Earth Overshoot Day: Living on credit with nature

Did you know that human beings are living on credit? That's right, for many years humans have contracted an ecological debt to the planet. This means that the way of life we ​​lead is making extra pressure on the land and preventing it from regenerating the natural resources it provides us. Instead, we accumulate waste, such as plastics in water sources or carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Earth Overshoot Day, 2023).

For example, water scarcity could seriously affect human activities such as agriculture, and also generate food shortages and increase waves of people migration or the mass extinction of numerous species.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult for the planet to sustain the annual demands of world population. Human beings live as if we had 2.8 planets or even more. We must do something to reverse this situation”, commented Daniela Freundt, Manager of Fresh Water, Climate and Energy of WWF-Peru.

We must act soon to protect forests, oceans, wildlife, water, and reduce global temperatures to below 1.5°. At WWF, we work to raise awareness about the excessive consumption of resources, looking for sustainable development. We let you know some recommendations to relate in a better way with  nature and reduce your ecological footprint at home, workplace, or wherever you are:

Save energy

Artificial lighting represents 44% of electricity in office buildings. Turn off the lights when leaving any room and when you can, prefer natural light. Choose appliances and electronic devices that are efficient, such as those with a high-level energy label such as "A". In addition, avoid keeping devices plugged in that are not fulfilling their function.

Don't waste food

According to the FAO, worldwide, 14% of food is lost before being sold and 17% of these ends up being wasted by consumers, especially in homes (FAO, 2022). In Peru, more than 12 million tons of food are wasted every year. To avoid waste, plan ahead and buy only what you need.

Apply the 4 R's

Reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover the waste you generate. Likewise, donate what you no longer use to institutions dedicated to collecting these objects for those who need them most.

Take care of the water

Did you know that by 2050 more than a billion people will live in cities without enough water? We can contribute to reduce this problem by making efficient use of this resource. Do not leave the water tap open! (WWF International, 2023).

Take care of the forest and bet on sustainable products

Reduce your consumption of paper and try to purchase products extracted under a sustainable use system, such as those with FSC certification. That is a system that guarantees that the forest resources that are extracted from the forests are well managed socially and environmentally. In Peru, Madre de Dios is the region that has the largest amount of hectares (600,000) of forest under FSC-certified logging.

Reduce your consumption of plastics

Avoid single-use plastics by using reusable bags and bottles that help reduce this type of pollution. Say NO to straws and choose products that don't come overpacked.

Together possible!