One of the biggest and most serious issues of our time is the growing concern about climate change. The current scientific consensus points the finger at human activity as the main reason for the rapid increase in global temperatures over the past several decades. Acknowledging this is the first step in the right direction but now the focus shifts towards how the human race can help, both in terms of dealing with the change that has already occurred but also implementing a plan for the future. Change cannot happen overnight. However, everyone should try to contribute towards the greater good for the sake of future generations to come.
One of the chief concerns is to reduce the amount of CO2 gas that is released into the atmosphere as well as the amount of solvents, aerosols and toxic gases that are used in products and in manufacturing processes. As these gases build up in the atmosphere they trap heat. The greater the human activity, therefore, the greater the concentration of gases and the only way to combat the increase in temperature is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we emit.
Everyone should take responsibility for climate change, and that includes businesses. By leading the way with eco-friendly products, services and manufacturing processes, companies can set a great example for individuals and set the standard for conscientious business practice.
We at the Little Greene Paint Co. take our environmental responsibility seriously. In 2004, we were one of the first UK paint manufacturers to achieve the European environmental standard BS EN ISO 14001. We believe that acting with environmental responsibility need not compromise the high quality standard of our products.
All our water-based paints carry the industry’s lowest eco-rating, with VOC content now virtually zero. In addition, our oil based paints have been reformulated with sustainable vegetable oils to dramatically reduce VOC content and odour. The paper used in our wallpapers comes from FSC or PEFC certificated sustainable forests; so for every tree used another four are planted. The pigments used to print them are completely non-toxic and our excellent wallpaper paste contains no solvent.
So it really is time to take action and make a change, even if it is only something very small in the first instance. The future is almost certainly in our hands; instead of lamenting about what damage has already occurred, we should now look towards the future with environmental awareness and positivity and create a better world for future generations to come.