The Fashion Industry consumes more energy than the shipping and aviation industry combined. It is responsible for about 10% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. It takes a whopping 10,000 liters of water to make one pair of denim jeans. It would take one person 10 years to drink that much water. About 20% of the global water waste comes from the fashion industry. 85% of these materials can be reused, but instead are incinerated or end up in landfills. A quick and easy fix to help the environment is for people to stop buying so much stuff. Buy fewer good quality items that will last several years.
The Agriculture Industry worldwide is responsible for 18% of the total release of greenhouse gases, which is more than the whole transportation sector. The effects of methane on the climate is 23 times higher than CO2. 30% of the earth’s surface is used for livestock including the deforestation of 70% of former forests in the Amazon. A quick and easy fix to help the environment is to stop or greatly reduce consuming beef and dairy products.
The Oil and Gas Industry is widely known for producing about 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. A portion of that does come from gasoline and fuels. However, there are over 144 common products that use petroleum. They include plastics, solvents, insecticides, fertilizers, ink, floor wax, linoleum, trash bags, clothing, sporting equipment, tires, car parts, food preservatives, soap, hand lotion, vitamin capsules, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream, soft contact lenses, drinking cups, phones, and more. There are several things we can do to help the environment in this regard. The easiest is knowing which products use petroleum and reduce the purchase of these items. Even better, find and purchase alternatives.
There are several things we can do to make travel more sustainable and more enjoyable.
First, whenever possible, take a train or bus to the destination. If we must fly, we can reduce the number of flights we take and the distance between. For example, when traveling internationally, take a direct flight to the closest major city then take a train to your final destination. This will reduce your carbon footprint and you will see more of the beautiful country you are visiting.