WED Special - III

Myth Busters!

In the name of saving the environment, we are actually polluting it more. Here are some myth busters

• Paper cups are safer and environment friendly when compared to plastic (styrofoam cups). No, it isn't. Paper cups are not made of ordinary paper and they take longer time to degrade. They are more dangerous than plastic cups in many ways. Their manufacturing cost is also high. They consume 12 times more steam, 36 times more electricity than a plastic. What more, paper is taken from wood pulp, which again affects the environment. So, it is always better to use reusable cups for drinking beverages.

• Another one common myth is Electric vehicles don't emit pollution and they are environment friendly. To a part it is true, but we need to make sure the electricity we use comes from a green source. In most cases, electricity itself is generated from fossil fuels. What more, only a small percent of power is converted into electricity and again a considerable percent is lost in the car. As a result, the conventional car will be less dangerous than this one.

Source: UNEP Website - WED A-Z

WED Special - II

Whys Should we Conserve Forests?

Forests are referred to as lungs of the earth. They absorb Carbon dioxide and lets out oxygen. It is amazing to know that forest degradation accounts for 20% of the green house gas emissions. The three main reasons for deforestation are commercial logging, forest fire and gathering wood for fuel. 

Commercial Logging can be cut down by careful monitoring and government needs to ensure that new plants are planted (though this will take long time to compensate the old tree). People need to make sure that they don't buy furniture made of precious timber. For instance teak is commonly used for making royal furniture and imagine how long it must have taken for the teak to grow.

Natural forest fire should be controlled as soon as possible and government must ensure artificial fire does not occur. Primitive people gather wood for fuel and government must educate them. Dry wood can be used instead of fresh ones. Dry wood will burn easily and has higher Calorific value too.

Most of the rivers in the world depend on water. So, if there is no water in the river, then deforestation can be a reason. In recent times, many wild animals have been entering human habitats. Again, deforestation accounts for this one.

So always remember this line Forests: Nature at your Service

Source: UNEP Website

Save Earth!

WED Special - I

Hi Guys,

Today (June 5) is celebrated as World Environment Day (WED). As a nature lover, I have decided to write back to back posts about Environment all this week. All the posts will be micro blogs and their main purpose would be to create awareness among my readers.

The theme for this year's WED is Forests: Nature at your Service. Forests cover one third of the earth's surface and it is so important for the survival of many species of animals, trees and they contribute so much to the survival of our planet. Forests have given so much to us and it is sad that we destroy the forests. Each year around 13 million hectares of forests is destroyed. It is equal to the size of Portugal. It is so important to save these forests from extinction.

Visit the official website of WED to know more.

Source: UNEP Website

Save Earth!