Don't miss the fun facts at the bottom of the page.
8 billion people live on planet earth.
That's a B with 9 zeros.
This week, a baby born in the Dominican Republic has the honor of ushering in this "milestone in human development," as described by the UN.
Humanity is growing fast. Just 12 years ago, we crossed the 7 billion mark.
Less war, famine, and catastrophe, accompanied by broad access to health care and medicine, continue to increase life expectancy across the globe.
In 15 years, civilization will surpass 9 billion people.
Can our planet survive?
"Over-consumption & overpopulation underlie every environmental problem we face today."
Jacques Cousteau
We like to buy stuff, we already have too much, but we want more. Everywhere we look, advertisers tell us what and where to buy next.
Soon, 9 billion people will want more stuff.
If we consume less, they will produce less.
It's simply supply vs. demand. We, as consumers, are responsible for driving product demand—the fewer things we buy, the fewer things they make.
This is our moment to escape materialism for sustainability. Buy ethically sourced, durable products made with intention, and always remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Living this mantra mitigates the over-consumption of stuff that plagues our planet. We won't ever be perfect, but we live our lives with a conviction for a better world.
Examples of daily sustainability
Reduce
Save leftovers to reduce food waste
Buy in bulk to reduce excess packaging
Carpool to reduce vehicle emissions
Reuse
Refill water bottles
Bring your own shopping bags
Choose fabric kitchen towels over paper rolls
Recycle (preferably at your local recycling center)
Cardboard Amazon boxes
Wine bottles
Aluminum soup cans
Kitchen scraps by composting
Can we actually make an impact?
As an individual, your positive impact might feel small. But together, we can initiate systemic change, which is precisely the mission we're on.
"Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people,
can transform the world."
Howard Zinn
Yes, Earth will welcome 9 billion people in ~15 years. We must all work together to ensure a better, cleaner, healthier world for future generations.
Fun Facts:
Elon Musk could give every person on the planet $25.
Holding hands side-by-side, humanity would wrap around the equator 239 times.
A stack of 8 million pennies would reach the International Space Station... TWICE!
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