THE DECALOGUE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: HOW TO SAVE THE PLANET

 Each of us can contribute to the preservation of our planet; only a few measures are needed. Climate change is now a fact, resulting in unprecedented frequency and severity of atmospheric phenomena.

Also, global warming is having an effect on our world. These events not only have an effect on the climate, but they also often result in misery, death, and a general upheaval of habitats and the biodiversity that keeps us alive. We will have to burn our future if we continue to burn fossil fuels or kill forests.

10 PRACTICES TO SAVE THE PLANET

·         What are the concrete actions each of us can implement to safeguard our Earth? just a few acts can make the difference, let’s see them in details.

·         eating well and reducing food waste. According to the estimates made by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) every year a third of the food produced is wasted. More than 40% of this food waste occurs at home, while the remaining 60% occurs during the production or distribution phase

·         planting trees: trees, in fact, absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) that causes the greenhouse effect and therefore global warming and climate change. Thus, thanks to trees the carbon footprint can be reduced

·         implementing sustainable mobility: 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe derive from vehicle traffic. It is therefore advisable to move by bike and to limit the use of cars to the strict minimum or to use electric vehicles. Public transports are also a good solution to reduce pollution. As Pope Francis stated: “The quality of life in cities has much to do with systems of transport. Many cars circulate in cities causing traffic congestion, pollution, and consuming enormous quantities of non-renewable energy. This makes it necessary to build more roads and parking areas which spoil the urban landscape.”

·         reducing meat consumption: 25-30% of greenhouse gas emissions are emitted from food production and 60% of this percentage is linked to the production of beef. Furthermore, farms consume billions of litres of water to feed animals

·         recycling: it does not refer only to the separate collection of plastic, glass, paper or aluminium, but it includes also the recycling and the reuse of all those objects that are broken: appliances, computer devices or even tailoring objects, etc. Repairing and recycling are beneficial not only for the environment, but also for our wallet! The same applies for clothes, in fact, to create a pair of jeans 10 thousand litres of water are necessary. Therefore, it is important to remember the 3 Rs’ rule: "repair, recycle and reuse"

·         smart purchases: for example, buying local products reduces shipment costs of imports and exports, with consequent savings also in terms of fuel. Moreover, should be supported eco-friendly products and industries with lasting solutions, favouring the green transformation of the economy

·         avoiding waste: it is valid for different purposes, for example both for the waste of water and light. Think of all the times we let the water run until it gets warm so we can take a relaxing shower, or how many times we leave the tap running while washing the dishes. Also, think of when we leave different lights on in the house, even though we are not in the room or how many times we forget to unplug, mistakenly thinking that energy is not consumed if there is no device in charge. In fact, in this regard, 10% of the energy of our appliances is consumed in "standby" phase

·         opting for clean energy: choosing an electricity supplier that uses energy from renewable and non-fossil sources, buying energy-saving light bulbs and more efficient appliances with eco-mode

·         making ethical investments: the installation of solar panels, photovoltaic panels and mini wind generators for energy represent an intelligent investment, as well as being ethical because it respects the environment

·         inquiring: today to become an environmental activist it is not necessary to perform grand gestures (such as chaining yourself to trees or to whaling in the ocean!). The commitment to acquire a greater awareness on the subject is enough, in order to be able to sensitise friends and relatives on these issues. It may also be useful to put in contact with associations that have been dealing with these issues for years