Celebrating World Environment Day 2021

Today is World Environment Day - a day where taking some time to understand its message is important. As an energy business focused on cleaner and greener energy options, it’s important for us to promote and share initiatives that support the environment, and we hope this article will explain the significance of the day and what we can all do to help revive and protect our planet.

Together we can be #generationrestotation.

This year is all about 'Ecosystem Restoration'

The theme for 2021 is ‘Ecosystems Restoration’. Ecosystem restoration means helping in the recovery of ecosystems that have been damaged or destroyed. Sadly, not all ecosystems can return their original state due to the extent of damage, which is why ecosystems restoration is also about looking after ecosystems that are still intact and flourishing to ensure their future safety. By re-establishing and maintaining healthy ecosystems it ensures a richer biodiversity, resulting in fertile soil, larger amounts of timber and fish and then larger places to store greenhouse gases. It makes for a better environment all around.

Taking action  

It is expected that between 2021 and 2030 a focus on the restoration of ecosystems could remove 13-26 gigatons of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. By not taking action and restoring ecosystems now, it will end up being at least three times more expensive to reverse the damage done in the future. Now is really the crucial time to act.

The United Nations has also weighed into the discussion by launching a new program across 70 countries requiring action against the destruction of ecosystems over the next decade. The UN believe that by doing so it will ‘’enhance people’s livelihood, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity’’. The ‘UN Decade’ is all about putting the world on the right path to make way for a more sustainable future.

What should we do on World Environment Day ? 

Unfortunately, ecosystem restoration is not something that can be done overnight, it is a continued effort that will be made over the years to come. However, this does not mean that there is nothing you can do to help and make a difference today.

Many schools, businesses and communities use this day to share the importance of the environment and how we can protect it for future generations. So, take part across Australia by getting involved in any events or activities that help benefit the environment. This could be anything from tree planting, coastal clean-up, donating to restoration projects or simply taking part in more sustainable and energy efficient activities in your own home.

We encourage you this World Environment Day to share how you are celebrating World Environment Day on your socials with #GenerationRestoration. Join in on the buzz to see how other people in different countries are participating. We’ve compiled a few actions to consider as well:

• Save water: you can easily avoid wasting water by turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth, having short showers instead of baths and fixing any leaks or taps that drip in your home.
• Go reusable: Plastic water bottles have a massive negative impact on the environment as 176 million of 200 million water bottles used per year end up in landfill. So, by going reusable you will be reducing this number.
• Reduce your travel: High levels of air pollution is a public health emergency, therefore try and be conscious of how much you travel and reduce it by taking public transport or try walking or cycling when you can to reduce your overall carbon footprint.
• Build your own garden: Gardens help the environment in many ways by reducing the air pollution as well as minimise your carbon footprint. If you don’t have room for a garden, you can always have some plants on your balcony as every plant makes a difference.
• Go green in the office: If you can, encourage your workmates to turn off lights when not in meeting rooms or when the last person leaves the office each day. Even fully shutting down appliances when not in use overnight or on weekends, such as computers, TV’s, microwaves and coffee machines can reduce wasted energy. Also taking part in recycling in the office can save a massive amount of waste.
• Choose energy plans that are carbon offset, carbon neutral or renewable: a handful of energy providers have chosen to only offer plans that are environment friendly. Here at Nectr, we are focused on playing our role. Have a look at how our plans compare.

World Environment Day is all about spreading awareness and being more environmentally conscious. Take the time today to consider your personal impact on the environment and support organisations that are actively making a difference. If you found this blog handy, join us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about energy saving initiatives.

If you found this blog handy, join us on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about energy saving initiatives.