In today’s world, the impact of climate change has become so strong that one can not overlook the importance of sustainability. The consequences are evident in different regions worldwide – sea levels are increasing, drought is becoming more intense and frequent, storms are getting stronger, species are becoming extinct quickly, and human health is declining due to pollution, poor nutrition, and increased hunger.
To combat the devastating effects of climate change on the planet, action must be taken as soon as possible. Implementing recycling initiatives is an effective way to do so, and several countries have created awareness campaigns and introduced policies to promote sustainability among citizens and businesses, including Sweden, Japan, and Switzerland. In most regions, industrial activities are a top cause of the actual environmental issues. In New Zealand, there are significant concerns regarding water quality, with urbanization and wetland drainage being two factors that affect the country’s freshwater health. The environment’s pollution has become impossible to handle in New Zealand, with individuals showing concerns that waterways could take a toll on their health.
Human activity is to blame for climate change and air pollution
Industrial activities are a major factor that leads to significant greenhouse gas concentrations. In fact, businesses generate a lot of waste annually, which ends up in landfill sites and produces harmful landfill gas. Poor waste management also causes air pollution, harming human health by causing respiratory illnesses and triggering allergies. Unfortunately, poor air quality can sometimes even be fatal. The declining environmental health inevitably harms individuals’ well-being, calling for strong, sustainable solutions to reduce the negative effects and protect the planet and human life. It’s important to understand that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility, and all individuals – and especially businesses – should play their part in creating a more sustainable world.
New Zealand’s government has already taken some steps towards eco-friendly practices, with the demand for sustainable services and products increasing and calls for green growth becoming more common. But that doesn’t mean these initiatives are enough to combat the environmental issues that it currently faces. In fact, New Zealand produces more than 17 million tonnes of waste annually, and among these, 3 million are being sent to landfill. Compared to other countries, the recycling rate in New Zealand is low, showing that there is still a lot to be done to reduce the effects of climate change on the environment. However, if sustainability becomes a priority, it will be possible to slow the rate of global warming, which will help save the planet in the long run.
Waste management done right: where should companies begin?
Waste management is paramount for reducing the effects of climate change, as it results in improved environmental conditions, helping keep the air fresh by removing harmful gasses like carbon monoxide and methane. Not only that, but it also results in employment opportunities, regulating a country’s economy.
Waste management is done with only one purpose: to reduce the dangerous effects of unwanted materials that are produced during everyday essential activities. There are different ways to minimize waste, with recycling being one of the most effective methods. Recycling has a lot of benefits for the environment, as it helps reduce the usage of new materials, thus helping preserve forests and natural habitats, giving Mother Earth a chance to heal. Moreover, it lowers greenhouse gas emissions, as it cuts down the number of pollutants generated into the environment. For businesses, recycling initiatives translate into lower costs and better time efficiency. Now, there are many great ways you can improve your waste management. For instance, if you google Miltek in NZ, you’ll come across some of the best solutions to handle waste at your business, such as compactors and balers, which are very effective in reducing your impact on the planet.
The government made a mandatory proposal for businesses: namely, to separate food scraps from general waste. This would play a role in bringing the recycling systems of the country up to global standards. It’s worth noting that New Zealand has some strengths when it comes to sustainability, as it has a historic track record for implementing innovative tech solutions. Compared to other countries, the economy in New Zealand is more sustainable, and businesses and consumers alike are only encouraging this trend. If further action is taken, New Zealand will likely succeed in meeting the standards of a “clean, green” country.
Caring for the planet means protecting humans’ health and future
The climate crisis is a significant threat in the 21st century, putting at risk not only biodiversity but also human life. The effects of the climate crisis on health are felt everywhere in the world, with global warming leading to tropical diseases. The future of the planet – and of humanity – depends on the actions that everyone takes on a daily basis, and the only way to guarantee human health is to preserve nature’s resources. All individuals rely on Mother Earth to live, and addressing climate change is key to saving lives, as lowering emissions translates into fewer cases of cancer, asthma, and heart disease. Environmental health and human health go hand in hand because the well-being of individuals and their capacity to prevent illness is connected to the Earth’s resources, like air, water, and food. However, climate change has a negative impact on all these resources, which only harms humans. To achieve well-being and create a resilient future, everyone must commit to saving the planet through eco-friendly practices.
Many times, humans tend to forget that this planet is their home, and now everyone is witnessing its destruction. While the climate change statistics are alarming, all hope isn’t lost – if everyone focuses on saving biodiversity, things could improve – or at least not get worse than they already are. What’s happening now in the world from a climate perspective should be a wake-up call for humanity, and governments and individuals need to do what it takes to keep the planet safe.