Sustainability is nothing but the prevention of depleting the natural resources to maintain a balance in our ecosystem. It is our duty to save the natural resources for our forthcoming generations to enjoy. When we say sustainability, it includes human, natural, and financial availability for the present and future generations. These changes cannot be put to action overnight. Instead, they can be started with small changes that some companies practised (NIKE, Adobe, Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, seventh-generation, etc.) already.
2k21 = The year of action
This is an important year to act on the sustainability models in all the domains possible because already 2020 has been affected greatly by the pandemic. This is a second chance of the decade. So many changes have already begun by so many industries to repair our environment, but the pace at which it is happening cannot match the damage we have caused. Hence sustainability is essential to be implemented in all sectors as soon as possible. Certain changes can be done in terms of sustainability mentioned below.
Replacing fuels with electricity
To reduce the emission of harmful gases from burning the fuel, we can replace it with an eco-friendly alternative like electricity generated from power plants, windmills, hydroelectric stations, solar panels, etc. this action makes a drastic growth in sustainability because fossil fuels contribute to major for the release of greenhouse gases. As a result, car companies have started developing electric cars with large battery-driven motors instead of fuel-driven ones. Small vehicles like cycles to large vehicles like trucks can all be manufactured with engines powered by electricity. Furthermore, the government is also contributing towards a sustainable environment by reducing taxes for electric cars, increasing the number of e-vehicles for public transportation, battery vehicles for garbage collection and subsidised rates for solar panels.
Recycling of plastic
When you say sustainability, there is no way to achieve it without recycling plastic. Plastic waste is the biggest threat to humankind as well as to the earth. Plastics are considered dangerous primarily for their non-biodegradable nature. This causes difficulty in the disposal of plastics, and the best way to use them is by recycling them. Since plastics can be quickly melted, they can be moulded into any shape possible. Hence, many companies have started replacing some of their existing plastic products and other products with recycled plastics. To name a few, construction companies have started using recycled plastic for casting concrete, clothing companies like levis manufacturing jeans made out of recycled plastic, packaging companies, use them for product packing, etc.
Recycling is a very effective method in keeping the waste management chain active. Other than recycling, scientists have also developed biodegradable plastic to help the cause. Reusing plastic bags and using alternatives like jute bags, cloth bags etc., are also very efficient practices.
Replacing existing lights to LEDs
Replacing incandescent lights with LEDs is making a massive difference in energy efficiency. Replacing lights doesn’t mean only the tungsten filament bulbs but also the backlights for various devices such as desktop monitors, televisions, indication lights, fluorescent tubes and even street lamps entirely to LEDs.
Carbon reduction methods
Many companies have started working on carbon absorption and reduction during and after the manufacturing process since carbon is the primary cause of global warming. Many companies like Chevron, quinbrook infrastructure partners, Shell, NRG energy etc., are specialists in carbon capturing and storing, renewable energy and low carbon-emitting etc., making them a significant part of the sustainable development of our environment.