5 Ways You Can Help Save the Environment

1 Apr 2021

The issue of global warming, or climate change, is relevant to everyone on the planet. There are currently more questions surrounding this subject than answers.

People are finding diverse methods of helping save the environment. There are many creative ways of raising money to do your bit too.

As citizens of this planet, we need to take individual responsibility to help save the environment.

Because this is such a relevant topic, we’ll look at some of the most common questions and answers about global warming and five ways we can cut down on our carbon footprints.

Environmental Problem

All problems eventually lead back to us, unfortunately. Humanity is solely responsible for environmental decay.

Why is climate change such a big issue?

Rising temperatures are the cause of ice melting in polar regions, which causes a rise in sea levels that would flood most major coastal cities. We would see an increase in superstorms, heatwaves and droughts that will increase illnesses.

What is a carbon footprint?

Simply put, a person’s carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas or carbon dioxide that the person is responsible for emitting into the atmosphere. The release of carbon into the air results from high consumption of fossil fuels.

Environmental solutions

It starts with us. As individuals, we each have a personal responsibility to curb and reverse the damage caused.

Plant more trees and waste less water

The biggest problem is the human source of carbon dioxide emissions. Deforestation is a significant contributor to carbon emission increases.

We can reverse this by planting more trees that consume carbon dioxide and produce valuable oxygen that we need.
We are becoming carbon-neutral, but to achieve this, we all need to reduce our carbon footprint to zero.

You can accumulate rainwater to water plants and trees. Fit your home with WaterSense fixtures and appliances. Water-efficient fixtures reduce the production of electricity which in turn reduces global warming.

Use energy-efficient bulbs

Energy-efficient light bulbs are beneficial in two ways, they’re better for the environment, and they last much longer than regular bulbs.

LED lights have an 80% efficiency rate compared to incandescent and fluorescent lights. When you use LED lights, you can be sure that you get 95% of the energy converted into light and only 5% wasted.

The less energy you used, the less demand is put on power plants, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

A decrease in electricity usage at home

To decrease toxic fumes emanating from power plants, we need to consume less electricity. You can help protect our ecosystems and also preserve our planet's natural resources.

Interestingly, many household appliances continue to draw power even when turned off. It is necessary to unplug appliances such as TVs, microwaves, and air conditioners when they are not in use.

You can also save power when you’re with your friends by doing more together on one device. Online gambling, social card games, puzzles, are all options for social play.

Solar panels help abundantly in saving power.

Installing solar panels will significantly reduce electricity usage. It’s also much cheaper in the long run, although the solar panels might be costly to purchase.

Harvesting the sun’s natural energy will enable you to harvest free heat while reducing your carbon footprint.

Drive less, travel smart.

Your vehicle's fuel efficiency impacts your carbon footprint considerably. Many vehicle owners opt for pre-owned hybrid and fuel-efficient cars.

Driving less means walking more, taking public transport, car-pooling and using a bike, increasing exercise and decreasing CO2 emissions.

Jet fuel is a massive contributor to carbon emissions as 1,600 miles of air travel equals 720 pounds of carbon emissions.

In Conclusion

Globally, countries have combined resources to raise awareness for this universal problem.
Humanity has created environmental decay, and it indeed rests upon individual shoulders to find a solution. By educating ourselves around nature conservation, we have already begun to fight the good fight.

How to Take Care of a Stray Cat

12 Feb 2021

If you're a cat lover, you'll agree that it's impossible to ignore a feline stretched out in the sun gazing at you with those mysterious yet mischievous eyes. It's as if there's a power drawing you to pet it that you can't ignore.

Yes, cat lovers are a breed of their own and find it irresistible to ignore a feline. Whether it's yours or somebody else’s, is beside the point. You want to give it love, a gentle stroke and win them over into a purr, right?

If you stumble across a stray cat, all the above urges turn into an overprotective mode, and you'll want to save the kitty no matter what it takes. There are a few pointers to keep in mind if you should ever find yourself in this position.

Let's take a look at a few steps to consider before running off into the sunset with your new companion.

Make Sure the Cat Is a Stray

The last thing anybody needs is to be known as a cat-napper in the local neighbourhood. Even if the cat isn't wearing a collar, make sure to have it checked for a microchip.

Prepare a Hideout Space

Cat's don't enjoy change and can get very agitated when moved to new surroundings. You must create a safe space where the cat can hideout for the first few days until it feels safe. You can use a box or an empty cupboard and line it with a soft towel or blanket.

Plan a New Routine

Pets are a big responsibility. They're a part of the family, and you need to plan your schedule around the new addition to your home. Adopting a stray cat will require a strategy, much like when you're trading.

You'll need to arrange all the necessary vet visits, buy the right food for its age and arrange a litter box.

Arrange a Visit to the Vet

Arrange a visit to your local veterinarian for an overall check-up. Your vet will also be able to give you an estimated age of the cat. That'll help you better provide and take care of it.

Pet's have different needs and behaviours at various ages. Knowing as much about its health will help you prepare better.

Introduce it to Other Pets

If you have other pets, you should make sure that the stray cat will adapt to them. It'll be wise to do this before making your final decision about adopting it permanently.

If your other pets are comfortable with the new cat, it'll still take a while for the stray to settle in ultimately. Be patient and take it slow.

Budget for the New Expenses

Now that you're ready to make a full-time commitment make sure that you budget for the newcomer's monthly expenses. Be sure to plan for a healthy diet and if it's possible, consider pet insurance.

Conclusion

Taking in a stray pet is a joyful experience if you follow a few trusted steps to ensure you'll both be happy with the new arrangement. Pet's are family, not toys, and need careful consideration each time you plan for a new member. If you do it right, it'll bring you both much joy.

The Plight of Dolphins in Captivity

4 Dec 2020

Dolphins are an intelligent, sociable creature and it is cruel to keep them in captivity, simply for entertainment. They are often taken from their mothers at a young age, which causes distress. If you wish to help alleviate this suffering, you should boycott any shows featuring dolphins.

The Most Endangered Mammal Species

30 Oct 2020

The World Wildlife Organization keeps an updated list of the mammals at most risk of extinction. They are classified as critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable. Currently on this list are the Amur Leopard, the Black Rhino and the Bornean Orangutan. It is up to mankind to help preserve these creatures.

The Role of the RSPCA

15 Sep 2020

The Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a charity that has a mission to promote kindness, prevent cruelty and alleviate suffering. They ensure that all pets have a good home and are loved and cared for. Should you find a stray animal, you can call the RSPCA.