Green Heart At Work: Zero Emissions Day

Zero Emissions Day, more commonly known as ZeDay, annually takes place on the 21^st of September and is observed by people in many countries around the world. This day was specifically chosen because the length of days and nights are equal, and the amount of light is fair to those in the Northern and Southern hemispheres and to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Peace. It was first implemented in 2008 (the present-day observance) by a Canadian company, Sealevel, with their primary mission of “giving the planet one day off a year”. It called for a “Global Moratorium on Fossil Fuel Combustion on September 21”.

The main purpose of ZeDay is to give the earth a ‘rest day’. Life’s pace is increasing and we simply don’t slow down anymore. It is imperative that we have a chance to shut down and reboot every once in a while. Thus, the same applies to Mother Nature, too. Its moral is: “You have the power to benefit everyone and everything on our planet”. ZeDay is about creating awareness of the cessation (ending) of burning fossil fuels and spending one day out of the year producing little to no emissions as possible.

People can participate by doing the following: For 24 hours, don’t use gas, oil, or coal, and use minimal or no electricity generated by fossil fuel. The real test is to be able to keep up with it for 24 hours. ZeDay doesn’t have to be celebrated on 21 September only – you can do it on any other day, more than one day per year is preferable. ZeDay has a simple mission but with a profound impact. It gives us a glimpse of what a day on Earth would be like without the use of fossil fuels and about answering an important question: What are we doing with our world? It entails reflecting about the sort of world we want to live in and appreciating what it means to have the use of energy. It is about celebrating human innovation wholeheartedly but also about the possibility of sustainable world and a reminder that we can all do our bit to limit our energy consumption in daily life and to raise awareness of finite resources and how we can daily change our actions to conserve it.

Why is reducing the use of fossil fuels imperative?

Fossil fuel produced electricity is the most dominant contributor to air emissions and it has various associated health and climate risks. The concentrations of these emissions in our atmosphere pose several threats to all people due to acid rain, smog. The consequences are increasingly evident in our daily lives.

The amount of energy consumed by modern society is astounding. Most electronic devices need to be charged and powered; this power needs to be generated. But most of this electricity generated globally is still fossil-fuel based, with only a small percentage generated through renewable sources such as water and wind.

Another health risk associated with the burning of fossil fuels is climate change. With an increase in CO2 build up, solar radiation energy is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere and being redirected back to the Earth. Its warming effect is creating consequences on climate and weather patterns.

But, thankfully, the consumption and demand of fossil fuels is changeable and preventable. By making use of alternatives, we will decrease our dependency on fossil fuels, and, simultaneously, significantly reduce its many risks. Renewable energy technologies produce significantly lower emissions than traditional power generation technologies.

If we live wastefully, it means more resources are needed and fossil fuels burned in the manufacturing process. But if sustainable practices are implemented, your carbon footprint will undoubtedly shrink.

But why is ZeDay important?

The growth in global C02 emissions from fossil fuels over the past five years being four times greater than for the preceding 10 years. This means that action of Zero Emissions day has never been more needed than right now.

This day is inspired by the awareness that earth civilizations have been accelerating exceptionally fed by the consumption of our finite fossil fuel resources. Unfortunately this hasn't stopped for over two centuries. This day assists in being aware of our consumption of fossil fuels and its negative impacts. For example, electricity derived primarily from fossil fuels is one of the world’s largest contributors to air emissions. Consequently it leads to i.e. smog, acid rain, and climate change. It's all about individual awareness and being mindful in the choices we make. People have a tendency to automatically turn things on and it is sometimes difficult to turn things off but going a day without using fossil fuel energy can definitely be profoundly transformative.

Four guidelines for ZeDay are proposed:

1. Don’t use or burn oil or gas or coal.

The ZED organisation urges people to go back to the basics by powering down. If you need to travel a long distance, try to go there the day before. It is important to structure your life beforehand so that you can easily transition to a day of not turning things on.

2. Minimize (or eliminate) your use of electricity generated by fossil fuels.

The organisation says that “our fossil fuels are our inheritance and yet we are spending them like there is no tomorrow. We can see a time when there will not be enough anymore”. Contemplate and actualize alternative sources of energy.

3. Don’t put anyone in harm’s way: All essential and emergency services operate normally.

Since fossil fuels power civilization, the ZED moratorium applies to everything nonessential.

4. Most importantly, do your best, have fun, and enjoy the day!

These guidelines will assist in making the day a success. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake and forget to turn things off. Just go back to your original intention for the day. But most importantly, have fun and enjoy the day. Mother Nature will sure smile at you!

(Source: Zero Emissions Day Organisation).

More families and communities have voluntarily declared Zero Emissions Days and have participated all year round. By participating in ZeDay, it will not only have a positive impact on people, but also the environment. Thus spread the important word via social media and encourage family and friends to also do their bit for our beautiful planet by, for example, making use of renewable energy technologies or using their cars less! Go to website http://zeroemissionsday.org/ and share it via social media.

Here are several ways to reduce emissions in your own life:

· The best course of action is to invest in green power, such as wind or solar energy.

· You can also conserve electricity by buying energy efficient appliances, turning off the light when you are not in the room, turn off items completely instead of leaving them on standby mode, washing with full loads on low temperatures, using outdoor solar powered lights and using long-lasting LED light bulbs.

· Choose to bike, walk, or take public transportation to work.

· The way you drive does impact the amount of fuel your car needs to run. Plan your errands in one trip and don’t make unnecessary, multiple trips to the same area.

Conclusion

Even though the planet needs more help than on one day of the year, it is still a great reminder of all the ways to reduce emissions. If you even care remotely about the health and wellbeing of Mother Nature, then you will wholeheartedly celebrate this important day on the environmental calendar. It would be universally beneficial for all to participate in this important environmental day!

The ZED organisation is of the belief that “since we are all in this together and realistically all responsible for the welfare of our planet, it's time to co-create our future”. So the message is simple: Give Mother Nature a break on Zero Emissions Day and take some pressure of her. Enjoy the mindfulness and the discipline of not automatically turning on light switches and appliances for one day. We have to collectively take care of our planet. So, do your share; our beautiful Earth is counting on ALL of us!