.

Especially in light of COVID-19, there was an increased emphasis on the importance of disinfection in our homes. While commercial disinfectants can be effective, they often contain harsh & toxic chemicals, which used for long periods can cause more damage than good.

Thankfully, DIY cleaning supplies offer a natural and affordable alternative for keeping your home clean and free of germs, while also reducing your exposure to potentially harmful gifts.

My favourite DIY Cleaning Recipes – Easy, Effective, Eco-Friendly

After a little study on DIY cleaning supplies, you will soon discover that you are ready to go as long as you have baking soda and lemon on hand. I’m going to share with you some recipes for incredibly efficient homemade cleaning products. Made from combinations of a few components that have been used for generations in households across many different countries.

First, I’ll start with my go-to recipe, which is fun to prepare and provides an eco-friendly substitute for the chemical sanitisers we used during pandemic days.

A bottle of lemon essential oil in front of 2 slices of lemon

DIY Disinfectant spray

Simply mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle and use it to disinfect various surfaces around the house.

Easy and lazy DIY All-purpose cleaner

Now, trust me it does not get any easier than this general cleaner and it works!

  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional) – Tea tree and Lemon essential oils are all-time favourites for their disinfecting properties and freshness, but you can also add any other for aroma, like this Organic Lavender Oil.

Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle to clean various surfaces around the house. If you have very greasy surfaces to clean, you can also add 1/2 cup of dishwashing liquid to the mix.

For the most adventurous…Citrus peels DIY cleaning solution

Lola holding natural cleaning ingredients: vinegar, baking soda and lemons
Make a great cleaner with 3 ingredients you already have at home

Most of our lemon and orange peels sadly end up in the trash, which is a waste, because they are loaded with precious essential oils, which are great for fighting dirt. In this recipe, which smells amazing and is great for cutting through grease, we are going to be extracting the essential oils directly from the peels. It is also super-easy but it needs a bit more time to prepare.

  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • Citrus peels from oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits. Preferably organic but it is not a must.

Instructions:

  • Collect your citrus peels, cut them into small pieces and place them in a clean, empty jar or container.
  • Pour enough white vinegar over the citrus peels to completely cover them.
  • Seal the jar or container with a lid and let it sit for at least two weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking the container occasionally.
  • After two weeks, strain the liquid into a spray bottle, discarding the citrus peels.
  • Dilute the citrus vinegar solution with an equal amount of water in a spray bottle.
  • You can check our quick video explaining the process.

Like with the easy all-purpose mix, you can use this solution to clean surfaces in your home, such as countertops, sinks, and floors. Simply spray the solution onto the surface and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

DIY Glass cleaner

This is another super-easy and effective recipe with items you usually have around the house.

  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup white or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
  • 1-2 drops of essential oil (optional)

Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle to clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.

DIY Carpet cleaner (and shoe deodorant!)

I felt blessed when I started using this simple mix. Say goodbye to nasty smells around the house!

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

Sprinkle the baking soda mix on the carpet and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then vacuum it up. The essential oil can add a nice fragrance to the carpet.

This mix is also very effective as a dryer and deodorant for stinky shoes. Trust me on this, we are rock climbers, and our climbing shoes can get incredibly nasty 😆. In this case, I add the mix into small fabric bags (or empty tea bags) and leave them in the shoes to absorb the humidity and the smell. What a discovery!

DIY Toilet Bombs

I enjoy trying out new DIY recipes at home, so I made some DIY toilet bombs and filmed a quick video of the process. The ingredients were simple to find, and the toilet smelled and looked great thanks to essential oils like lavender.

Don’t take my word for it. Just try yourself.

As you can see, nature is offering us lots of alternatives to create effective cleaning products. And the best is, that those alternatives are very cheap and most likely already in your pantry. So, why not try something yourself? You can create quite a bunch of combinations with these, like a jigsaw puzzle.

If you are interested, it can be fun to research what different natural oils can do for us. My favourites are tea tree oil, which is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, lavender oil, for its relaxing scent, and citruses like lemon or orange because they make my house smell clean and fresh.

Upcycled DIY cleaning tools

For me, waste reduction and self-sufficiency have become a bit of a personal goal in our home lately, so I have been upcycling some old stuff into DIY cleaning supplies. For example, the most obvious, I have cut old t-shirts up and turned them into cleaning cloths.

Also, crazy me!! I have this obsession with reusing glass jars and bottles. We recycle them too of course, but I know that producing glass is very energy intensive so reusing it is much better and I prefer it to plastic. So, I thought, why not use them to store my homemade cleaning products?

There are so many other home items and materials that can be upcycled for DIY cleaning, such as wine corks as natural scrubbers, old toothbrushes to clean the hard-to-get cracks and corners, and even newspapers as streak-free glass cloth. Raid your pantry and get creative!

Respect your home, respect yourself!

Our home is the most sacred and special place for all of us. That’s why it’s so important to make thoughtful and sustainable choices for it. By making our cleaning supplies at home, it’s up to us to reduce waste, save money and create a healthier environment.

By using common household materials and reuse containers, we can create customised cleaning solutions easily and quickly. So why not give one of the recipes above a try and see how it works for you? You might discover a new favourite cleaning companion! And of course, share your cleaning tricks with me, I’m very curious to see what you can come up with.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are necessary for us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

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EnvironmentLiving SustainablySustainable ProductsUncategorized

15 Ways Green Technology Can Save You Money

by Lola
written by Lola

Green electronics that can save you money

Electronics have a bit of a reputation for being wasteful and being responsible for a considerable amount of carbon. Whether that be from their production, packaging, or their transportation. Electronics also have a reputation for being wasteful as longevity is long considered not what it used to be, buy at Christmas replace next Christmas if you’re lucky.

But it’s not always the case and with all the change that is going on in the world, not all electronics are the same. Some companies are change-makers and understand their goods need to be built for longevity, fit for purpose, and priced reasonably.

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1. Green Technology-Computers:

Arguably one of the worst industry culprits for un eco-friendly methods, but what’s out there? Lenovo and Asus are selling laptops that biofuel and OLEDs. They are produced in an eco-friendly manner that means that they can produce less harmful chemicals when they go to be recycled. Apple macs have also been making changes to their production methods and have received the TCO cert, which means their laptops are at a high level of sustainability.

2. Green Technology- Lights

Incandescing bulbs have been around a long time, and have done a great job, but are seen as inefficient and limited in longevity. If we compare LEDS bulbs to traditional incandescent bulbs, firstly they use approximately 75 per cent less energy. They also last considerably longer, try 25 times longer. If need to change your bulbs LEDs are an excellent money-saving option.

3.Green Technology-Energy saving monitors:

If you are getting a large bill every month and unsure what appliance is the big consumer. Time to invest in an energy-saving monitor, it gives details on what appliances are consuming what and can help with the decision-making process when something needs replacing. Also, if you run your house on solar, having consumption usage is vital.

4.Green Technology-Smart sockets/energy saving charger:

So, you have an energy-saving monitor and have found the reason for high energy usage, time to purchase these smart Energy saving devices.  Smart sockets plug into a standard plug socket and cut power to electronics that enter power-saving mode. Similarly, an energy-saving charger will turn itself when a device is fully charged. It sounds simple and it really is.

5.Green Technology-Programmable thermostats:

A big reason for high energy usage is usually from heating and colling your home, so what are the options? A programmable thermostat will monitor your usage and switch on or off or modify your heating to save energy.

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6.Green Technology-Home Solar Systems:

Solar on your roof is nothing new, it’s becoming more and more common as costs come down. The obvious point is that some roof positions are better than others, and you will most likely produce more energy in California rather than Britain. Right now, Solar panels are only 15 to 18 per cent efficient. Improvements have seen up to 40 per cent efficiency, this would make solar much more cost-effective and potentially power your whole house energy needs. The reality is solar can save you a considerable amount of money and they can last up to 30 years if maintained properly.

7.Green Technology-Wind Turbines:

Another option if you are based in a windier climate, is a, small wind turbine. Wind turbines could potentially reduce your energy costs significantly. Combined with solar, this could be all your energy costs covered.  A 1.5kw household wind turbine with wind speeds averaging 14mph, could sufficiently cover the needs of a 300kwh per month house.

8.Green Technology-Rain collection systems:

Rain is not always bad, depending on which continent, rainfall is becoming less and less common in warm areas. Having even a basic rain collection is cheap and could be as basic as a barrel collecting water from gutters to a full filtered system that can be used for drinking and showering.   

If you enjoyed this you may also enjoy, our article on The sustainable world of 2072.

9.Green Technology-Geothermal heat pump:

Warming and cooling your home is expensive already and is only set to increase, with the changes in worldwide climate. A Geothermal heat pump uses underground heat to warm a home and has almost no negative affects to the environment. The best part is they can reduce costs from between 40 to 70 per cent over more typical heating methods.

10.Green Technology-Energy saving appliances:

If you have old appliances, they were probably inefficient when you bought them and as they age, they can continue to consume more and more energy. Buying energy saving appliances usually does come with a premium over standard appliances. Energy saving appliances can save you around 25 per cent on energy, and combined with an energy monitor could see you save a significant amount, and of course lower your carbon footprint.

Dont forget these too…..

11. Eco friendly house insulation

Not necessarily technology but definitely worth mentioning with the potential cost savings. Insulation is important. Around 25 per cent of your heating is lost, through your windows, so ensuring your walls are properly insulated is important. Insulation can be as high tech as you like, possible options include Cotton and denim, which seems like an amazing way to reuse old materials. Sheep wool is becoming popular as a sustainable way to insulate your home. A well-insulated house will reduce save you money and ensure your home is warm or cool when needed.

12. Window frames and windows

We mentioned already that windows are responsible for a considerable amount of heat loss. So, what can you do? There are pros and cons to all window frames, with composite and fiber glass being notable for there insulation properties. In terms of the window pane itself, having a low e coating on the window could reduce energy by as much as 50 per cent. In the window frame, when buying windows that have gas within the pain cavity can also reduce heat loss. Knowledge is power, so ensure you know what you are getting before taking the leap.

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13. Low energy gym equipment

Even your workout has a carbon footprint, but luckily there are ways around this. You can instead use nonelectric based machines or machines that have a low energy rating. Gyms themselves generally need high levels of lighting and heating that is almost always on. Instead working out at home and using basic equipment. There is no end of free or paid at home workout programs that will save you a fortune on gym fees and save you time.

14. Swapping a laptop for a desktop

Laptops consume up to 80 percent less energy than a typical desktop. Laptops are obviously more portable too. You can also buy energy saving laptops that further increase efficiency levels. Energy saving laptops are also not that much more expensive over typical laptops.

15. Changing your computer settings:

So, you have a low energy laptop and want it to last and reduce as much energy as possible. Ensure you set it up to enter sleep mode after a certain period of being unused. Scheduled shut down is a very useful feature too, that will shut your computer at nighttime till early morning. Don’t forget to adjust your brightness levels too.

Want to learn about Green Cloud Nine and our sutainabilty mission, take a look at our Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin

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EnvironmentLiving SustainablyUncategorized

How The Sustainable World Of 2072 Might Look

by Lola
written by Lola

How the Sustainable world of 2072 might look

Did you ever think of what life will be like 50 years from now? If we look back on the last 50 years rate of progress, we see it has been consistent. The general landscape has remained arguably much the same.

We are in an era of change; the landscape has to change for future generations or disappear for good. So why not make a rough guesstimate of how we perceive the world of 2072 will look. Using current trends and sustainability as our main lens?

So, let’s breakdown what is our landscape first. We have surroundings, cities, transport, people’s health, recreation, Agriculture, Business and technology.

The environment

So let talk about our surroundings first. Deforestation, well we like to think on the positive side of things and think it will no longer be an issue. Governments in 2072 have made a large portion of the earths land reserved, deserts have also declined in size. Deserts now provide the world with most if not all of its energy supply.

Large areas of Africa may become very rich from solar production, in turn providing jobs all across Africa. The middle east is now a powerhouse energy producer but not of oil but solar.

The air quality will be at the cleanest levels ever, through the mass increase in trees being replanted and excess carbon being captured and stored. There is an increase in animal preservation and an increase in habitats being restored. This will have a positive effect on species and people within these areas.

Cities of 2072

Cities, if you haven’t seen the national geographics article on cities of the future, I suggest you check it out. According to this, Cities will be completely or almost completely self-sufficient. This may affect globalisation but will mean people will be healthier and have access to food that has much less travel involved to reach their plates.

Remote work will be even more of the norm, which will, in turn, will reduce the need for long haul transport. Electric rail will have long replaced dirty diesel railway carriages. Cities themselves will have lots more plants not only in parks but on the tops and sides of buildings for food and carbon reduction.

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We will all live in cities

By 2050 it’s predicted that two-thirds of the world will live in urban areas, so this should only increase. In the UAE there is talk of a city that will be a straight-line city through the desert which aids transportation and allows convenience for residents for logistics, maybe this will become more commonplace. 

People’s health:

An increase in automation will see fewer hours being needed at work. This means people will have more free time to pursue hobbies.

Pollution being at an all-time low will in turn increase life expectancy. An increase in food freshness and quality will also aid life expectancy. The death of the common commute as we know it, will see an increase in health and sleep quality.

Agriculture:

Is no longer just on large parcels of land, but all-over urban areas. Many people will care for their own fruit and vegetables. There may be a decline in the use of farmed animal meat and plant-based meat replacing animal meat. Mainly because it needs a lot less land area.

Seaweed becomes more of a staple food worldwide with many countries harvesting it and providing food for the local population.

Solar and farms

Farms not only produce food, but large areas of the land also will combine overhead solar panels and certain plant types that require shade. Known as Agrivoltaics, this will become much more commonplace with farmers supplementing their income by sending extrasolar back to the grid.

Farm machinery will be electrically powered. Already there are EV tractors available to buy, but they are expensive, so when costs decrease, they will become mainstream. Agricultural plastics will be replaced by biodegradable plastics. The use of harsh chemicals will still be used but AI will ensure fewer spillages.

The Sea

Seaweed will be modified and used in many of the regular foods we are used to. The understanding of underwater ecosystems will be much more common knowledge than ever before. Plastics will still be a problem but lesser of a problem as technology has progressed to help filter out microplastics much more effectively. 

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Transportation:

Long-haul transportation by electric trains will become much more common. Electric planes and possibly even hydrogen-powered planes and even airships.  

Will Electric Vehicles take over?

Already many governments are counting down the years before the selling of Internal combustion engines are no longer allowed. So, by 2071 EVs are now the only vehicles on the roads and batteries will last up to million miles before needing replacing.

Space travel may now be accessible to the common man and is seen as an exciting holiday, rather than a billionaire’s glory ride.

Recreation:

Recreation and leisure will be provided within their city with Cities having easy access to more resources than ever before.  

If you are enjoying this you may also enjoy our article AMAZING GREEN TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY CHANGE THE WORLD.

Business:

With more and jobs being replaced by robotics. Logistics may well be provided by driverless trucks and ordered using intelligent automated systems. Engineers or IT professionals will replace mechanics, and business as we know it will be streamlined and improved using robotics.

3D printing will allow products to be printed locally and allow products to be designed for easy access. Rather than ordering from another country. Innovative will increase as products will no longer be built to last a limited period but built for strength. The use of the circular economy will save both businesses and families lots of money which will allow them to lower costs and save money. If you would like to learn more about the Circular economy check out our article here.

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Drones and more drones

Already we have seen deliveries being tested using drones and robots, so in 50 years’ time, this should be mainstream. Meetings may be carried out using telepresence, a form of projection.

Already Elon musk is creating an internet that can be accessed anywhere in the world, this would allow skilled workers to be employed anywhere in the world and in turn decrease travel levels.

Money makes the world go round:

The currency may be digitalised, making purchasing easier and better for the environment, than ever before. Online stores will become even more popular and packaging is now fully reusable.

Businesses and employees will be more informed on sustainability than ever before, and businesses will not only be carbon neutral but carbon negative.

Fossil fuels will have completely disappeared with many never experienced any form of machine or vehicle powered by fossil fuels. 

In the home:

Companies now understand how to sell and limit waste too, supermarkets will have packaging that is reusable, biodegradable, or you can bring your own containers for transportation back home.

People will be much more informed on how their food is produced and how fresh it is. With shops already being more and automated, by 2071, most if not all areas of retail will be powered by AI.

People will be in closer quarters, our population by 2050 is predicted to be 10 billion people, so land area will be much more scarce and in demand. Balancing a large worldwide population and worldwide conservation will not be an easy task.

Conclusion:

Whether you think this is a realistic image of the future or not, change needs to be implemented, and if you want to be part of that change, check out Green Cloud Nine, our sustainable online store, because we believe that small changes like buying sustainably make a big difference for the future of the planet.  

To stay up to date on all things sustainable and or to check out our verified sustainable goods, check our Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.

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EnvironmentLiving SustainablyUncategorized

Amazingly Scary Christmas Facts You Never Heard About

by Lola
written by Lola

At Green Cloud Nine, we love Christmas, but also facts and sustainability. So we have put together our favourite mix of all 3. Time to up your green Christmas knowledge, let’s dive right into these Global Christmas facts.

Sustainability Facts- Christmas Trees & Decos

Nothing evokes Christmas like a traditional Christmas tree. Families sit around them, presents get set under them…so there is no doubt that they are a centrepiece for the Christmas festivities.

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Let’s start with some impressive numbers: In the US, approximately 50 million Christmas trees are purchased annually. In Europe, the number oscillates between 50-60 million. More than half end up in landfills. This staggering statistic highlights the need for more sustainable tree options.

Did you know you can now rent a real Christmas tree? The genius concept involves selecting a tree for the festive season and returning it afterwards for replanting. Isn’t it brilliant? That way we minimise waste and contribute to a greener planet.

In the UK alone, approximately 500 million tons of fairy light find their way into landfills each year. Given their essential role in tree decoration, it’s crucial to choose lights that match your needs and are durable, ensuring they sparkle through numerous Christmases.

But what about artificial trees? While they might seem like a green alternative, the reality is diverse. Many are crafted from cheap, non-recyclable materials, leading to a short lifespan and frequent replacements. Opt for a high-quality, long-lasting artificial tree to make a more sustainable choice.

Speaking of non-recyclables, did you know that about 91% of plastic is not recycled? Of this, 12% is incinerated, leaving the remaining plastic to decompose over a staggering 400 years. Christmas is also a great time to rethink our plastic consumption and opt for eco-friendly alternatives.

Accidents around Christmas trees and decorations are a sad but also representative number. 20% of Americans are reportedly getting hurt every year preparing Christmas decorations and although we do not have found similar statistics in Europe, we can guess that we are not far behind. Fires, falls and scratches are the most common so make sure to be careful this year!

Sustainability Facts – Christmas Energy Consumption

christmas tree with decorations during nighttime
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In the US, over the Christmas period, the US uses 6.63 billion kW hours to power holiday lights. That is more electricity than some small countries consume in a year.

In Europe, energy used for Christmas lights can get out of control too. Milan (Italy) is reported to be the European city that uses the most energy, with an increase of nearly 70%, closely followed by Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Stockholm (Sweden).

Thankfully, in an attempt to cut energy costs, many cities are cutting down the number of hours for their Christmas lights or replacing them with energy-efficient alternatives. Led lights use 75 per cent less energy than standard incandescent lights. hey are not expensive to purchase, and they have a much longer lifespan than the older style of bulbs. It really doesn’t make sense anymore to have your Christmas tree lit up with any other lights other than LEDs.

As we approach the end of the year, it is a good opportunity to think again about renewable energy. According to the International Energy Agency, renewables are breaking records, which is great news!! It is hoped that by 2030, 70% of the world will be powered by renewable sources. And we are hopeful about the estimation that by 2050, 100% of all energy will come from green energy.

Sustainability Facts – Christmas and Food Waste

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In Europe, around 88 million tons of food is wasted each Christmas. Households are responsible for around half of all this waste. Planning your festive menus up front and freezing up or using up leftovers are effective ways to reduce that waste. And if after all is said and done, you still have some remnants of food, you can compost it.

What you eat plays a big part in the carbon footprint of your Christmas. Plant-based alternatives are responsible for much less carbon than beef or lamb that has been imported. For example, a kilogram of beef or lamb can generate from 643 kilograms to 749 kilograms of carbon dioxide — resulting in more greenhouse gas emissions than a passenger flying from London to New York.

Buying locally sourced and seasonal ingredients can reduce your carbon footprint by between 5 to 17 times what it would be if imported in. If you need any more convincing, it also puts money back into the local economy and will benefit you as well as your neighbours.

And of course, there is no celebration without festive drinks, right? Over 500 million cans of soft drinks are purchased in the UK alone during the Christmas period. Recycling just one of these cans can save enough energy to power a Christmas tree’s lights for two whole hours. Small efforts, big impact!

Sustainability Facts – Christmas and Climate Change

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I didn’t want to finish this article without touching the general topic of Climate Change. The way we experience Christmas has an undeniable impact on Climate Change and, the way our environment is changing, also reflects on the holidays.

To start, we overindulge during the holidays without giving it much thought. But, research suggests that the average person is responsible for an additional 635 Kg of carbon emissions during Christmas—equivalent to three weeks of driving a car!

Text-based emails and mobile messages are responsible for part of that CO2. We know they emit some carbon, but how much? Each email generates around 4 grams of CO2, which is not much, but if they stay in the inbox forever, together with hundreds of other unnecessary emails, emissions will increase because email servers use energy that in turn also generates CO2. So, if you think that sending e-Christmas cards this year is carbon-free, think again.

Christmas is also the most wasteful time of the year, which is hardly shocking really, but by just how much? Over the Christmas period, there is an increase of up to 30% in extra waste. Based on stats from the UK, only 1% of consumer goods are in use after 6 months. And, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 80% of toys end up in landfills, incinerators or in the ocean. A big chunk of those before the end of January.

For an alternative eco-friendly Christmas experience including presents, check this other article.

Also, snow is becoming a scarce commodity so we should be expecting a not-so-white Christmas in the future. A dozen different climate models have projected that snow will become significantly more scarce by the end of the century. In the Alps, the number of snow days will halve by 2100.

Extreme summer heat and extensive fires are to be blamed for the short supply of Christmas trees all over the world. In some cases they killed up to 70% of seedlings planted, resulting in the price of Christmas trees going up.

To wrap it up

Christmas can be one of the most wonderful times of the year, full of magic, enjoying with family and creating lasting memories, but it can also be very damaging to our environment. So, let’s try to be more aware of our actions so also our planet can have a happy and peaceful holiday time!

***This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are necessary for us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

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