At Safa, we believe that carbon offsetting is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to addressing climate change.
Consider these actions to meaningfully reduce your carbon footprint and contribute further to a greener future.
Consume Energy
Responsibly
In the Middle East, sustained high temperatures make air conditioning a necessity in the summer. This reliance not only results in elevated energy bills but also increases carbon emissions. Here are some practical steps to enhance energy efficiency in our living and working environments:
Improving insulation in our homes and offices can prevent heat loss during winter and maintain cool indoor climate during the summer.
Sealing gaps around doors and windows can prevent drafts, reducing the need for frequent temperature adjustments.
Upgrading to energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LEDs, can use up to 75% less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Using smart thermostats allows us to optimize heating and cooling settings based on our schedules, preventing wasteful energy use.
Turning off lights and electronics when not in use and unplugging chargers can prevent standby energy consumption.
To reduce reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours, consider optimizing natural light and using energy-efficient windows.
Investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels can power our homes and offices while reducing our carbon footprint.
Energy Efficient Checklist
Heating &
Cooling
- Do you use curtains or blinds to block sunlight on hot days and let it in during cold days?
- Is your home well-insulated, including walls, floors, and ceilings?
Lighting
- Do you use energy-efficient LED or CFL light bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs?
- Do you make use of natural daylight and turn off lights when not in use?
Appliances & Electronics
- Are your appliances and electronics Energy Star certified?
- Do you unplug chargers and electronics when they're not being used?
- Do you use power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once?
Water
Usage
- Do you fix leaks promptly to prevent water wastage?
- Do you use low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce water consumption?
- Do you wash clothes in cold water (whenever possible)?
Home
Maintenance
- Do you regularly clean and maintain appliances for optimal performance?
- Have you sealed gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts?
Reduce Your Waste
E-Waste
Electronic waste, or e-waste, poses a significant environmental threat due to its improper disposal.
When discarded, electronic devices can release hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium into the soil and water, contaminating ecosystems and adversely affecting human health. Incinerating these electronics or leaving them in landfills results in the release of these toxins into the air, contributing to air pollution. According to UNEP, more than $62.5 million worth of e-waste is produced annually, generating over 44 million tons of e-waste globally – equivalent to over 6 kg of e-waste for every person.
Food Waste
According to UNEP, if food loss and food waste were considered a country, it would rank as the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. When discarded, it decomposes in landfills, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Additionally, the resources expended to produce, transport, and package the food – such as water, energy, and land – go to waste. This strain on resources exacerbates issues of water scarcity, deforestation, and food insecurity.
Plastic Waste
Plastic waste is a global environmental concern with far-reaching consequences. Single-use plastics, such as bags, bottles, and packaging, accumulate in oceans and landscapes, endangering marine life and ecosystems. These plastics degrade into microplastics that can infiltrate the food chain, potentially impacting human health. Additionally, plastic production consumes fossil fuels and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduce Meat Intake
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Cows and sheep emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 296 times greater than carbon dioxide. The emissions from this alone exceed all forms of transportation combined.
Deforestation
Approximately half of the world’s habitable land is used to support and feed livestock, leading to extensive forest clearance.
Water Use
The animal agriculture industry consumes approximately 70% of all available freshwater, while the use of fertilizers and pesticides contaminate water sources.
Sustainable Fashion Practices
The fashion industry's insatiable demand for new clothes comes at a steep environmental cost.
The term "fast fashion" captures the industry's practice of rapidly producing low-cost garments to match real-time trends from catwalks and social media. This model promotes a culture of overconsumption, where clothes are often viewed as disposable rather than durable items.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The fashion industry accounts for almost 10% of global CO2 emissions, surpassing the combined emissions of international flights and maritime shipping. These emissions are set to rise by over 50% by 2030.
Landfills/Waste
Almost one in three online purchases are returned, and many of these returned garments are thrown in landfills or burnt rather than being resold. Each second, the equivalent of a dump truck’s load of textiles is either incinerated or added to landfills.
Water
Textile dyeing ranks as the second-largest global water polluter.
Consumer Behavior
Consumer behavior remains the primary driving force behind fast fashion. The appeal of frequent clothing purchases has resulted in an astounding 100 billion new garments made annually – double the figure from two decades ago.
Individuals now buy 60% more clothes than in the early 2000s, yet these garments are retained for only half as long.
Here are several actionable steps to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly:
- Reduce new clothing purchases
- Opt for sustainable options like secondhand or vintage clothing
- Extend the lifespan of your garments by tailoring, resizing, and repurposing them
- Minimize washing and drying
- Dispose of clothing responsibly
- Prioritize local shopping
Curious About Your Ecological Footprint?
How many planets would we need if everybody lived like you? Answer a few questions about your lifestyle to discover your Earth Overshoot Day – the day of the year by which you would have used as much of the Earth’s resources as it can regenerate in that year. The earlier your Earth Overshoot Day, the larger your ecological footprint.
