Assessing Methane’s Potency and Long-Term Effects on the Environment

by Kat Sarmiento

When talking about climate change and/or global warming, the greenhouse effect is inevitably brought to the table. The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that happens in order to sustain life on Earth. However, a notable increase in the concentration of greenhouse gasses (GHG) due to various and innovative human activities creates an imbalance on the planet. 

And when asked about greenhouse gasses, the most common answer would be carbon dioxide (CO2). It is a fact that carbon dioxide can be considered as the primary greenhouse gas as it occurs naturally in Earth’s carbon cycle. Beyond this type of gas that is almost known to all, is another harmful contributor to global warming. Often overlooked, even by rule-makers themselves, is methane (CH4). 

If you are not that familiar with the topic yet or simply want to learn more about it, this article is perfect for you!

All About Methane

Methane (CH4) is the second most abundant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO2). It is also one of the fastest-growing greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere as human-related activities cause two-thirds of methane emissions.

In addition, methane has more than 80x warming power than carbon dioxide. It accounts for about 20% of global emissions, and 30% of global warming since they started to keep records in the 1980s. As a matter of fact, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration observed that even when the pandemic lockdowns caused a deceleration in carbon dioxide emissions, the emissions of methane in the atmosphere shot up.

The Global Methane Budget, which is the most recent comprehensive assessment of methane emissions yet, suggests that about 580 million tonnes is the yearly global CH4 emission. This includes both natural sources of around 40%, and anthropogenic emissions, or those which originate from human activity, take up the remaining 60%. Agriculture is the biggest anthropogenic source, followed by the energy sector, which includes coal, oil, natural gas, and biofuels emissions.

Effects and Impacts of Methane Emissions

On the Environment 

As it is the second biggest contributor to trapping the heat within the planet needlessly, the mere presence of methane in the atmosphere can affect the concentration of other greenhouse gasses. And through oxidization—the process of methane leaving the atmosphere—water vapor and carbon dioxide are formed. This shows that methane does not only contribute to global warming directly but also indirectly.

Global warming, a byproduct of climate change, leads to these: hotter temperatures, more droughts and heat waves, melting of ice sheets and glaciers, and disruption of the ecological equilibrium.

On Health 

Methane is the primary contributor to the creation of a hazardous air pollutant called ‘ground-level (tropospheric) ozone.’ Although methane does not cause direct harm to our health, the Climate & Clean Air Coalition reported that the ozone is responsible for causing a million premature respiratory deaths annually—about half of such deaths are caused by methane.

Poorer air quality equates to poorer quality of life, not just for humans but also for other living things who rely on this element. Aside from respiratory-related diseases and deaths, it can also lead to heart complications and mind development.

What can we do?

Despite the looming effects of increased methane emissions, there is a silver lining to this. Because however powerful the greenhouse gas methane may be, it is short-lived (12 years) compared to carbon dioxide’s range of 300 to 1000 years. Thus, achieving significant reductions would also create a significant effect on warming potential in the atmosphere. 

Although some studies have shown that international policies built around climate action are still lacking regarding methane emissions, now is the time to make its importance known.

Stated below are some of the actions and initiatives we can take to reduce our methane emissions:

• Raise awareness about the scale and impact of methane emissions.
• Make the corporations and businesses responsible. Yes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); No to greenwashing.
• Upgrade equipment used in producing, storing, and transporting oil and natural gas to avoid or detect leaks that contribute to CH4 emissions.
• Modify animal feeding practices and manure management strategies in the agriculture industry.
• Shift towards plant-rich diets or embracing alternatives of protein.
• Invest in studies, new technologies, or reform existing systems into a more sustainable one.
• Curb flares from oil wells or coal mines, and capture the methane for later use by installing new technologies or applying sustainable practices.
• Capture landfill CH4 for conversion to renewable energy during waste management.

On a bigger scale, more than 100 countries have taken on the Global Methane Pledge, along with the support of various organizations. There’s the Paris Agreement, the Global Methane Initiative, and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) too. 

Conclusion

Albeit it is important to tackle those issues in the frontline, this article shows as a reminder to not forget the supporting acts as well. Just like methane, even though they are far behind carbon dioxide by numbers, their accompanying solutions can be as revolutionary as well. Especially in climate action, where time is essential and every effort matters.

About the author

Kat writes articles with the hopes of reaching out to more people. Her writing is focused on lifestyle, science, and smart hacks, that will definitely (well, hopefully) be useful to her readers.

The post Methane’s Climate Footprint appeared first on Warm Heart World.

The Consequences of Global Warming on Agriculture:

Global warming has resulted in an array of changing weather conditions, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall patterns. These shifts have significant consequences for farmers worldwide, directly affecting crop yields, soil quality, and agricultural practices. The repercussions are felt across the entire food supply chain, from reduced harvests and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases to decreased food quality and increased price volatility.

Impact on Soil Quality:

One critical consequence of global warming is the degradation of soil quality. Extreme weather events can lead to erosion, nutrient loss, and increased soil compaction. Additionally, rising temperatures accelerate the decomposition of organic matter, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further exacerbating the greenhouse effect. These factors collectively threaten the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems, making it imperative to find innovative solutions.

Biochar: A Sustainable Soil Amendment:

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from organic waste through a process called pyrolysis, holds significant promise as a sustainable soil amendment. When incorporated into the soil, biochar improves its physical, chemical, and biological properties, fostering nutrient retention, enhancing water holding capacity, and promoting microbial activity. Moreover, biochar has a unique ability to sequester carbon, helping to mitigate climate change by locking carbon in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years.

Training Farmers in Biochar Production and Usage:

To unlock the full potential of biochar, it is crucial to educate and train farmers on its production and usage. Training programs can provide farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively produce biochar from locally available organic waste materials. They can also learn how to properly apply biochar to their fields, optimizing its benefits for soil health and crop productivity.

By incorporating biochar into their agricultural practices, farmers can not only improve soil fertility but also mitigate the negative impacts of global warming. Biochar acts as a carbon sink, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions and helping to restore the carbon balance in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the use of biochar reduces the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, thereby minimizing the environmental impact associated with conventional farming practices.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Agriculture:

Addressing the consequences of global warming on agriculture and securing our future food supply requires collaborative efforts from governments, research institutions, and the agricultural community. Governments can support farmers through subsidies and incentives to adopt biochar-based practices. Research institutions can conduct further studies on biochar’s efficacy, identifying best practices and optimizing production techniques. Finally, organizations and NGOs can play a crucial role by disseminating knowledge and providing training programs to farmers, empowering them to harness the potential of biochar effectively.

Conclusion

Global warming poses significant challenges to farmers and the stability of our food supply chain. However, by harnessing the power of biochar, we can work towards a sustainable future. Training farmers in biochar production and usage can lead to improved soil health, increased crop productivity, and reduced carbon emissions. With collaborative efforts, we can empower farmers worldwide to adapt to changing weather conditions, mitigate the consequences of global warming, and build resilient agricultural systems capable of ensuring food security for generations to come.

The post Biochar: Empowering Farmers to Combat the Consequences of Global Warming appeared first on Warm Heart World.

by Kat Sarmiento

It’s becoming increasingly important for all companies to take responsibility for their impact on the environment and strive for a more sustainable future.

One way we can achieve this is through embracing the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

By following its framework, companies can make informed decisions that both reduce their environmental footprint and create positive change.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how various businesses worldwide are making the effort in applying TCFD recommendations to help drive long-term sustainability in a variety of industries.

Read on to know more about the Task Force’s recommendations and other actions towards achieving a greener planet.

Governance

In today’s world, there is no doubt that climate change has become a pressing issue that organizations cannot turn a blind eye to. In order to address this challenge effectively, it is imperative for companies to disclose their governance around climate-related risks and opportunities. This includes the identification, analysis, and management of these risks, which help in offering transparency and accountability to stakeholders.

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) has been instrumental in setting a framework for companies to achieve this task.

By embedding disclosure of climate-related risks into their mainstream financial filings, organizations can create a more comprehensive picture of their operations and help investors make better decisions. Ultimately, this can benefit everyone and help in making the shift towards a more sustainable future.

Strategy

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, forward-thinking organizations are taking proactive measures to understand and mitigate climate-related risks and capitalize on potential opportunities.

One such approach is the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which provides a framework for companies to disclose the actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities on their business strategies.

By embracing the TCFD’s recommendations, organizations can not only better manage their environmental risks, but also position themselves for success in a world where sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in business operations.

Risk Management

As climate change continues to shape the world we live in, it has become increasingly important for organizations to be transparent about how they are identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related risks.

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) was developed to provide a framework for organizations to do just that. By following the TCFD guidelines, companies can gain a deeper understanding of the potential risks and opportunities that climate change presents and take proactive steps to mitigate these risks.

By being open and transparent about their climate-related risks, organizations can build trust with stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.

Metrics and Targets

As the world becomes more aware of the real and imminent threats posed by climate change, investors have begun to demand more transparency and accountability from companies in managing their environmental impacts.

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) was set up to provide a framework for companies to disclose the metrics and targets they use to assess and manage relevant climate-related risks and opportunities.

By doing so, companies can provide investors with the information they need to make informed decisions about their future investments. This is not just a matter of corporate social responsibility but also a key factor in protecting the long-term financial stability of companies and the wider economy.

TCFD for Financial Groups

The Task Force created guidance for the financial sector, divided into four major industries based on their activities: banks (lending), insurance companies (underwriting), asset managers (asset management), and asset owners (investing), including public- and private-sector pension plans, endowments, and foundations.

These disclosures could enable an early assessment of climate-related risks and opportunities, improve pricing, and encourage informed capital allocation.

TCFD for Non-Financial Groups

The Task Force created extra help for non-financial industries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions, energy, and water use. The industries were categorized into four groups based on similar climate-related risks: Energy, Materials and Buildings, Transportation, and Agriculture, Food, and Forest Products.

Although this guide focuses on a portion of non-financial industries, similar organizations may benefit from reviewing its contents.

Wrap up

TCFD recommendations provide an excellent framework to drive lasting change in the industries that are the most impacted by climate change.

When these recommendations are practiced, technology and innovation can be used to minimize emissions and other hazards associated with a warming world.

Companies and investors have a unique opportunity to revolutionize the way we protect our planet – but it will require global leadership and determination. With continued investment as well as meaningful collaboration between stakeholders, there is no question that this is an achievable goal.

Together we can create a more sustainable future, ensuring the wellbeing of everyone on this planet for decades to come.

Every action counts.

By taking small steps in our day-to-day lives that align with TCFD’s guidance, we can make a difference together.

Start today by asking yourself what your company can do today to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable earth.

The post From Disclosure to Action: Using TCFD Recommendations to Drive Sustainable Change appeared first on Warm Heart World.

A Sustainable Solution

Our primary goal is to reduce international world poverty one community at a time. Warm Heart works with small holder farmers in developing countries to teach them how to make biochar from their crop waste, improving the soil and increasing crop production.

Zero Hunger

Biochar has been proven to be an effective way of combatting hunger and malnutrition in developing countries. It helps improve the soil, increase crop production, and provide a sustainable source of income for small holder farmers. The biochar produced can also be used as fuel or fertilizer, reducing the need for expensive imports from other countries.

Tackling Climate Change Head On

We are taking steps to combat climate change, reduce air pollution, and help communities grow through our process of making biochar. This reduces smoke from open field crop burning, while also sequestering carbon when used by farmers in their agricultural practices.

Empowering women farmers

We are committed to gender equality and our training of woman farmers helps level the field in agriculture, providing an opportunity to improve their sustainable livelihoods.

Giving Everyone a Chance

When sustainable increased income is brought into a community, it reduces the inequities of poverty. Empowering these communities with resources and knowledge helps to build strength and resilience.

Ripple Effect

By investing in communities a positive ripple effect extends far beyond just one community. This ripple effect can have far-reaching impacts on poverty reduction, economic development, and environmental protection.

Good Health and Well-Being for All

Our programs address health issues related to agricultural pollution, helping to combat hunger and build healthy communities. We provide access to clean water sources and better nutrition, as well as education and training on sustainable farming practices.

Education for Lasting Change

Our projects focus on education. We provide generational access to education, beginning with the children, so that local communities can become empowered with the knowledge and resources necessary for sustainable change.

Warm Heart Worldwide is dedicated to making a real difference in international poverty by investing in communities and helping them to become more self-sufficient.

We believe in creating strong and resilient communities that can face the future challenges of climate change. We work with local communities to ensure they have the resources and skills they need to build sustainable livelihoods and live better lives.

Make A Better World

With your help, we can make a better world for all. Your donation will go towards helping us provide resources and support for local communities, so they can create lasting change in their lives and in their communities. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against poverty.

Every donation counts in making a global impact. With your help, we are able to help individuals and communities in developing countries break the cycle of poverty and help them achieve their dreams.

The post International Poverty Relief appeared first on Warm Heart World.

By adopting a more eco-friendly lifestyle, homeowners can make a big difference in the battle to help protect the planet.

But what does eco-friendly actually mean? To put it simply, being eco-friendly means causing no harm to the planet. For a homeowner, it means thoughtfully selecting and purchasing products that cause the least harm to the planet and creating new habits that promote a healthier lifestyle. 

We’ve researched nearly two dozen ways you can put your eco-friendly values into action as a homeowner this year. Some of these ideas are quick and easy and free. They simply require a shift in conventional thinking or change in habit to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Others are more involved – including a few home improvement projects that require a financial investment.

Eco-Friendly Home Improvements

Home warranty customers are generally up-to-speed on the improvements your home needs – and more likely to take on projects to help their home get even better. When you start a home improvement project, it’s smart to ask about eco-friendly products and options. 

Finding products that help preserve the planet’s resources go a long way toward living in a more eco-friendly home. Some eco-friendly improvements are easier than others to implement. Some are simple inexpensive do-it-yourself jobs while others require more research and the expertise of contractors.

1. Use a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats are a wise investment and a great way to kick off a more eco-friendly approach to home ownership. They are relatively inexpensive, readily available, and easy to install. Smart thermostats will also save you money on your heating and cooling bills. 

Smart thermostats, not to be confused with programmable thermostats, are WiFi-based devices that can be operated through your smartphone. They range in price from about $60 to $300 for high-end models. Using sensors or geo-fencing technology, they will adjust your settings while you’re away. A smart thermometer with Energy Star approval will save you about $50 per year – and even more in climates with extreme cold or heat.

2. Add solar panels

Adding solar panels to your home is an expensive endeavor, but definitely worth researching. Solar power is a renewable energy resource that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, significantly reducing our reliance on traditional fuel sources with a more substantial carbon footprint. 

Now is an especially good time to consider adding solar panels because of increased tax credits authorized through the Inflation Reduction Act. Through 2032, homeowners can receive a 30% tax credit, offsetting your total cost.

The average cost of solar system installation in the United States is about $25,000, according to experts at EcoWatch. That means the average time it takes to break even on your solar investment is eight to 10 years. 

3. Switch to LED lightbulbs

LED light bulbs are a quick, easy, and affordable way to improve your home’s eco-friendliness. These bulbs use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 15 times longer. That’s a lifetime savings of $55 on a single bulb. 

If every U.S. household replaced just one incandescent bulb with an Energy Star-certified LED, the U.S. government estimates we’d save 7 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year – the same amount produced by 690,000 cars.  

Once criticized for their harsh bluish lighting, LED bulbs are now available in warmer tones. They are also sold in a wide variety of sizes to fit everything from desk lamps to candelabras. Prices now start at just $1.

4. Add double- or triple-glazed windows

Most modern homes have double-glazed windows, also known as double-pane windows. These windows are constructed with two pieces of glass with a cushion of insulation between them – typically argon gas. Triple-glazed, or triple-pane, windows are considered an upgrade, composed of three pieces of glass with insulating gas between each piece.

Older homes that have never had their windows replaced may have single-pane windows, which do not provide much protection from the heat or cold. Upgrading to double-pane windows is a smart idea, saving on heating and cooling, which are a huge drain on fossil fuels.

The case for upgrading to triple-pane windows is more nuanced. They may be a good fit for climates with extreme heat or cold, though how long you plan to stay in your home is another factor to take into consideration.

Now is a great time to replace windows because they are included in the 30 percent tax credit being offered by the federal government’s Inflation Reduction Act through 2032. Plug your ZIP code into the government’s Energy Star Rebate Finder to search for additional local and state rebates.

5. Switch to energy-efficient appliances

When it comes to appliances, the most eco-friendly choice is to use the appliances you have until it’s no longer feasible to repair them. That’s where home warranties can help out by defraying the cost of repairs and helping you get the most life out of your home appliances.

However, when it is time to replace an appliance, look for appliances with the Energy Star designation. Through 2032, Energy Star appliances are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit authorized through the Inflation Reduction Act. 

6. Get a water filter

Water filters are an eco-friendly way to curb the purchase of bottled water, a major source of damage to the planet. There are three basic styles of filters to consider: a whole-house filter, a single-source faucet style and a filtered pitcher. 

Before purchasing a filter, check your water supplier’s Consumer Confidence Report, which is a federally mandated report card on your water. It lists the contaminants that may be in your drinking water and the health risks they pose, which will better inform your choice of water filter system. Match the type of filter your purchase with the type of impurities you are most concerned about. 

A whole-house water filtration system is an investment, costing as much as $5,000 or more depending on type and brand. It filters all the water coming into your home. A faucet filter is far more affordable and filters the water coming from a single spigot, such as your kitchen sink. Prices range from $200 to $1,000. A filtered water pitcher is by far the cheapest option. Prices run in the $30 to $50 range.

7. Insulate your home

Insulation is another category of eco-friendly home improvement included in the federal government’s newly enhanced 30% tax credit. Consider insulating with some of the newer sustainable materials, such as denim, hemp and stone mineral wool, for an even greater boost to the environment. A word of caution: If you own an older home, make sure your contractor tests for asbestos, a cancer causing material formerly used in insulation, before beginning any project.

8. Install sustainable flooring

Eco-friendly flooring choices are a growing segment of the industry. Look for materials that are sustainable, recycled or reclaimed. Other things to consider, however, are manufacturing methods, chemicals necessary for adhering the material to your floors, transportation distances and longevity of the product. Stay away from materials that emit volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, which can cause health problems.

One of the most popular sustainable options is bamboo, which is an easily grown and replenished resource. Reclaimed wood, cork and linoleum are other options to consider. If the mention of linoleum surprises you, it is indeed an eco-friendly product made of linseed oil and tree resins. Because of its natural properties, linoleum flooring is reemerging in popularity after being eclipsed by vinyl products in the 1960s and 70s. 

When replacing carpets, explore natural, sustainably grown fibers such as jute and wool. Avoid carpets that have been treated with chemicals.

9. Use eco-friendly paint and wallpaper

When painting your home, look for water-based paints that are labeled zero-VOC, which means they do not contain volatile organic compounds. VOCs emit potentially dangerous chemicals into the air, causing potential health risks, not to mention an overwhelming paint odor. 

When selecting paint, look for private sector certifications endorsed by the EPA, including Cradle to Cradle and Green Seal. As an alternative, consider eco-friendly chalk, milk and clay paints. Similar to paints, wallpapers can also emit VOCs. Avoid products containing polyvinyl chloride or PVC, which emit VOCs. Instead, look for wallpapers that are made from recycled or sustainable materials and use water-based inks instead of solvent-based.

10. Use an electric lawn mower instead of gas 

The most eco-friendly lawn mower is the old push reel mower. If you have a small, level yard, this might be a viable option. If not, electric mowers are the next best eco-friendly choice. 

Electric mowers have come a long way since their introduction and do not produce tail-pipe emissions as their gas-powered counterparts do. Gas-powered lawn mowers and other lawn-care equipment are a major source of pollution in the United States in the form of air pollution and spilled gasoline. Electric mowers, while not as powerful, are quieter, cheaper to run, and require less maintenance than their gas-fueled counterparts.  

11. Upgrade your toilet

Toilets are the single biggest source of water consumption in a home – nearly 30% – so it makes sense both environmentally and economically to replace older toilets.

Look for WaterSense-labeled toilets, which is an EPA designation given after testing both performance and efficiency. Don’t confuse these toilets with the first generation of water-saving toilets that often required double flushing. The WaterSense toilets reduce water consumption by  20% to 60%. If all toilets nationwide were replaced with WaterSense toilets, the EPA says, the U.S. would save 360 billion gallons of water – the same amount that flows over Niagara Falls in nine days.

12. Install a bidet

While more commonly found in Europe, bidets are gaining in popularity in the United States. Bidets save on the use of toilet paper and water used in the production of toilet paper. Bidets, which easily attach to your toilet, are relatively inexpensive, typically costing between $40 to $100.

13. Repair leaky plumbing

Save on your water bill and save a precious natural resource at the same time by repairing plumbing leaks as soon as possible. How can a few drips from a faucet be such a big deal? The EPA estimates water leaks nationwide amount to one trillion gallons of water lost. Per household, that’s nearly 10,000 gallons lost per year. 

Worn-out toilet flappers are a major cause of leaks and are a relatively simple do-it-yourself project. Worn out washers and gaskets are the guilty parties in faucet leaks. For shower head leaks, it might be time to tighten the connection between the pipe steam and the shower head. If you’re handy, watch a few online videos and tackle these projects yourself. If not, hire a plumber to check for leaks. Repair them all at once to save on service call fees.

Eco-friendly lifestyle changes 

Altering your everyday habits to reflect a more eco-friendly way of life can be a challenge, but well worth the effort when multiplied by millions of households across the planet. The bonus for being a good eco citizen is this: being green almost always means saving some green.

1. Wash clothes in cold water

Washing your clothes in cold water has multiple benefits. It conserves energy, and it’s gentler on your clothes – both of which are better for the planet. About 90% of the energy needed to run a load of laundry is used to heat the water. Less energy used means fewer carbon emissions.

According to the industry group Cold Water Saves, the average household that does 392 loads of laundry per year will spend only $20 on electricity using the cold cycle. The same household that uses the warm cycle will spend $220 on electricity. For households that use the hot/warm cycle, the cost is even higher: $280.

Hot water can also damage your clothes, causing them to prematurely end up in the landfill. Hot water is especially harsh on synthetics, weakening fibers and releasing microplastics into the water system, which is yet another danger to the planet.

2. Try reusable bags 

Single-use plastic bags, a petroleum-based product, are a major source of pollution. Governments have been slow to ban the bags, but corporate America is starting to lead the movement to phase out their use. Why not get ahead of the game?  

Not only do plastic bags take up precious energy resources to produce, but they are also a major threat to wildlife who mistakenly eat the bags, putting our food chain at risk. The World Wildlife Fund estimates people unknowingly ingest a credit card size amount of plastic every week.

If your intentions are good but you’re guilty of forgetting your reusable bags, make it a habit to keep a few in your vehicle. Many reusable bags now come in their own stuff sacks small enough to fit in your pocket. 

3. Recycle consistently and correctly

Americans overwhelmingly support recycling but don’t always recycle consistently or correctly. Check your recycling provider’s website for a list of accepted materials, which vary widely from town to town, often in the same county, depending on the market prices for recycling materials. If you’re not sure, throw the object out. Too much “wish-cycling” means the entire truckload of materials will be dumped at the landfill instead of recycled.

Go a step further and look for ways to recycle items beyond what’s offered curbside. Many locales accept electronics, paints, cleaning supplies, chemicals, textiles and batteries for recycling and proper disposal. Some shoe stores and clothing retailers offer textile recycling and give a discount on future purchases to promote their recycling efforts. Make a little money by taking scrap metals, such as your old appliances, to a scrap metal dealer.

4. Line-dry clothes

While a dryer is no doubt convenient, it’s a big drain on energy resources and hard on your clothing. All that lint you pull out of your dryer is fiber extracted from your clothing. Eventually, the clothing wears thin, ending up in the landfill. 

If you live in a neighborhood governed by a homeowners association, check the rules to see if a clothesline is permissible. If not, get creative. Use an indoor clothing rack set up near a ceiling fan or an open window. Hang quick-dry synthetics from a shower rod. When you must use the dryer, take advantage of sensor technology to limit drying times.

5. Use fewer paper towels 

Are you guilty of buying those giant bundles of paper towels because “you can never have too many”? It doesn’t have to be that way. Save your paper towels for those truly awful messes and use good old-fashioned rags for everything else. Unwanted T-shirts cut into squares make great clean-up rags. Wash and reuse them. Microfiber cloths are also a good substitute for paper towels. 

6. Try biodegradable household products

Household cleaners can be a source of harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals, but eco-friendly alternatives are available. Do your homework and don’t be fooled by the packaging. 

Product labels like “natural” or “green” may simply be advertising hype or green-washing. A good place to start your search for legitimate eco-friendly cleaning products is to look for certifications from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA runs two programs: Safer Choice and Design for the Environment. Both offer handy search engines. Seventh Generation, Ecos, Boulder, and even a select few Clorox and Lysol products have EPA certification.

Another thing to consider when purchasing household cleaners is their containers. The best choice is to look for products that are both EPA certified and come in reusable containers. A good example are Blueland products. Blueland cleaners come in tablet form that you dissolve in water in reusable glass spray bottles. 

A third avenue to consider is making your own cleaning products in reusable containers. There are multiple recipes available online using water, white vinegar, and baking soda. Citrus peel or essential oils work well to tone down the smell of the vinegar.

7. Compost your food scraps

Uneaten food is the single biggest contributor to our landfills, so why not divert all that waste by composting? Some areas of the country are starting to offer curbside composting services, just like recycling. 

Until that becomes more widespread, look for a compost drop-off site near you. Keep a kitchen compost bin on your counter or in your freezer until you’re ready to drop it off. 

If that sounds like too much work, look for a compost service that will pick up your food scraps on a weekly or semi-weekly basis. They provide the bucket. All you have to do is remember to set it out on pickup day. 

Backyard composting is an option for do-it-yourselfers. Set up a compost area in the back of your yard. You can build one with chicken wire to keep wildlife out or buy a ready-made container. 

8. Repair rather than buy new

Instead of immediately tossing things out and adding them to the landfill, consider mending or repairing items. 

Mending is a great way to extend the life of clothing. If your sewing skills are lacking, there’s a multitude of online videos to teach you. 

When something breaks, don’t automatically assume you need to replace it. Consider the age of the item and the estimated cost of the repair versus replacement. A quick online search may help with the diagnosis and suggested repairs. 

Community-based “Repair Cafes” are another resource. These volunteer-run groups offer free repairs on everything from Nerf guns to sewing machines. Visitors bring in their broken items and can use tools to fix items themselves or enlist the help of knowledgeable volunteers. While the bulk of the 2,500 cafes is in Europe, more than 100 operate in the United States.

9. Say no to single-use products

Think about how many items you use just once and throw away. Straws, water bottles, paper plates, plastic cutlery, zippered storage bags, foil, wax paper – and the list goes on. Eco-friendly swaps are available for all these items and many more. 

• Stop purchasing bottled water and fill your own reusable bottle. 
• Stainless steel, glass, bamboo, and silicone straws are great swaps for plastic straws. 
• Use real dishes and cutlery instead of paper and plastic versions. 
• Many substitutes are available for plastic bags and plastic food storage containers. 
• Use a cloth, silicone, and stainless versions, or reuse glass jars that would normally be recycled. 
• Keep a set of reusables in your vehicle so you can refuse single-use items in restaurants and drive-throughs. 
• A set of bamboo cutlery is lightweight and doesn’t take up a lot of room. 
• Bring your own container for leftovers.

Check Your carbon footprint 

Employing these tips to make your home more eco-friendly will reduce your carbon footprint. 

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gasses, including carbon dioxide, emitted by the actions of an individual, family, group, event or product. For example, your carbon footprint is the sum of emissions caused by your daily routine – how you get to work, what you eat, what you purchase, how much electricity you use, what you throw away, and so on. The more you consume, the larger your carbon footprint. 

Determining your exact carbon footprint is complex bu,t online carbon footprint calculators make it much easier to get an estimate. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calculator is quick and easy. It asks for your ZIP code, the number of people in your household, and a few lifestyle questions such as how many miles you put on your vehicle per year, how many miles your vehicle gets per gallon of gas, how much you pay on average for electricity and what types of items you regularly recycle. It also compares your carbon footprint to the average family of your size and offers suggestions on how you can lower your carbon footprint.

Why your carbon footprint matters

Your carbon footprint is an important score to know because it gauges how your way of life is affecting the planet. Use it to inform your decisions on future purchases such as vehicles, appliances, and other large consumers of fossil fuels. It’s also a great motivator for trying new things such as buying local produce or growing your own, composting food scraps and curbing the purchase of single-use disposables. When you know better, you can do better.

The post 22 Ways To Be a More Eco-Friendly Homeowner in 2023 appeared first on Warm Heart World.

March 31, 2023

Sylvester made it back safely from Blantyre (most of the bridges are washed out). “We delivered 675 kgs of corn flour (27bgs of 25), 100 pieces of blankets, 100 pieces of plastic sheets, 25 packs (sanitary pads) 50 plates and 32 buckets.” Sylvester delivered his official report (see below) on his team’s efforts to the District Council and confirm that the Lihaka group had been transitioned to a DoDMA relief partner. We will continue to follow the relief efforts and advise on our next steps.

Official Report March 30, 2023

Update

The number of people stranded on the hilltop has been reduced to 390. The other half found a place to stay with family and friends, and were able to be evacuated.

The remaining 390 people still have no place to go.

Sylvester is off to Blantyre to pick up essential food and supplies for our stranded families.

Once he has delivered this load, we plan to transition the 390 people over to a relief organization such as Oxfam.

Following this, we will start planning our next stage of support. We will provide biochar training sessions for families who are getting back to their land. We will still need help in assisting some families with their transition back home.

Update March 23

From Sylvester, our Warm Heart Country manager in Malawi:

“Hello family, today we managed to deliver 35 bags of 10kgs maize flour, 10 bags of 50 kgs Maize, salt, 3 cartons of soap, 2 bags Top Soy (relish) of 50 pieces each, 1 bag salt of 10 kgs, and 2 bags beans of 50kgs each.” We bought food in Phalombe. We met the representative of the camp including committee, they signed in the delivery note form confirming their receipt.

We crossed the river to reach the other side of the river bank where families are stranded and taking refuge in a school house.”

The situation there remains dire.

Sister Miriam Paulette, our Warm Heart Strategic Advisor, & Liaison in Malawi reported:

“No group has reached these groups apart from the Warm Heart team that’s why they were complaining that they have been sidelined just because the roads to their camps are impassable.”

In total, the people that we are feeding are those 776 who got stuck at Makuwa but now are camping at Lihaka. From this number, there are about 390 people that are in dire need,

Our friends and biochar partners in Malawi are working on helping the families in the area that have been devastated by Cyclone Freddy. Sylvester, one of our Country Managers writes:

March 18, 2023

Hello family, today we are spending a night at Migowi trading center. We didn’t manage to evacuate people from Makuwa to Matawa school because we arrived late due to bad roads but also local leaders from Makuwa school asked to meet us first before evacuating people.

Our initial plan was to move people to Migowi, but upon reaching Migowi, we found that Migowi is 20 kilometers away from where people of Makuwa were expected to dock their boats.

Instead, we traveled by motorcycle to meet two local leaders, representatives of Makuwa Camp together with local leaders from Matawa primary school where some other homeless people are camping there.

After discussions, the two sides agreed that only those that are in critical need should be allowed to relocate because the place is already occupied with others.

We learned that Makuwa school is one of camps that is overcrowded. Besides, the camp is not accessible by road. The one that used to be a road is now a big river.

As we were waiting for the representatives from Makuwa school, chiefs at Matawa asked us to check also another nearby camp sitting at the edge of a mountain. I could not imagine sailing on a river that used to be a road.

Water has overflowed everywhere. We passed maize and tobacco fields, they were all smelling badly as the crops are rotting in water.

Tomorrow, we are expected to start evacuating people from Makuwa.

Please donate today!

Malawi Emergency Relief Fund Through Global Giving Project

The post Disaster Relief Fund for Cyclone Freddy Victims appeared first on Warm Heart World.

We suffer two scourges: haze and social inequality. 

Are they connected? 

Yes. 

Must they be? 

No. 

Both the haze and social inequality that afflict the North can be dealt with in a single largely costless – indeed, profitable – way: empower the North’s millions of marginal smallholders to make biochar and sell the resulting carbon removal credits.

Every year – this year’s rains were exceptional – smoke blankets us. Here in Chiang Mai City, the source is forest fires; elsewhere the cause is crop (largely corn) waste burning. 

Unfortunately, to date, city folks concerned only about their own little world have led discussions of haze. Out there, it is the poor who suffer and the poor who cause the problem. 

Why? 

More than one half of our population is farmers of whom at least 40 percent live below the Thai poverty line. (National Statistical Office). These farmers cannot afford the tractors, rakes and bailers required to deal with the waste (78.2 percent of the total corn crop they produce). 

Without an alternative, they burn to prepare their fields for the next crop. Those of us in the valleys suffer; the farmers suffer more.

What to do?

Warm Heart has long favored teaching poor farmers to make biochar from their crop wastes and now to sell the resulting carbon removal credits.

What’s biochar? Who cares?

Biochar is super charcoal, made by heating any biomass (in our case, crop waste, branches pruned from orchard trees, etc.) very hot (500ᴼ to 650ᴼ C as opposed to 300ᴼ C for normal charcoal). 

This process requires no costly equipment, produces no haze emissions and very limited greenhouse gases (GHG) The process results in a pile of biochar equal to 40 percent of the carbon originally taken in by the plant through photosynthesis. 

Making biochar is, therefore, carbon negative, removing CO2 from the air. 

Because Thailand is doing so little to reduce its carbon footprint, large scale biochar production from crop waste – rather than open field burning it -would be nationally important. 

Besides cutting GHGs, the elimination of smoke from crop waste burning will eliminate a large portion of the haze suffered in the North, reduce hospitality industry costs by 12 billion baht a month for the three months of the smoke season, save thousands of lives, cut hospital admissions and reduce healthcare costs.

What about social inequality?

Our poor are farmers, and many are broke. There being no real alternative. It is hard, hot work to cut, bundle and – well, there is nothing to do with dead corn stalk. They burn it. 

Quite apart from the atmospheric and haze consequences of burning corn waste, poor farmers are destroying one of their only resources. 

Why? 

Because biochar is a powerful aid to agriculture. Biochar will reduce the acidity of our soils, make the soil more porous, retain huge amounts of water (important as we start what may be a decade of drought), improve soil fertility (CEC) and applied properly with manure or compost provides much needed organic matter and revitalizes the soil. 

These all mean greater yields at no cost. (Note, free, proper biochar fertilizer works as well as NPK – which has quadrupled in cost with the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.)

But what the poor need is money!

True, our standard definition of poverty is the lack of money. 

Today, however, farmers can not only improve climate change resilience and yields, but they can also make money. 

How? 

The West has finally woken up to climate change and is taking the IPCC’s recommendation that we must not only reduce carbon emissions but also remove carbon from the over-stuffed atmosphere. 

As a result, the value of certificates for the sequestration of atmospheric CO2 has shot up. Biochar is 80 percent immobile carbon. Use a unit of biochar in your field and sequester two units of CO2. 

Who will pay? 

Warm Heart, rechristened as Biochar.Life PLC, will buy sequestered CO2 for $75 per tonne. (Biochar.Life was the first organization in the world accredited to certify the biochar production of “artisan farmers.”)

Why talk about this now?

Biochar is no where in Thailand. 

In Africa, where we also work, we have paid more than $56,000 to the poorest farmers of Malawi and western Kenya, approximately $175 per farmer. ($175 equals almost 6,000 Thai Baht, the equivalent of one half the annual earnings of a rural, northern, farm household (3.9 people). (NSO). 

Think of the possibilities here in the North. 

We grow more than 60 percent of Thailand’s 5.5 million tonnes of corn kernel – and 3.3 million tonnes of waste. 

Today, farmers burn almost 50 percent of this (estimates run up to 90 percent). If farmers converted even 25 percent of the waste burned (12.5 percent of total waste or 412,500 tonnes) into biochar (assuming a 20% efficiency), they could eliminate almost 82.5 tonnes of PM2.5, the killer component of haze. (Lest this sound like just a bit, remember that 1 tonne of waste generates 6.26 kg of PM2.5 such that 82.5 tonnes of biochar equals more than 500,000 kg of PM2.5. A single kg of PM2.5 equals the smoke from 71,429 cigarettes. 

Removing the haze from 82.5 tonnes of corn waste would remove the equivalent of the smoke from almost 6,000,000 cigarettes from our air and would pay more than $6,000 into the rural economy.

So, again, what to do?

Train the poor, small farmers of the North to make biochar and to sell the credits they earn for sequestering CO2 to Biochar.Life. Offered the opportunity, it is hard to imagine that such a solution would not grow to include more farmers by itself – and at no cost to the government!

The post Must we continue to suffer haze and social inequality in the North? appeared first on Warm Heart World.

The post Top-Down Burn with Maize Stalks – Trials in Malawi appeared first on Warm Heart World.

Breaking news:  Biochar Life’s new accreditation sets the groundwork for pioneering collaboration with smallholder farmers in the battle against climate change.

Biochar Life, PBC, (“Biochar Life”) an impact venture of Warm Heart Worldwide (“Warm Heart”) is pleased to announce the completion of their European Biochar Certification (“EBC”) standard for tropical farmer accreditation audit with the Ithaka Institute.  Biochar Life is among the first organizations in the world to receive the new EBC “tropical farmer” accreditation.  It is now positioned to help smallholder (“SMH”) farmers throughout the world to reduce crop waste burning, slow climate change, clean the environment, improve public health and reduce their own poverty by selling carbon removal credits (c-sink credits) on global markets.

“We greatly appreciate the support and guidance of Dr. Hans-Peter Schmidt and the Ithaka Institute team,” shares Dr. Michael Shafer, co-founder of Warm Heart.  “The collaboration with the Ithaka Institute and obtaining the accreditation marks a major milestone for us and the 2.5 billion poor smallholder farmers who live beyond the fringe of development around the world.”  

Warm Heart’s journey with smallholder farmers and biochar started over six (6) years ago with the launch of it’s Stop-the-Smoke initiative.  The initiative focuses on encouraging smallholder farmers to produce biochar from their crop waste instead of open field burning it, and then to use the biochar to regenerate their soil or improve animal feed.  Open field burning generates huge quantities of greenhouse gas and killer PM2.5 (smoke) emissions.  Since the launch of the Stop-the-Smoke initiative, the leadership and volunteers of Warm Heart have trained over 10,000 farmers throughout countries in SE Asia and Africa to make and use biochar using environmentally sustainable methods.  

Developed by the Ithaka Institute, the European Biochar Certification standard is globally recognized by biochar producers who are committed to issuing science-based carbon-sink credits.  Over the past 12 months, the teams from Ithaka Institute and Warm Heart have collaborated to refine and pilot the standard in multiple countries.  As shared by Dr. Hans-Peter Schmidt, Director of the Ithaka Institute, “We believe the new adaptation and accreditation for tropical farmers addresses a critical need for an economically obtainable yet robust methodology and standard for smaller producers, such as smallholder farmers.”  

The new standard is a key component of Biochar Life’s solution which includes a wide range of biochar training programs for building and using different types of low-tech equipment and making and applying biochar in various ways. The solution includes a blockchain-enabled tracking platform and cell phone-based mobile app provided by strategic partner Task.io. The Task.io platform has been adapted specifically for the EBC standard.  Verified data submitted by independent verification teams in the field is recorded to the Stellar blockchain which provides immutable proof of biochar production and usage activities.  “Ultimately, we wanted to ensure a solution that is science-backed, and easy-to-understand and use. Bottom line, we want a system that is entirely transparent and makes us openly accountable to sellers, buyers and investors,” says Jason Highberger, Acting CEO of Biochar Life.

Press contact:  Jason Highberger, jason@biochar.life

About Ithaka Institute (https://www.ithaka-institut.org) 

The Ithaka Institute is an international open-source network for carbon strategies. It is a non-profit research foundation with the Headquarter in Europe having independent offices in Germany, the USA, and Nepal. In the last decade, Ithaka became a leading research collaboration for carbon sequestration and cycling through agronomic methods. The Institute is known for its expertise in production, post-production treatment, and use of biochar. Ithaka established the European Biochar Certificate and developed numerous biochar based products. They are engaged in several food security, soil fertility, and reforestation projects in Eastern Asia and Latin America.

About Warm Heart (https://warmheartworld.org) 

Strong communities make a better world.  Warm Heart is a grassroots community development organization serving the rural poor of the developing world for over 13 years. It partners with communities to find environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable solutions to community-identified needs. It operates in Thailand, Malawi, Ghana, Congo, and Kenya, and has established charities in Thailand, Ghana and the United States. Warm Heart is non-denominational, non-discriminatory and nonpartisan, and follows the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

About Biochar Life (https://biochar.life) 

An impact venture of Warm Heart Worldwide, Biochar Life cools the climate by helping to remove carbon from the atmosphere.  We mobilize a huge previously untapped human resource, the smallholder farmers of the developing world, to convert currently burned crop waste, a huge, previously ignored source of greenhouse gasses, into carbon sequestering biochar.  Biochar Life’s mission is to support the environmental and wellness needs of the general public via the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduction of emissions.  Our proceeds and future investments will be deployed to improve the lives of rural communities and uplift the underrepresented, which will be accomplished by removing still more carbon dioxide and reducing emissions further. We are committed to gender and income equality by employing fair and equal hiring practices for the once excluded.

About Task.io (https://task.io) 

Task.io is a fintech company that helps social enterprises gather data from the field and report on social and environmental impact being created. The company is headquartered out of the UK with an operational base in Thailand. Built on Stellar’s blockchain, the Task platform enables Biochar Life to verify information around the creation and production of biochar, which is used to generate digital assets representing carbon removed, in the form of fungible and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These assets can be purchased as offsets by organizations and individuals helping to complete the cycle and send funds back to the program and the farming communities.

The post Press Release appeared first on Warm Heart World.

“The world’s 2.5 billion poorest people – small farmers living at the far fringe of the developing world – and their billion or so slightly better off neighbors burn 10.5 billion metric tonnes (tonnes) of crop waste annually. Smoke from their fires reddens the sun, closes airports, shuts schools and governments – and kills millions of people (World Health Organization (WHO).”

So begins Dr. Michael Shafer’s comprehensive Abstract on the problems of smoke, how it is related to climate change, and what we, Warm Heart are doing about it.

You can read the full article at BMC Port of Springer Nature.

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