While many modern dicoveries have added o the growing problem of exessive levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere,modern technology can alsohelp us to save trees and burn less fossil fuel as well. The Internet has been positive for humankind in so many ways, and it will be key to achieving our planfor carbon neutrality.
We can do many of our tasks, errands, and information gathering expeditions online to save trees, gas, money, and time. Think of all the gas we save by logging on instead of driving.
Millions of us are taking advantage of the convenience the Internet offers. The recent advent of the Internet makes it easy for us to simplify our lives and reduce our reliance on vehicles by using our computers to shop, send a gift, pay bills, or book a trip,without ever leaving home!
Paying bills and banking online has become a reality that many of us enjoy. We can pay almost any bill we have, from utilities to credit cards and utility bills, online. This eliminates paper, stamps, and the drive to the post office to mail in our payment.
Most employers offer direct deposit too, so you can have your paycheck automatically deposited into your bank account and save your car and yourself an extra trip.
Many banks even offer incentives for those opting for paper-saving direct deposits. Additional time can be saved by setting up auto bill pay through our bank accounts, which allows for bills to be paid automatically—you specify the amount and date. All you have to do is remember to deduct it from your account!
Looking up phone numbers and addresses is also easy to do online and hasmade paper phone books virtually obsolete. Several online “phone books” exist, so you can quickly find a business or person. Recycle those bulky paper-and oil consuming phone book dinosaurs and request to stop their delivery.
You can also save portions of rainforest by re-evaluating the catalogs,magazines, and newspapers that arrive at your home. You can read many of these online, which saves paper as well as delivery-transportation and subscription costs. For those favorite magazines you just have to hold in your hands, be sure to recycle them or pass them on to a friend after you’ve finished reading them.
Most of us would be happy if we stopped receiving junk mail, and the rainforests would be much better off. A simple phone call or short note can keep unwanted postal ads from clogging your mailbox.
Write to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, 6 East 43rd St., NY, NY 10017, and askthem to remove your name from mailing lists, or contact the Stop Junk MailAssociation at (800) 827-5549. The Simple Living Network also offers abooklet, “Stop Junk Mail Forever,” available by calling (800) 318-5725.
One of the most fun things to do online is to shop. The plethora of online retailers makes it simple to do comparison shopping, thereby eliminating the need to drive from store to store and saving you gas and time.
Do keep in mind, however, that buying online from local merchants rather han those far away is the greenest way to go. Having your product shipped from a closer location cuts down on transportation-related costs, including CO2 emissions. In addition, request ground shipments rather than air to further reduce emissions generated by your purchase.
If you’re buying a gift, you can have itsent directly to the recipient, so you won’t even have to stand in line at the post office. Most companies will gift wrap your purchase too.
Last and certainly not least, telecommuting one or more days per week is a tremendously efficient use of thevInternet, especially if an employee works far away from their home.
Indeed, converting many of your errands to computer-based instead of car based jobs can go a long way toward cooling the planet!
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.