02/06/2019

Neoenergia divulges prevention measures to decrease air pollution

social commitments; climate change; environment

Created on May 27, 1981, the Environment Week has an official start on June 1st and runs until the 5th of the same month, when the World Environment Day is celebrated - global date of actions in favor of the environment.

Each year, the UN (United Nations Organization) proposes a specific theme for World Environment Day, based on the most urgent concerns for the planet. The theme of 2019 is air pollution. According to data from the UN Environment Program, around the world, 92% of people do not breathe clean air. Air pollution also has a cost to the global economy of 5 trillion dollars a year.

This scenario is motivated by an economic model based on the non-conscious exploitation of environmental resources, which are used to their physical limit. The sustainable alternative to this reality is the implementation of a circular economy, aimed at the preservation of natural capital.

The principles of circular economy are:

Eliminating waste and pollution on the basis of production;

Maintaining final products and raw material in cycles of use;

Regenerating natural systems.

The establishment of this model occurs in two cycles: the biological and the technical. The biological cycle is the basis of consumption and is responsible for reconsidering the raw materials used in the production of companies, allowing them to re-integrate into the environment after use. The technical cycle, in turn, is reserved for the restoration of products already used, through reuse, repair and recycling.

This is also a concern of the Iberdrola Group, of which we are a part. Here we are investing more and more in the process of decarbonisation of the environment and in the generation of energy by clean and renewable sources, such as wind and hydro. As supporters of the Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to preserving ecosystems and natural resources and fighting Climate Change - a behavior we encourage inside and outside the group companies.

Preserving the environment and contributing to a circular economic model is a duty to be assumed by each one of us. So, stay tuned on our social networks and know, during this week, some #hábitosdofuturo, which you can join to be part of this movement!

Consuming organic foods

Commercial agriculture is one of the biggest responsible for illegal logging in the world, a scenario that leads to an increase in the concentration of carbon in the atmosphere. In addition, it also assists in the formation of pollutant gases such as ozone and ammonia.

Local production of organic food are small-scale initiatives that do not impact the environment and often ensure a healthier diet. With this sustainable option, you will be not only helping smaller marketers but also contributing to the health of your body.

Waste reduction

Brazil is the 4th largest producer of plastic waste in the world, according to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), with a production of 11.3 million tons per year. The country is also with the lowest percentage of recycling, with only 1.28% of recycled waste.

To change this scenario, we need to invest in smart consumption, choosing products that have fewer discards, and adopting repair, reuse and recycling practices. In this way, we optimize our time to take advantage of what we consume and cause less environmental impact.

Using alternative transportation

Gasoline-powered cars release an average of approximately 120g of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometer, and also produce methane (MH4) and nitrous dioxide (N2O). The release of these gases are not only detrimental to people's health, but also cause harm to the planet, potentiating global warming.

Choosing alternative transportation, on the other hand, can be a choice in both the environmental, social and economic aspects. Public transportation, biking and carpooling are different ways of getting around urban space, which will do good for you and the planet.