Global Environment Note #10
“Note on Global Environment from Hokkaido” is a special series that will send you a report of Environment of the world, Japan and Hokkaido NOW, and give you hints to begin Eco-friendly life Now, to reduce the GHG (Green House Gas) by 6%, in order to avoid the global warming.Let’s learn before G8 summit!
Here are some environmentally friendly, save-energy terms.
【Keep this copy with you!】
On July 7th, Hokkaido Toyako Summit took place with a focus on the mitigation of global warming. Did you know that. Each one of us can make contribution by saving energy consumption? Some terms you can use in talking about energy-saving are introduced here.
【Mottainai】
This is a notion in Japanese language to take a good care of anything. This word was made famous by Wangari Maathai, the former Vice minister for the Environment, who was very impressed to learn that this word represents the Refuse-Reuse-Recycle Policy all at once. She has been insisting to the world that this word should be used worldwide.
【My bag】
Your own personal bag. A growing number of the Japanese people carry their “my bag” with them, so that they do not use plastic shopping bags. Having your own bag helps saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.
【Local production for local consumption】
Food produced within your local area does not consume much energy (in transportation, for example) compared to those from far areas.
【Standby power consumption】
The electricity consumed for the digital displays or built-in clocks when electric appliances are not in use. You can save this electricity by turning off the main power instead of using the remote controller, or pulling out the plug from powerpoint.
【Standardized energy reduction label】
The labels attached to the new appliances such as fridge or TV. The number of stars represents how environmentally friendly the product is. The energy consumption rate and electricity charges in the label can also help your decision making.
【Environmental house-keeping book】
The house-keeping books with a feature in which you can calculate your consumption rate of electricity, gas, water, petroleum etc., then convert it to CO2 emissions and/or your savings. Visualizing your energy savings is a good incentive.
【Summer time】
The idea that you forward your clock by one hour during summer, so that you can use the evening time before it gets dark. The electricity for lighting can be saved and therefore the CO2 emissions can be reduced.
【Eco drive】
How to drive a car in environmentally-friendly way. You can consume less petrol and reduce CO2 emissions by using accelerator softly or stop idling.
【Soft accelerator e-start】
Press down the accelerator softly when you drive. It can save your petrol by approx 10%.
【Idling Stop】
Tuning the engine off when you stop your vehicle. It can save your petrol consumption and reduce CO2 emissions.
Reviewed by Yugo ONO (Professor, Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University): References:websites of Ministry of Environment, (Foundation) Environmental information prevalence center, National center to stop global warming, etc.