There is no one today who is not affected by the changing scenario of our environment. We all do realize that this is affecting us in a big way, so it is about time we adopt at least minor changes in our lifestyle that will benefit us to lead a healthy life and saving the environment for our future generation.
We can all adopt a few small habits to make daily life kinder to the environment. These small little suggestions will go a long way to save the planet.
1. Avoid using a straw – Of all the single-use plastics, straws are one of the most insidious – small and lightweight they can easily miss the recycling bin and end up in the waterways. If you must have a straw for your smoothie, choose a reusable alternative made from stainless steel or glass (yes they are available, and you can carry your own ones).
2. Saving Water – No matter how much this point is stressed, it is still worth mentioning. We have to keep on making all efforts to save water, be it repairing leaking taps, saving water while brushing and shaving or even bathing.
3. Using Eco-friendly home cleansing substances – Its high time we all ditch the chemical based home cleaners that emit dangerous gases into the atmosphere, affecting your health in the process. Choose natural alternatives like plant-based cleaners that are equally effective in cleaning your home while being less harmful for your health and the environment.
4. Choosing vegies over fast-food – Though this is more about adopting a healthier lifestyle which will eventually result is a healthier generation, but fast food essentially leads to a lot of wastage and water level reduction. Make smart choice by going green in food as well.
5. Save Electricity switch off – When the sun is shining, make the most of it. Open your curtains, turn off your lights. This practice saves energy and also helps you soak up some of that vitamin D you need to stay happy and healthy. Try to avoid Air conditioners as much as possible.
6. Make your own garden – Gardening can be fun, therapeutic, and, in some cases, easy. Even if you live in an apartment you can maintain a few indoor plants and cultivate a small herb garden on your windowsill or balcony. This tiny habit will make you feel refreshed all day, and you can even plant some veggies which would mean pure consumption of food.
7. Car Pool or Walk – In addition to being a healthier and environment-friendly choice, this also helps to bond with both friends and nature.
8. Computer shut down – At night completely shut down your computer and stop sending junk mails, this not only reduces stress in society but also saves a lot of energy.
Adopting a greener, more sustainable approach to life doesn’t have to be difficult. When a realization comes from inside, everything falls into place.
Energy is at the heart of the climate challenge – and key to the solution.
A large chunk of the greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the sun’s heat are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels to generate electricity and heat.
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, are by far the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions.
The science is clear: to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
To achieve this, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable.
Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.
Fossil fuels still account for more than 80 percent of global energy production, but cleaner sources of energy are gaining ground. About 29 percent of electricity currently comes from renewable sources.
Here are five reasons why accelerating the transition to clean energy is the pathway to a healthy, livable planet today and for generations to come.
1. Renewable energy sources are all around us
About 80 percent of the global population lives in countries that are net-importers of fossil fuels — that’s about 6 billion people who are dependent on fossil fuels from other countries, which makes them vulnerable to geopolitical shocks and crises.
In contrast, renewable energy sources are available in all countries, and their potential is yet to be fully harnessed. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that 90 percent of the world’s electricity can and should come from renewable energy by 2050.
Renewables offer a way out of import dependency, allowing countries to diversify their economies and protect them from the unpredictable price swings of fossil fuels, while driving inclusive economic growth, new jobs, and poverty alleviation.
2. Renewable energy is cheaper
Renewable energy actually is the cheapest power option in most parts of the world today. Prices for renewable energy technologies are dropping rapidly. The cost of electricity from solar power fell by 85 percent between 2010 and 2020. Costs of onshore and offshore wind energy fell by 56 percent and 48 percent respectively.
Falling prices make renewable energy more attractive all around – including to low- and middle-income countries, where most of the additional demand for new electricity will come from. With falling costs, there is a real opportunity for much of the new power supply over the coming years to be provided by low-carbon sources.
Cheap electricity from renewable sources could provide 65 percent of the world’s total electricity supply by 2030. It could decarbonize 90 percent of the power sector by 2050, massively cutting carbon emissions and helping to mitigate climate change.
Although solar and wind power costs are expected to remain higher in 2022 and 2023 then pre-pandemic levels due to general elevated commodity and freight prices, their competitiveness actually improves due to much sharper increases in gas and coal prices, says the International Energy Agency (IEA).
3. Renewable energy is healthier
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 99 percent of people in the world breathe air that exceeds air quality limits and threatens their health, and more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes, including air pollution.
The unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide originate mainly from the burning of fossil fuels. In 2018, air pollution from fossil fuels caused $2.9 trillion in health and economic costs, about $8 billion a day.
Switching to clean sources of energy, such as wind and solar, thus helps address not only climate change but also air pollution and health.
4. Renewable energy creates jobs
Every dollar of investment in renewables creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry. The IEA estimates that the transition towards net-zero emissions will lead to an overall increase in energy sector jobs: while about 5 million jobs in fossil fuel production could be lost by 2030, an estimated 14 million new jobs would be created in clean energy, resulting in a net gain of 9 million jobs.
In addition, energy-related industries would require a further 16 million workers, for instance to take on new roles in manufacturing of electric vehicles and hyper-efficient appliances or in innovative technologies such as hydrogen. This means that a total of more than 30 million jobs could be created in clean energy, efficiency, and low-emissions technologies by 2030.
Ensuring a just transition, placing the needs and rights of people at the heart of the energy transition, will be paramount to make sure no one is left behind.
5. Renewable energy makes economic sense
About $5.9 trillion was spent on subsidizing the fossil fuel industry in 2020, including through explicit subsidies, tax breaks, and health and environmental damages that were not priced into the cost of fossil fuels.
In comparison, about $4 trillion a year needs to be invested in renewable energy until 2030 – including investments in technology and infrastructure – to allow us to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
The upfront cost can be daunting for many countries with limited resources, and many will need financial and technical support to make the transition. But investments in renewable energy will pay off. The reduction of pollution and climate impacts alone could save the world up to $4.2 trillion per year by 2030.
Moreover, efficient, reliable renewable technologies can create a system less prone to market shocks and improve resilience and energy security by diversifying power supply options.
Digital Catapult is committed to innovating a greener future, and runs a number of accelerator programmes dedicated to supporting startups working on ‘greentech’ or ‘cleantech’ to get their products and services market and investment ready.
Our Head of Sustainability Dr David Pugh is part of the judging panel for EnviroTech 50 this year. The annual ranking celebrates the UK’s most innovative startups, scaleups and established firms creating original technology for green energy, to protect the environment and boost sustainability. Fifty organisations have been selected for the shortlist and Dr David Pugh has selected eight startups from the longlist as his ‘envirotech’ startups to watch.
Reading-based startup, measurable.energy aims to eliminate wasted energy in buildings with the power of machine learning. Their product can not only prevent unnecessary CO2 emissions but also reduce electricity bills by at least 20%.
Winner of multiple awards and part of our Machine Intelligence Garage programme in 2022, measurable.energy raised a Series A funding of £4.5 million in 2023 to fuel their next stage of growth.
By quantifying how different climate change pathways could result in extreme weather events, Climate X is helping organisations increase resilience against the impacts of climate change. The London-based startup has raised a total of £5.2 million in funding, including a £4.1 million seed funding round led by CommerzVentures and A/O PropTech in March 2022.
As part of the Machine Intelligence Garage programme, Climate X has benefited from additional compute power, access to NVIDIA DGX, valuable AWS credits, and ethics consultations to expand product offering and meet customer demand.
One of the earlier participants in our flagship AI programme Machine Intelligence Garage, UrbanTide has been leveraging the power of AI l for over a decade. Headquartered in Edinburgh, the startup delivers the software for Smart Cities, creating more liveable communities for everyone, from energy and transportation to housing.
Recognised as one of six technology startups to watch in 2022 at the 2021 Digital Catapult Awards, Greyparrot is a startup that uses AI-powered computer vision to monitor, audit and sort waste at scale, thereby reducing waste and increasing recycling rates.
Listed in the World Economic Forum’s 100 most promising global technology providers in 2021 and part of Machine Intelligence Garage, Digital Catapult has supported to pitch Greyparrot’s solution to more than 100 investors. As a result, Greyparrot secured over £2.7 million in seed funding in 2020, followed by £11 million in its Series A in 2022.
Crowned with The Royal Dairy Innovation Award, Cattleeye provides insights for livestock farmers and the wider supply chain. Their monitoring technology will increase farming efficiencies and improve animal welfare. Having joined our Machine Intelligence Garage in 2020, the video analytics platform powered by deep learning then raised its seed round of $2.5 million in 2021.
Installed in locations across Europe and the United States, London-based startup Recycleeye is deploying advanced machine learning, computer vision and robotics to the global waste management industry. Recipient of several awards and a member of cohort 9 of our Machine Intelligence Garage, Recycleeye has recently raised $17 million in its Series A funding round.
Expanding throughout EMEA, NA, and APAC, Circulor has developed a blockchain platform enabling businesses to monitor and track the origin and quality of raw materials in their supply chain, including dynamic tracking of CO2 emissions.
One of the 37 winning projects under the Digital Supply Chain Competition receiving £18 million funding, the London-based startup raised £20.5 million in its Series B round last year.
Supported by real world data, EMSOL provides a B2B air and noise quality sensor and analytics platform which enables businesses to identify the root causes of pollution.
While taking part in the Future Networks Lab Challenge, its team has also adapted its technology for the workplace in response to the pandemic. Currently, the award-winning startup is working with the NHS, construction, retail and waste management.
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Digital Catapult is committed to supporting the growth of startups that will shape a greener future. Through our technical and business expertise, we are helping these startups to get their products and services market and investment ready, and to make a positive impact on the environment. The eight startups we have highlighted – measurable.energy, Climate X, Urban Tide, Greyparrot, Cattleeye, Recycleye, Circulor, and Emsol – are all working towards a more sustainable future by leveraging the power of AI, machine learning, computer vision, and blockchain technology. By supporting these startups and others like them, we can help to drive the growth of the greentech and cleantech industries, and to create a brighter, more sustainable future for us all. You can find out more about the support we provide to startups and scaleups here.
Whether you wish to complete a DIY task at home or you’re allotted to purchase electrical supplies for your company, what and where to buy are the first queries you possibly have in mind. Several electrical suppliers provide quality products. You can also search and purchase electrical supplies online since there are many sellers makes buying electrical supplies more convenient for consumers. Even if where and what to buy are the top questions in mind when purchasing these products, you need to be extra careful because a mistake on your purchase might compromise your safety. To enable you purchase the right electrical supplies, consider the following aspects.
Choose Energy-Efficient Supplies
As people embrace switching to purchasing eco-friendly products, energy-efficient electrical products are popular in the market. There are illumination bulbs that use less power but can still produce sufficient brightness to meet your needs. Energy consumption trackers are also available, and they help people monitor their energy usage at home and other institutions. Solar panels are also fantastic additions to residential buildings. There are smart habitats intended to be energy-efficient and utilize solar panels to power the majority of its appliance inside. Besides saving substantial electric utility expenses, you’ll also protect energy and save the planet in your way.
Be Keen On The Safety Details Of The Electrical Supplies
When working with electricity, safety is a vital measure for the supplies. Thus, you should comply with safety guidelines. The best way to determine if a product is safe is by ensuring it has a safety seal of endorsement from the regulatory bodies. This seal signifies that the item has been carefully tested for safety. It isn’t ideal to utilize old electric products. Your budget may be tight, thus opting for used electrical products. Before you buy, ensure the old product is in good working condition. Ensure the product is free from faults, and you’ll be sure it’ll perform well. You’re encouraged to buy used electrical products from a company with a positive reputation. It is good if the company provides sales support and extended warranties for its offerings.
Select A Brand With A Range Of Supplies
Because it might be a hassle and time-consuming to keep buying from different sellers, it is good to select an electrical brand that provides a wide variety of supplies. This way, you’ll deal with only one supplier for your entire electrical needs. Some of the aspects that make it more perfect for working and buying from one electrical merchant are that expenses are cut when you make orders in the vastness, saves you time, and gives you assured quality knowing your products came from one source. When something arises, for example, circuit breakers overloading for any reason or light switches that don’t function properly, you can get a replacement.
Choose The Right Store
Choosing the right store for your electrical supplies is vital. You can ask for alternatives from a relative, neighbor, friends, and anyone who is ardent about electrical works. Also, consider visiting a retailer’s web since most businesses are available online nowadays. Check their reviews, then assess if the possible shortcomings are tolerable for you or not. Getting recommendations will lead you to a cherished store like transco.net.au. A store that is praised by several can assure you that they offer quality products at a reasonable price.
Purchasing electrical products makes the correct purchase very crucial to ensure the job gets executed safely and correctly. Having a definite plan will enable you to make informed choices, the reason you should use the above tips.
Computers are some of the biggest energy users in office buildings. Turn your monitor off at night and ditch the screensaver. Today’s computers can be turned on and off over 40,000 times. Opting to shut down over using a screensaver does not affect your computer’s lifespan. (EnergyStar). So power down!
2. Choose the right light
LED bulbs are the most energy efficient lighting option. LED bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs (Energy Star). The also have no mercury, and last about 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs (DoE).
Devices like televisions, microwaves, scanners, and printers use standby power, even when off. Some chargers continue to pull small amounts of energy, even when plugged in (a good judge of this is if a charger feels warm to the touch). In the US, the total electricity consumed by idle electronics equals the annual output of 12 power plants (EPA).
4. Use a power strip to reduce your plug load.
To avoid paying for this “vampire power,” use a power strip to turn all devices off at once. Flipping the switch on your power strip has the same effect as unplugging each socket from the wall, preventing phantom energy loss.
Saving energy is about more than simply saving money. Lowering your energy consumption can also reduce your impact on the environment as a whole. And that’s a proverbial win-win for everyone.
Saving energy also doesn’t have to be hard. Making even a few small changes around your home can potentially result in big financial savings. Below are a few tips on ways you can get started.
Get an Energy Audit
Determining the energy efficiency of your home is the first step toward understanding what you need to do to fix the places where your home is leaking energy. Perhaps your windows need caulking or maybe your heating and cooling equipment is antiquated and needs replacing. Maybe your older home has less insulation than is ideal.
All this and more can be determined by having a certified professional visit your home and perform an energy audit.
For more information about energy audits, see our blog
Set Your Thermostat Higher
Heating and cooling account for about 56 percent of the energy use in a typical home, making it the largest energy expense, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Set thermostats a few degrees higher and use ceiling fans. Every degree you lower your thermostat by can increase your energy use by 6 to 8 percent.
The location of your home’s thermostat can also affect its performance and efficiency. Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions to prevent “ghost readings” or unnecessary furnace or air conditioner cycling. Place thermostats away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights and windows.
Ways to Save Electricity, Natural Gas & Water at Home
Turn off pool pumps and unplug appliances when not in use, such as your cell phone charger, toaster oven, coffee maker, printer and so on. Even though they aren’t on or you aren’t using them, they are still using energy!
Turn off the TV when you aren’t watching it.
Avoid using large appliances, like the stove or washer and dryer, during peak hours (3-8 p.m.).
Make sure no cold or hot air is coming in through your closed windows or doors. If there is, try to fix it with caulk or weather stripping.
Open shades in the winter and close shades in the summer and turn off the lights during the daytime. Or install smart shades.
Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room.
Enable your computer and monitor to “sleep” when not in use.
Don’t leave the doors open to the outside for too long, and try to keep air conditioning/heat contained in the house to conserve on the amount of energy you have to use.
There may be one price tag on an appliance at the store but there is another invisible one beyond what it costs to purchase it: the price it costs to operate it. If your appliances are over 10 years old, it’s likely the energy technology to run them has improved dramatically. Given that appliances account for nearly 20 percent of the average household’s energy use, updating an outdated appliance might make good energy sense.
When looking for new appliances, look for those with the ENERGY STAR qualification. These appliances use advanced technologies to ensure anywhere from 10 to 50 percent less energy usage than standard appliances. Products in more than 60 categories, from dishwashers to refrigerators, are currently eligible for an ENERGY STAR rating.
Now updated in 2022! The Energy Saver guide offers tips for saving money and energy at home and on the road.
By following just a few of the simple tips in the Energy Saver guide, you can make your home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool–while you save money. We bring you the latest information on energy-saving, efficient technologies. We even give tips for using clean, renewable energy to power your home.
This guide shows you how easy it is to cut your energy use at home and also on the road. Some of the tips are simple to do. Others require more effort and investment, but promise big savings over the years.
Download the guide today for an overview of the tips improvements that will contribute to your energy bottom line and make our planet healthier and cleaner. Then visit the Energy Saver website for more details on how to improve the efficiency of your home.
