On the contrary, studies conducted in recent years have provided indisputable evidence that ecological trends have contributed greatly to reducing finite resource depletion, pollution levels, and indeed have succeeded in restoring the ozone layer. No matter where in the world you live, following these trends is not just a fad, it is a responsible gesture, a transition to a better life and ultimately a better planet. Are you ready to become a real life superhero?
Eco travel
As much as they tried to implement ecological changes in their infrastructure, hotels are still a major source of pollution because they generate a lot of waste. From their high commercial cleanliness requirements to their impressive waste of water and energy, hotels can provide a luxurious experience, but they do little in terms of environmental protection. That is why the last decade has seen a steady growth in alternative accommodation methods and eco-friendly travel. Tourists from all over the world are trying and loving agritourism and are starting to prefer peer-to-peer accommodation over hotels. This not only offers a more personal and raw experience, but also reduces waste. Guests strictly use the resources they need and disposal is done in a more responsible manner.
Sustainable home improvements
For many years, it was widely believed that corporations were the only ones who could make a noticeable difference in terms of protecting the planet, but this myth was quickly shattered. Every change matters, even on a local scale, and home improvement trends, if followed by many people around the world, can have a huge collective impact. Some of the best examples include:
Replacement of conventional lights with energy efficient LED lights
Invest in energy efficient grade A windows
Insulation installation to reduce energy waste
Plant trees around the house to create natural insulation and improve air quality.
Build houses with ecological materials
Switch to non-toxic cleaning products
Use of environmentally friendly appliances and devices.
Fair trade production
Reading the words “fair trade” on a label used to be a rarity a few decades ago, but now, this sign is the hallmark of a modern, responsible and environmentally conscious company. Fair trade means that corporations are taking action to help the planet and people in developing countries. According to the World Fair Trade Organization, companies that commit to this idea do everything possible to develop transparency and accountability in all their activities. They must create equal opportunities and fair remuneration for their workers, provide good working conditions and practice respect for the environment. They should source supplies only from certified legal sources and avoid waste as much as possible. Local suppliers are preferred over international ones and eco-friendly materials should be used wherever possible, from production to packaging.
Renewable energy sources
More and more families are welcoming renewable energy into their homes, especially in the form of solar panels, which have benefited from so many government incentives that in some areas they are becoming commonplace. In the United States, the use of solar panels has grown by up to 40% and even China has taken steps to popularize solar panels. Aside from solar panels, other devices promise to revolutionize energy storage. For example, Tesla announced Powerwall in 2015, a kind of battery that can store energy for later use.
Recycling initiatives
Recycling is one of the oldest green trends on the list, if not the oldest, and younger generations are beginning to learn about its importance in elementary school. Of course, when you hear that simply throwing an empty can down the right garbage disposal saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours, it’s hard not to join the recycling trend. Today it is actively pursued by both individuals and businesses, although some countries do it better than others. For example, only 17% of Canada’s waste was recycled, prompting authorities to initiate public projects promoting scrap recycling in Toronto and other major cities. Germany, on the other hand, is winning the recycling race with a whopping 65% of its waste being reused. South Korea is second on the list, followed by Slovenia and Australia.
Electric vehicles
Electric cars have gone from being ugly and impractical vehicles to glamorous, state-of-the-art toys for tech-savvy people. Thanks to manufacturers like Tesla, Toyota, and BMW, electric hybrids now look amazing and are much easier to power. Also, many countries have rebate programs for people who buy electric cars, balancing out the relatively high purchase costs. For the younger population, or people who don’t want to invest in electric cars yet, electric scooters are an equally friendly idea.