Carbon oxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is toxic to humans when inhaled. It is produced when fuels such as gasoline, wood, or natural gas are burned.

Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be deadly, as it prevents the body’s cells from getting enough oxygen. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and chest pain. In severe cases, it can cause loss of consciousness or death.

People who are exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time may experience symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of carbon monoxide.

It is important to be aware of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning and to take steps to prevent it. This includes properly maintaining fuel-burning appliances, using them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home. If you suspect that you or someone else may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Echange plastics with sustainable materials

Looking for plastic-free alternatives of your favourite products? Then you are at the right price. We are going to review some great products of similar and even better quality with which you will truly be a climate hero.

Kicking it off with bamboo – great material for kitchenware and textiles.

Защо препоръчваме бамбуковите продукти?

Biodegradability

Biodegradability
Bamboo is a biodegradable material, which means it can break down naturally and quickly without harming the environment. This makes it a much more environmentally friendly option than materials like plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Sustainability

Sustainability
Bamboo is a highly sustainable material, as it is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. It can grow up to three feet in just 24 hours and reaches maturity in just three to five years, making it a much more sustainable option than other materials like wood.

Durability

Durability
Despite being lightweight and flexible, bamboo is incredibly strong and durable. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and even water damage, making it a great material for a wide range of applications.

Versatility

Versatility
Bamboo can be used to create a wide range of products, from furniture to clothing to utensils. Its versatility makes it a great alternative to other materials that may be less sustainable or durable.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a chemical compound that is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. It is a colorless gas with a strong, pungent smell. Ammonia is found naturally in the environment and is also produced by humans for use in a variety of products, such as fertilizers and cleaning agents.

There are several sources of ammonia, both natural and human-made.

Some of the main sources of ammonia include:

  • Agricultural activities Ammonia is used as a fertilizing agent in agriculture and is produced by the breakdown of organic matter in soil.
  • Industrial processes: Ammonia is produced for use in the production of a variety of products, including plastics, textiles, and cleaning agents.
  • Waste treatment: Ammonia is produced as a byproduct of the treatment of sewage and other organic waste materials.
  • Natural sources: Ammonia is also produced naturally through the decomposition of organic matter, such as the breakdown of animal and plant material in the environment.Ammonia is also produced naturally through the decomposition of organic matter, such as the breakdown of animal and plant material in the environment.
  • Vehicle emissions: Ammonia can also be released into the air as a result of vehicle emissions.

Impact on the environment

It is important to note that while some sources of ammonia are necessary and have beneficial uses, it is important to carefully manage the production and release of ammonia to minimize any potential negative impacts on human health and the environment.

At low levels, ammonia does not pose a significant health risk to humans. However, exposure to high levels of ammonia can be harmful to humans and may cause respiratory problems, throat irritation, and coughing. In severe cases, it can lead to lung damage or even death.

Ammonia is also toxic to many plants and animals, and it can have negative impacts on the environment if it is released into the air or water. Ammonia can react with other chemicals in the air to form fine particles, which can contribute to air pollution and may have negative impacts on human health.

It is important to use caution when handling products that contain ammonia, and to follow proper safety guidelines to avoid accidental exposure. If you are concerned about your exposure to ammonia, you should consult a healthcare professional for advice.

We also recommend:


Further sources:

[1] Pubchem

[2] European Environment Agency

Winter is here

Hey there, are you looking at ways to reduce your heating expenses while keeping your home warm and comfortable?

Consider getting a thermostat. There are various options out there, so be sure to check out our selection below and get a reliable product.

Before we jump into it, just how much can you optimize your monthly bills?

The optimal temperature at home is around 19° C. Every degree above costs differently depending on the appliance. According to the Europen Commission, lowering the temperature by just 1° C can already reduce the energy consumption by 7%.

Depending on your country, this can save you about 70 EUR for a single average-size room. Because the average home in the EU keeps the temperature around 22° C, the average savings for a room can amount to more than 200 EUR annually[1].

[1] Key energy saving actions in the EU: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/markets-and-consumers/action-and-measures-energy-prices/playing-my-part_en

Ten ideas for sustainable gifts for your loved ones

Christmas is just around the corner.

This year, we want to inspire you to bring your loved ones joy with meaningful, impactful gifts. Here are our top 10 sustainable gift ideas:

  1. Reusable water bottle – a practical and eco-friendly gift that reduces the use of plastic bottles.
  2. Cloth shopping bag – a convenient and stylish alternative to plastic bags.
  3. Plant – a living gift that refreshes the air and adds coziness. For example, home herb garden systems are a great choice for easy growing.
  4. Set of cloth napkins – sustainable and stylish, they can be paired with beautiful napkin rings for an elegant dining experience.
  5. Reusable coffee cup – perfect for coffee lovers. Bamboo cups are sustainable and elegant – ideal for tea or any hot beverages.
  6. Set of bamboo utensils – perfect for cooking, durable and easy to clean.
  7. Energy-efficient appliance – LED light bulbs or low-water-use showers reduce energy consumption. Smart lighting sets the perfect New Year's atmosphere.
  8. Personalized cup for mountain adventures – an ideal gift for nature enthusiasts.
  9. Lunch box and utensils made from sustainable materials – a great choice for people on the go.
  10. Gift voucher for a local restaurant – support small businesses and treat your loved ones to a delicious experience.

Choose a gift that cares for nature and make this holiday season even more special!

Global efforts against air pollution

Because of its effects on human health and the environment, tackling air pollution is now a top priority for organizations and companies globally. Most actions required can be found in institutional/ country policies, which are based on sound scientific research and provide a framework for individuals and businesses. We are presenting some examples from 3 global organizations.

The United Nations (UN)

The UN has introduced the so-called sustainable development goals:  

Sustainable Development Goals | United Nations

The idea behind them is to be implementable by all countries, independent of their resources and income. It is required to put in global efforts to tackle climate change and ensure a sustainable future for everyone. The goals are not only oriented towards the environment, but also equality at the workplace, social security, justice, health.

The World Health Organization (WHO)

Substantial work has been done to understand the effects of both outdoor and indoor (ambient) air pollution. Based on research, the WHO has managed to identify “healthy” ranges for most pollutants – and at what point they become dangerous. According to WHO, nowadays 9 out of 10 people breathe unhealthy air, with pollutant concentrations way above the acceptable ranges. Continuous policy making is still required to ensure better compliance and widespread understanding of the health effects of air pollution.

The European Commission

Europe has some of the strictest emissions policies for companies. Industries are required to measure their emissions, submit regular reports, and keep within certain ranges. In the EU, emissions are capped to a maximum. Companies can trade with their emissions allowance – so companies, who produce less emissions, can sell allowance to companies, who produce more emissions. The EU supports efforts to cut emissions by e.g. optimizing manufacturing processes, renewing and modernizing equipment, installing filters. There are however emissions that can’t be cut in this way, so companies are looking for ways to offset them. One way to do that is by investing in sustainable projects and getting certificates for them.

ЕС подкрепя усилията за намаляване на емисиите чрез оптимизиране на производствените процеси, модернизиране на оборудването и инсталиране на филтри. Въпреки това, съществуват емисии, които не могат да бъдат елиминирани по този начин, поради което компаниите търсят начини да ги компенсират. Един от подходите е инвестирането в устойчиви проекти и получаването на съответни сертификати.

The problem is that planting trees in Africa doesn’t make the air in e.g. Germany cleaner, does it? Even though this method works on paper and theory, practically the air quality locally, at the site of the manufacturing company, doesn’t improve and the negative effects of pollution are still there- affecting people’s health, crop production, water quality.

Don’t get us wrong, we do support the trading of emissions. We do believe however that more actions are required.

Sources:

  1. https://www.un.org/en/sustainable-development-goals
  2. https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1
  3. https://ec.europa.eu/clima/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets_en

Effects of air pollution on our health & the environment

The World Health organization defines air pollution as “contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.” Almost 99% of people worldwide now breathe contaminated air, which is dangerous to our health, animals, and plants 1.

Sources of pollution
Most of the pollutants are created by human activity, e.g. car combustions, producing and using electricity, flying by plane2. We covered the main causes in the previous article. This is why the highest pollution levels are found in urbanized and industrialized areas, where sources of pollution are more dense and highly concentrated. When the concentration of particles and gases is high, air pollution becomes visible as smog and can even be smelled. People with allergies experience eye and airway irritations.

What do we track?
The major pollutants we track are carbon dioxide, ozone and PM2.5 and PM10 particles – these cause long-term health damage. Particulate matter (PM) is complex and forms from various other gases. Due to their size, these particles can enter the lung and from there the circulation, causing damage to organs such as lungs, blood vessels, the heart and the brain. Ozone on the ground can help form these particles faster, which is why its level is also closely monitored.

Effects on human health

The PM2.5 and 10 particles mentioned previously can easily enter the lung. From there, they can enter the blood circulation. The particles evoke an immune response, which is felt immediately in the airways, especially by people with asthma or allergies. The immune system targets the particles, but in the same time other mechanisms are becoming more active – blood circulation, heart and brain activity. I While the immune system is busy fighting the pollution particles, it gets weakened and viruses, which get transferred by the particles, can easily infect cells and cause sickness.

In the long term various organs get damaged by the chemical compounds of air pollution. We covered the main diseases caused by air pollution in our previous article.

Effects on the environment

Many of the gases contribute to climate change as well – carbon dioxide for example creates the greenhouse effect and helps sustain higher atmospheric temperatures. The effect can be minimized by using less fossil fuels to create energy. Green energy is becoming more accessible to individuals and many households choose to get their own solar panels.

Damaging effects can be observed on the soil and plants as well – more acidic soil damages the growth of vital crops and negatively impacts food production. Young trees have less chances of survival, thus damaging forests and limiting their oxygen production capacities. When entering the soil, the chemical compounds can also enter the water, causing its contamination.

All of this is related in a loop – less food and plants affect animal populations. It gets harder for them to find shelter and food. The survival of many species is endangered by human activity, such as urbanization and deforestation. Climate change aggrevates the existing problems even more. Populations are declining and an increasing number of species will soon become endangered.

  1. https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1
  2. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/air-pollution

What kills 7 million people each year?

The answer is air pollution. And apart from that, it is accounted to contributing to the development or progression of serious and chronic diseases, with global death toll as of 2015 as follows:

  • 21% of all cardiovascular deaths worldwide;
  • 25% of ischaemic heart disease deaths;25% of ischaemic heart disease deaths;
  • 24% of stroke deaths, and
  • 27% of lung cancer deaths
Photo by Chris LeBoutillier: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-factory-929385/

Additionally, ambient air pollution appears to be an important although not yet quantified risk factor for:

  • neurodevelopmental disorders in children and
  • neurodegenerative diseases in adults.

The Economic Burden of Air Pollution

Ambient air pollution is responsible for great economic losses, including:

  • medical expenditures – an estimated US$21 billion globally in 2015;
  • lost economic productivity resulting from pollution-related disease and premature death;
  • the cost of environmental degradation.

So where does all of that pollution come from?

There are a couple of reasons.

  1. First and foremost, that is the rapid industrialization and the expansion of megacities.
    Currently an estimated 66% of the population worldwide lives in urban areas, and this number is expected to continue to grow. This leads to emerging issues with infrastructure, healthcare, urban planning and environmental protection and will require more measures from policy makers in the future. For the industry it will mean to seek new ways to power production and to stop relying on fossil fuels.
  2. Increased use of motor vehicles
    As urban populations grow, the number of cars increases, presenting new challenges for transportation planning and air quality.
  3. Intensive agriculture and the growing need for food
    In order to ensure enough food and goods for the growing population, agriculture increasingly relies on pesticides and toxic chemicals. These substances react with the air, water, and soil, leading to long-lasting pollution with negative consequences for both humans and natural ecosystems.

Air pollution is a global issue that requires urgent measures at various levels – from environmental protection policies to personal initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint.

Sources:

Landrigan, Philip. (2016). Air pollution and health. The Lancet Public Health. 2. 10.1016/S2468-2667(16)30023-8.

Carlsten, Christopher,(2020).Personal strategies to minimise effects of air pollution on respiratory health: Advice for providers, patients and the public. European Respiratory Journal. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02056-2019]

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