11 Actions We Can Choose To Better Our Shared Environment
Did you already set some personal goals, and maybe some professional ones to pursue in 2022? Your thoughts may also have drifted to the larger news that engulfs us these days about the environment. Well, it’s no different here at Moondust Cosmetics® – where our passion is skin care in the sun and the environment we all live, work and play in that affects our overall health and our skin care directly.
Yet, along with our shared concerns for our beautiful planet we’re also on alert for what we can DO to help protect our global home and come out fresh and strong into the New Year
In a recent interview posted on Moondust’s YouTube channel, Dr. Moondust, founder and primary researcher at Moondust Cosmetics® answers questions about actions we can take in our quest to move forward on our environmental awareness.
Which one of her suggestions are you already practicing?
Which action would you like to begin next?
Q. So, we’re barreling into another year. In terms of environmental events, COP26 is behind us, but CLIMATE CHANGE remains top of mind for us. What have you to say about the outlook ahead, Dr. Moondust?
A. It’s time to reflect a little on some of last year’s events and put them in context – devastating wildfires in the summer, deadly floods in the fall, and the continuing CoV pandemic. What’s going on? Well, there’s no scientific doubt that we’re at the forefront of climate-change!
Q. So, what can we do about it and how can we change our actions as individuals this year?
A. Well, actually, I’ve made a little Climate Action List. And, even though, you may say “I can’t do that one”, you can make your voice heard about these topics. You can make choices.
Q. Ok – let’s have it!
#1 – Stop our reliance on fossil fuels and switch to hydrogen powered cars; hydrogen cars and vehicles have zero carbon emission because hydrogen car technology combines hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen and the resulting chemical reaction generates electricity. The only byproduct is water. (I’ve placed an order for my first hydrogen car is on order!)
Q. Now, that’s exciting.
A. Yes, they only release the cars as they know there’s enough hydrogen in the city to service all the vehicles they’ve put on the roads. There are also the options of walking, biking, and public transport to minimize car use.
#2 – Halt deforestation in the world’s old growth rainforests and jungles like in Indonesia and the Amazon. Deforestation is the human-driven conversion of a forest to other land-use like farming and habitation. Trees utilize carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and store carbon - old growth forests store the most carbon.
#3 – Deforestation in primary forests and jungles displaces and destroys myriads of animal and plant species, which could hold potential cures for new diseases that may appear in the future. It also increases the likelihood of future pandemics by bringing humans into contact with wildlife. Indigenous peoples have helped to protect and preserve these species in their native habitats.
#4 – Population control and food security must be an essential part of any intelligent conversation about climate-change. Humans have overpopulated the planet and the earth can no longer support our needs. We are exhausting all the natural resources such as land, water, and minerals.
Q. Ok, so we should give thought to our ideas about reproduction as a family.
A. Very simply, if every couple has two children, it keeps the population the same.
#5 - Plastics are not biodegradable and are difficult to recycle. So, it is better to avoid their use whenever possible. Plastics are clogging the world’s seas and oceans and can contribute to warming by absorbing sunlight.
Q. So, to counter this, I personally am also food shopping for example for items with little or no plastic packaging. But it could be as simple as a first step of avoiding using plastic bags and taking my cloth, or at least reusable bags, wherever I go.
A. That’s right.
#6 – Unsustainable logging without annual quotas and re-planting is irresponsible and contributes to global warming. However, wood is a valuable biodegradable and recyclable material, so the lumber industry should be approached as tree farming, but old growth rain forests and jungles should be left standing to absorb carbon.
#7 – Nuclear energy is not clean or green because uranium mines are toxic to the environment. These mines expose animals, plants, and humans to radiation that is usually harmless because it is buried deep within the earth. Mining operations also often pollute waterways with radioactivity.
#8 – Nuclear energy (including that from last/next generation nuclear fission reactors) is not clean or green because it produces radioactive waste, which can cause cancer in humans. It also pollutes the environment and affects other species.
#9 – Renewable energy sources are the cleanest and greenest choices available to us. They include wind, water, and solar power. Hydrogen power and fusion energy are also promising future candidates.
Q. So, if I’m a speculator who is environmentally conscious, I’m likely investing in clean energy stocks?
A. Right. And, I’m reducing my exposure to petroleum, while totally avoiding stocks involving nuclear (fission) energy.
#10 – Some scientists say going vegetarian and non-dairy is an important way to fight climate-change. They blame excessive methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle. It also seems cruel to raise animals for meat in an indoor industrial setting.
Q. Well, I’m almost vegetarian as like many, I’ve shifted to a plant based diet in pursuit of health, and more compassion these days.
A. I am vegetarian – it’s a personal choice, but there’s always more to consider. This year, a vegan friend brought it to my attention that the dairy industry exploits animals in the same way as the meat industry.
Q. Now most lists seem to stop at 10, Dr. Moondust, but you have one more point for us!
#11 – Finally, nuclear weapons and modern warfare are contrary to climate action because they pollute the environment. In fact, there needs to be an end to all wars so that our economic resources can be pooled towards fighting climate change and aiding the most vulnerable nations.
Q. Ok, so in terms of signing on for active military duty…your take is….
A. I think I’m going to go with Conscientious Objector.
These are some of Dr. Moondust’s ideas on actions we can take – to feel a bit less helpless and more helpful in the fight for better conditions to slow climate change.
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