Are we still on time?

In light of this reality, a pertinent question arises… Are we still in time to "save" our planet?

The answer is controversial. On one hand, we can no longer recover what we have lost and all the harmful gases emitted or forests cut down. According to the conclusions of a study by researchers from the University of Aarhus in Denmark and Gothenburg, Nature would need 3 to 5 million years to recover the biodiversity that is expected to be lost in the next 50 years.

In light of this reality, a pertinent question arises… Are we still in time to "save" our planet?

The answer is controversial. On one hand, we can no longer recover what we have lost and all the harmful gases emitted or forests cut down. According to the conclusions of a study by researchers from the University of Aarhus in Denmark and Gothenburg, Nature would need 3 to 5 million years to recover the biodiversity that is expected to be lost in the next 50 years.

However, we still have time to avoid the great catastrophes that will happen if we do not change our lifestyle. If you want to become a more aware person regarding sustainability issues and do your best to make Earth a greener planet and a place where future generations can live, here are some tips on things you can do:

1 - Reduce water consumption. This involves not taking baths, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and washing your hair, not letting them drip, and even opting for a dual-flush toilet.

2 - Reduce energy consumption - turn off the lights in rooms where you are not, replace regular bulbs with a more economical version, unplug electronic devices when they are not in use.

3 - The 3 Rs: Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce. Before recycling, try to reuse as much as possible. Extend the lifespan of the item and avoid discarding a material and buying a new product. Therefore, this practice reduces the amount of raw materials, water, and energy needed to manufacture new consumer goods and decreases pollution. Properly recycling waste involves separating not only plastic and paper but also glass, electronic waste, and batteries.

4 - Do not use the car as much - Cars are responsible for emitting a large amount of polluting gases into the atmosphere. Opt for public transport, walk or cycle, and if you can't do without the car, consider carsharing.

5 - Sustainable diet. When you go shopping, prefer organic and biological products, which are grown to promote ecological farming practices and have a positive impact on the ecosystem. Try to reduce the amount of meat (especially red meat) that you eat - to raise livestock, a huge territory must be deforested, large amounts of water must be used, and finally, livestock emits greenhouse gases abundantly, being quite polluting on a large scale.

6 - Support causes and companies with sustainable values. The most effective way to promote change is to choose more eco-friendly entities. Whenever possible, choose products with a sustainability label and brands you identify with more. You can also donate to organizations and NGOs that work with environmental causes.

Maria do Mar Sousa, 11/09/2021