The Biggest Problems We Face (And Some Solutions)

Going Green is on a mission to utilize digital media and mass communications to educate people about the problems we are facing with climate change, and share information about how we can utilize sustainable and clean technology to help solve the problems we face. We took all of our articles, research, interviews, and episodes and put together some easy to digest information about the biggest problems we face (and some solutions).

We have spoken with hundreds of scientists, CEOs, and experts in the clean tech space, all with the goal to learn about what they are working on, and how the average person can step in and make a difference. From finance, to real estate, to media, to technology, there are people around the world working tirelessly behind the scenes to create systems and infrastructure to make the world a more sustainable space.

Energy

Problem: Right now, we are in a phase where we are primarily utilizing fossil fuels to provide the energy needed to run the world. This includes the energy to keep our lights on, produce our food, and transport us to the places we need to go.

In 2019, renewable energy sources accounted for about 11% of total U.S. energy consumption and about 17% of electricity generation.

Solution: One thing that every person can do to help solve this problem is to invest their money in renewable energy sources. We have spoken with financial institutions that invest in a variety of sustainable and clean tech funds, and you can start for as low as $100.

You can invest in solar for your home, which will save you money in the long term as well as limit your need for using energy off of the grid.

Transportation

Problem: Right now, only 2.2% of our cars are electric, meaning 97.8% are gas consuming vehicles around the world. With the amount of driving we do as a planet, a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, and there are approximately 1.2 billion cars on the road today.

It is easy to see how much carbon dioxide goes into the atmosphere every single day when you look at these numbers.

Solution: While not everyone can afford to buy an electric vehicle at the flip of a switch, there are solutions out there. The next time you are looking to replace your car, think about going electric, or at least hybrid. Electric vehicle companies are offering more products and cost-effective solutions.

In the mean time, if you can, try to eliminate the amount of driving you do, either by walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation.

Real Estate

Problem: The buildings we live and work in consume a lot of energy. There are ways we can make them more energy efficient.

Solution: There are a variety of companies that are working hard to create energy efficient systems for residential and commercial buildings. The major areas of energy consumption in buildings are heating, lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning—46% of total building energy.

On the Going Green podcast, we spoke with companies that are utilizing natural light to eliminate the need for lighting. We spoke with companies that are creating windows that dim and change based on the amount of light hitting them. We spoke with companies that are changing the power grid to maximize efficiency and energy use. We spoke with LEEDs cofounder to learn about how buildings can be proactive in making an entire building more energy efficient. We spoke with companies that make smart thermostats that turn off the AC when there is no one working or living in the space.

Take a listen to some of the podcast episodes, and see what you can do to make your home and office more energy efficient.

Plastic

Problem: We are producing over 300 million tons of plastic every year, 50% of which is for single-use purposes. Only 20% of plastic is recycled. Americans are consuming water from disposable plastic bottles at a rate of more than 70 million bottles each day. If you take a moment to look around, no matter where you are, there is plastic garbage. That plastic ends up in the oceans, and in our food chain, and then ends up in us.

People across the world unwittingly consume roughly 5 grams of plastic each week in the course of daily life, or about the weight of a credit card.

Solution: Eliminating plastic from your life is a big challenge, but something everyone can get started doing. Start by buying a reusable water bottle, as well as reusable shopping bags. Also, when you are shopping and buying things, pay attention to the amount of plastic that comes with every purchase. Ask yourself if you really need that product, and continue this process. Over the course of time, this will add up, especially if everyone makes a conscious effort to make a difference.

The Biggest Takeaway

The biggest thing you can do is educate yourself about the problems we are facing, and be proactive in your life about making small changes to your day to day routine. In addition to the solutions listed above, you can vote for local and national politicians that are working to make the planet more green. There are countless organizations you can support, businesses that are providing green solutions, and information available to continue your path to education.

At Going Green, we create content to help educate people about the problems we are facing, and share the stories of people who are making a difference.

Please share our content, and support our podcasts, and help us spread the word. If we can educate one person a day to make a difference, we will be happy.