The growing environmental concerns such as pollution, carbon footprints and rapid reduction of rainforests are increasing at an alarming rate. We can prevent, control or find different ways to stop these grave environmental issues. We need to be aware of our mistakes and be educated. These 10 green facts and statistics will certainly open our eyes and educate us to be more environment-friendly:
1. There are many benefits of recycling objects. According to recycling-revolution.com, recycling an aluminum can saves electricity to power television for three hours. If one ton of paper gets recycled, it saves 4,100 kilowatts of energy, 17 trees and 60 pounds of air pollution. If a ton of glass gets recycled, it can save 9 gallons of oil. These simple statistics reveal the true importance of recycling and certainly help us find an alternative way to save our environment.
2. In the US alone, if 1/4th of the household replace one incandescent bulb with a CFL, it saves as much carbon dioxide as planting more than 200, 000 acres of forest. CFLs come in different types to suit your rooms. “Soft light” CFLs are a perfect replacement for that familiar warm glow emitted by incandescent light bulbs. You can also opt for “daylight” bulbs to emulate natural light. Replacing incandescents with CFLs is a small step to make our planet a better place to live.
3. Using wind turbines is the perfect alternative way to convert wind energy into electricity. Today, eighty countries are harnessing wind energy to create electricity on a commercial basis. In the United States, North Dakota has the ability to produce wind power to meet one fourth of the country’s electricity demand. Almost 20 percent of America’s electricity needs will be provided by wind power alone within a decade, according to Reuters.
4. Due to global warming and the population boom, most Asian countries will face acute water shortage by the year 2025. Still, many people waste water as if there is plenty available. But the truth is less than one percent of world’s fresh water is available for human consumption.
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(image, above left: an image of a wind turbine, courtesy wikimediacommons)