to care for the planet, not always blindly follow some maximum is the most efficient idea. The best thing is to analyze the issue of each user, say experts.
Amalia Torres
1 Turn off lights
Much I heard that if you turn off the lights will be caring for the planet, the truth is that this phrase is not 100% true. "In Chile, the energy matrix is \u200b\u200bdefined. There is constant energy consumption by the mining, then, someone turn off the light in your home does not make a real difference, unless a lot of people turn off the lights at the same time . Only then will shut down a power plant and coal consumption, "said Marcelo Mena, director of the Master in Environmental Management of the U. Andrés Bello.
But remember, it is beneficial for long-term projections: "When you project a new electricity demand in future years could prevent construction of a new plant. "
2 Prefer Hand wash
is better to buy a dishwasher be washed by hand, although the second option seems more friendly to the planet: "It is so inefficient washing by hand, so much energy to be in hot water, it is best to use a dishwasher," says Mena. To wash clothing, explains José Antonio Sanchez, a consultant on sustainability, "the machine is efficient only if full load, cold water is used and does not dry in dryer. Also have to see if they are used much phosphate soaps, which are highly polluting, or the magic balls, which are very good. "
3 diesel and hybrid cars are better than bencineros
"The diesel car is good for energy, has better performance than a traditional car, but emissions of particulate matter are very high, more than a bencinero, particularly if not mantenciones you do, "says Mena. buying a hybrid would not be the solution." You can Similar improvements in driving behaviors, like not using a 4x4 and live near work. Riding a hybrid decision today is a more heart that pocket, "he adds.
And have heard that older cars pollute more? Well you know that according to British newspaper The Guardian, a new vehicle manufacturing emits, on average, eight tons of CO2, ie the same as if he drove 37 000 km.
4 Being vegetarian is good for the planet
More to avoid eating meat in general, it is best not to eat red or dairy products. "The red meat production generates a lot of methane, by the mere fact that cows are ruminants. The same applies to sheep, goats and deer," says Mena. In fact, to produce a kilo of hard cheese causes a higher carbon footprint to produce a kilo of chicken, says The Guardian.
5 fireplaces are environmentally
Marcelo Mena is firm on this point, "Wood stoves are not green, only they would be if captured particulate matter and are sustainable sources of wood. But it is not known if the wood used is sustainable or comes from a native forest. And the dual-chamber stoves pollute nearly 500 times more than a natural gas stove or kerosene.
6 Use reusable nappies
Disposable diapers not bad idea if you use their absorbing abilities to change a few times a day, said Marcelo Mena. It also avoids the washing and ironing. However, José Antonio Sanchez added: "It all depends on how aware is the user with disposable diapers.
7 Do not use plastic bags
If bags are used by the boot several times and special places for plastic are not a sin. "If gender prefer better, but if the person is conscious and not buy a new bag every time you go to the supermarket," says Sanchez.
8 Buy local products
Air transport and ground leaving a large carbon footprint, not the shipping. "There is a study showing that U.S. buying Dutch beer leaves a smaller carbon footprint than if the beer came from California, and then would travel by truck," said the expert Marcelo Mena.
9 Always walk in micro
"Walking in a pimp Transantiago Micro pollutes more than riding in a car, but a walk alone," says Mena . The difference occurs when riding a new bus with a particulate filter. "In that case, the emission of particulate matter is similar to riding a car, but the carbon footprint is lower using the bus, "he adds.
Courtesy: Dr. David Morillon - UNAM - Mex
