That’s why many are turning to distribution management software powered by artificial intelligence (AI). By combining automation with predictive analytics, AI is rewriting the rules of distribution management – making it not just more efficient but smarter and more resilient.

Why AI Matters in Distribution Management

At its core distribution is about balance – getting the right product to the right place at the right time and at the lowest cost. But modern supply chains are too dynamic for manual processes. Demand spikes overnight, transportation costs change daily and unexpected disruptions – from weather delays to supplier shortages – can ripple across an entire network.

AI helps distributors navigate this complexity by:

• Predicting demand better through real time data analysis.
• Optimising delivery routes to save fuel and reduce delays.
• Reducing human error by automating repetitive tasks.
• Increasing visibility across the supply chain so managers can act faster.

Instead of reacting to problems after they happen, AI enables businesses to anticipate challenges before they hit the customer.

Smarter Decision Making with Data

Traditional distribution relied on experience and “gut feeling”. But even the best managers can’t process millions of data points at once. AI on the other hand thrives on data.

By analysing sales history, seasonality, customer behaviour and even external factors like weather or regional holidays, AI systems generate insights. This means distributors can:

• Forecast demand at the SKU level.
• Plan inventory more accurately.
• Adjust pricing or promotions dynamically.
• Spot early warning signs of supply chain issues.

In practice this means fewer stockouts, less overstock and smoother operations overall.

AI in Action: Route Optimization

Transportation is often the most expensive part of distribution, sometimes accounting for more than half of operational costs. AI-powered route optimization has become one of the most impactful applications of artificial intelligence in logistics.

Instead of relying on static maps or manual scheduling, AI systems simulate thousands of route variations in seconds. They consider:

• Traffic patterns
• Fuel consumption
• Delivery windows
• Vehicle capacity
• Driver hours and rest requirements

The result? Leaner routes that cut costs while ensuring faster, more reliable deliveries. Customers get their orders on time, while businesses reduce unnecessary expenses.

Inventory Management: Striking the Right Balance

Inventory is a tricky puzzle. Too much stock ties up capital and risks waste, while too little means disappointed customers and lost revenue. AI helps solve this problem by bringing precision into forecasting.

With predictive algorithms, businesses can anticipate demand shifts before they happen. For example:

• A beverage distributor can prepare for summer demand spikes weeks in advance.
• A food supplier can adjust inventory based on holiday sales trends.
• A CPG wholesaler can manage replenishment cycles across multiple warehouses seamlessly.

Instead of being reactive, distributors gain a proactive, data-backed approach that keeps shelves stocked without overcommitting resources.

Where SimplyDepo Fits In

While AI is the engine, distributors still need the right platform to harness its full potential. That’s where SimplyDepo comes in.

SimplyDepo is an all-in-one platform designed for distributors, CPG brands, and wholesale teams who want to simplify and scale their operations. By integrating B2B ordering, route optimization, retail execution, and AI-driven analytics in one system, it eliminates the need for juggling multiple disconnected tools.

Here’s how SimplyDepo applies AI in distribution management:

• Smarter inventory planning – Prevents both overstock and stockouts with AI-powered forecasting.
• Route optimization – Helps field teams cover more ground with less time and cost.
• Real-time visibility – Managers can see exactly what’s happening in stores, warehouses, and on delivery routes.
• Sales and merchandising insights – AI identifies patterns that boost sell-through and reduce waste.

In short, SimplyDepo turns AI into practical tools that distributors can actually use day-to-day not abstract theories, but tangible improvements in efficiency and sales.

The Human Side of AI in Distribution

One common misconception is that AI replaces people. In reality, it empowers them. By automating routine tasks like data entry, reporting, or basic scheduling, AI frees up human talent for what matters most – building relationships, solving complex problems, and driving strategy.

For example:

• A sales rep can spend more time engaging with retailers instead of updating spreadsheets.
• A warehouse manager can focus on process improvements rather than firefighting stock issues.
• Executives can make informed strategic decisions based on real-time dashboards instead of waiting for delayed reports.

AI doesn’t remove the human touch from distribution—it enhances it.

The Future of Distribution Management

AI in distribution is coming, and the direction is clear. We’re moving towards smarter, more connected systems where data flows freely across warehouses, sales teams and delivery networks.

The future will bring:

• Even better demand forecasting using real-time retail and market data.
• More integration between distributors and suppliers for planning.
• Automated decision making for repetitive tasks like reordering and scheduling.
• More sustainability with AI optimising routes to reduce emissions and waste.

For businesses that get AI today, the payback is not just short term efficiency – long term resilience in a competitive market.

AI is no longer a “nice to have” in distribution management – it’s a must have. Businesses that continue to use manual systems will fall behind, those that use AI driven distribution management software will gain an advantage in efficiency, agility and customer satisfaction.

Solutions like SimplyDepo make this transition possible, translating AI into practical tools for everyday operations. In a world where every delivery matters, AI means distributors are not just keeping up – they’re staying ahead.

Vehicle tracking has emerged as a powerful tool, not just for efficiency but also for cutting environmental impact.

You might wonder, how can something as simple as tracking make such a difference? The answer lies in the details of how fleets operate and how technology optimises their use.

Reducing idle time and fuel waste

One of the primary culprits of unnecessary emissions is idle time. Vehicles left running while stationary consume fuel and release pollutants.

A tracking system monitors vehicle usage and alerts operators when engines are idling longer than necessary.

By cutting idle time, you save fuel and reduce the amount of harmful gases released into the air. The outcome?

Cleaner air and lower costs – a win for both the planet and your bottom line.

Optimising routes for fuel efficiency

Imagine knowing the quickest, most efficient route to your destination every single time. With vehicle tracking, this becomes reality.

The system analyses traffic patterns and suggests optimal routes, helping you avoid congested roads and reduce travel distances.

This saves fuel and lowers emissions significantly. For fleet managers, integrating gps tracking for fleet operations ensures that every journey contributes less to the carbon footprint.

Eco driving habits

Driver behaviour on the road is key to fuel consumption. Rapid acceleration, harsh braking and over speeding not only uses more fuel but also more emissions.

Vehicle tracking gives real time feedback and performance reports to encourage drivers to drive smoother and more sustainably.

By creating awareness and accountability these tools will have greener roads.

Maintenance and repairs

Poorly maintained vehicles use more fuel and produce more emissions. A vehicle tracking system can monitor engine performance and flag up issues before they become problems.

Regular maintenance means engines run smoother, tyres are properly inflated and all parts are working efficiently, which means better fuel economy.

Prevention is always better than cure especially when it comes to your fleet’s environmental impact.

Transitioning to electric vehicles

For businesses looking to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) tracking systems can provide valuable insights into your fleet usage.

They can help you identify patterns and see which vehicles are due to be replaced with EVs.

By introducing cleaner greener alternatives into your fleet you’re making a tangible commitment to reducing emissions whilst maintaining operational efficiency.

Small changes, big difference

When you add up reduced idling, optimised routes and eco driving the carbon emissions savings are massive.

Vehicle tracking isn’t just about monitoring movement it’s about creating a culture of sustainability. Every small improvement counts and makes the environment a healthier place for everyone.

Greener roads, smarter choices

By using vehicle tracking you’re not just improving operational efficiency you’re actively contributing to a greener future.

Every journey is an opportunity to reduce emissions and make a real difference to the environment. Isn’t it time to drive change, one mile at a time?

Why E-Bikes Matter

Transportation is currently considered one of the biggest global emitters of Greenhouse gases; it takes about 30% of the total global emission of CO2.

Fossil-fuel-powered cars in particular have brought not just environmental damage but other problems associated with urbanization such as traffic jams, noise pollution and poor-quality air.

Unlike many other types of bicycles, ebikes are powered by rechargeable batteries which give out no direct emissions.

For instance, one e-bike ride which eliminates a car trip can help to avoid more than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Apart from the emissions, e-bikes reduce car dependency,

which will open the way to more sustainable and habitable cities.

Key Advantages of E-Bikes

1. Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficient: The usage of e-bikes in developing urban transportation is a sustainable energy system for transportation. It uses significantly less energy than cars and motorcycles and can be operated using renewable sources of power. In such cities as Amsterdam and Copenhagen, the scheme of e-bikes is used to promote low-carbon mobility. 

2. Cost-Effective: As compared to traditional cars, which take a lot of money to fuel or maintain, e-bikes are cheap to run. Time spent in charging can be very small and charging costs are very low and maintenance needs are also basic. In the long run, users stand to save a lot of cash, especially in the face of gas prices and parking in urban areas. 

3. Health Benefits: Though e-bikes are motorized devices, they get to promote exercise at the same time. Adding the pedals and the electric support makes e-bikes ideal for individuals who wish to exercise without the rigor of normal cycling especially when extending long distances or on steep inclines.

4. Versatility in Design: E-bikes are designed to fit everybody’s lifestyle. Cargo e-bikes are generally created for delivery or carrying heavy loads and on the other side folding e-bikes are more appropriate for city use when the bike needs to be transported. Models with extra seats for children are available to encourage the keeping of fewer cars at home. 

5. Traffic and Space Efficiency: While the volume of vehicular traffic is continuously on the rise, especially in cities, e-bikes occupy a very small area of roads and need much less parking space. This also enables riders to shun traffic congestion affording them as a viable method of transport during rush hours.

Practical Applications

E-bikes are uniquely designed and can be used in as many ways as possible hence making them very useful. In cities, they are advantageous to anyone who confines themselves to the streets in their daily business.

Last-mile logistics have also become a popular use for delivery companies as they find e-bikes convenient for the job. For instance, granted firms in New York City such as DHL, adopted the cargo e-bikes.

Emissions can be decreased while the system allows to drive through the dense districts of large cities. However, leisure and fitness. Cyclists also benefit from e-bikes since they provide sustainable solutions that they need.

The Problems and the Future

However, e-bikes are far from perfect and have issues that need to be addressed to encourage more of their use. An important issue is its cost: the purchase of the bike is more expensive than a regular one.

While the costs have come down in recent years, which can be offset by subsidies, tax credits or financing e-bikes could still be expensive. The other limitation is infrastructure.

Some cities have no specific bicycle lanes or charging stations and this makes e-bike commuting to be tiresome. Communities and city developers should consider spending funds on cycling facilities as well.

Education of the public and their safety are as important as each other. Although e-bikes are intended to be ridden in traffic, many continue to do so only half-heartedly, as they are still too risky.

The practical measures that must be taken to assimilate e-bikes into urban life include establishing awareness campaigns about speed limits, providing safety training, and consistently controlling speeds.

The Future of E-Bikes

Which type of transport is, therefore, more sustainable? Echoing the preceding sections, the answer is e-bikes. So, e-bikes will become even more efficient as research and developments in battery goods progress in the future. Modeled to have longer ranges and faster charging times than those of thermal battery prototypes.

Even, in addition to advanced smart city technologies, and other sharing economy business models such as, shared mobility, the advent of the e-bike is predicted to offer a significant contribution towards deemphasizing both emissions and congestion concerns of modern cities.

Conclusion

For all stakeholders – the government, businesses, and citizens – it is essential to assess synergies if they are to unlock their true potential. Therefore, e-bikes are not just a transport means, but also the future where people will ensure they implement a sustainable means of transport.

These are just several ways that people actively decide to contribute to the improvement of the availability of the environment by choosing bikes in e-form. Cities around the world are gradually setting goals to reduce their carbon footprint, and the use of e-bikes will only increase, the future of urban transport is in e-bikes.

Eco-friendly products for pest control are just as good and effective as conventional methods. But methods with eco-friendly products have better results over a long period of time. It’s natural for pests to develop resistance to chemical products and they pass this to their offspring. This is why it’s hard to control or terminate infestation. However, with the use of eco-friendly solutions, pests will have a hard time to resist treatments. Chances are you won’t have to deal with the same problem in the future because the root of the problem is already addressed by eco-friendly pest control.

In Australia, over thousands of pounds of chemical pesticides are used every year. Pesticides are known to infect the air, water, and soil. There are chemicals that be found on common pesticides like methoxychlor, vinclozolin, and phosphates. These are known to link to cancer, brain damage and respiratory problems. It’s dangerous for children and infants to be exposed to these chemicals because they are much vulnerable to the effects of this toxics. It is just too risky to consider using pesticides. It can contaminate your water supply, kill plants and other helpful living organisms in your garden and too much exposure will lead to health problems. The use of a carbon footprint is a major issue. This is the reason why people are encouraged to use safe products to control pests because toxic pesticides are more dangerous to humans and the environment than the pests targeted. It is advisable to completely eliminate the use of pesticide in order to avoid devastating effects.

For people with beautiful landscape in their homes, the use of traditional pesticides would be a bad idea. It can cause grass, bushes, and plants to die. These chemicals have the tendency to stay longer in the soil so it would be difficult to regrow the plants. Eco-friendly methods are gentle and conservatively done to specifically eradicate those unwanted insects and pests in your property. The methods and the products are also favorable to the natural status of your garden. This is vital especially if you have pets at home. By avoiding toxic chemicals, your cats or dogs will be safe from inhaling or ingesting potentially deadly chemicals.

Traditional pesticides have a strong smell that would linger in the air after the process. You would end up staying in your smelly home and sniffing the harmful chemicals. The good thing about eco-friendly pest control products is that it does not have a harsh smell and it will not the smell would not linger in your home. Conventional pest control service may require you to seal all your food or may request you to leave your home overnight after the application. This is totally inconvenient. However, you won’t be disrupted if you choose to hire an eco-friendly pest control service like Wilsons Pest Control because there is no need for you to evacuate your house. These methods are not harmful so you can stay in your home while treatment is ongoing. You won’t also have to worry about your children moving around the house because they won’t be exposed to harmful chemicals. The chances of getting allergies are minimal to none.

Hiring a pest control company that provides eco-friendly solutions is a wonderful decision if you want help with your pest problems. By using this method, you can be sure that the ways are effective plus your health, your pets, and the environment is well taken care of.

More and more people are beginning to realize the costs of living in the city. The World Health Organization has pointed out that urban living poses significant health risks due to pollution, workplace stress, and issues with water safety. This has only prompted people to relocate in places where they can cleaner and greener lives.

But more than just health, the exodus going to the countryside has been exacerbated by climate change issues. Through the concerted efforts of the government as well as private entities, families are beginning to look towards a more sustainable future.

If you are all in for the urban flight, you will need to stay informed. Here are some of the things you should know that will help you bail yourself out from the city and lead a greener life. 

1. Have the right finances

Ditching urban life may seem like the easiest thing to do, but it’s totally not the case. Considering the resources and the time it takes to find a place to relocate, you will need to be patient. The cost of living may be lower in rural areas, but you still need to check your finances to see if you have enough resources to make the transition possible. 

2. Scout for possible communities

When you are out looking for possible places to settle, you may as well opt for towns that focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. For sure, these so-called green communities offer a healthier environment for you and your family.

To identify a green community, look for indicators such as the availability of recycling plants and compost pits. You will also need to know if these communities have alternative energy plants such as wind and solar farms. If a township is able to satisfy this criteria, then you know it’s the right place.

3. Know the amenities

While it’s important to find a community that leans more towards environmental stewardship, you still need to know the amenities that are available so you can get the best possible experience out of living there.

For that, opt for master-planned communities that’s conveniently located and offers the best along the lines of education and basic utilities. In the state of Texas, you can start your search for these communities by browsing for Homestead homes for sale. This will surely provide you with great options, whether you are planning to downsize or simply relocate to the Lone Star State. 

4. Check the homeowners’ association

The homeowners’ association or HoA is a crucial element of a green community. It basically initiates sustainability projects and other activities that promote green living. For this reason, it’s important to know if an HoA has a specific agenda when it comes to the environment. 

5. Make sure there’s ample sources for organic food

You know a community pursues a green lifestyle when it makes organic products available and easily accessible. So, you should be able to find communities that have local farmers’ markets where you can shop for organic and fresh produce.

Most people tend to think that air pollution is only something that occurs outdoors, however this is not the case. In fact, many people would be surprised and shocked to discover that quite frequently, the air quality inside our houses is actually worse than that outside. These days, more of us spend most of our day indoors. This is especially the case during the winter months, when cold weather makes us even less likely to venture into the great outdoors. With today’s central heating and double glazing, it isn’t difficult to see why dirty air inside the home is such a problem. While the latest insulation techniques are good news for our energy bills, they are bad news for air quality since pollutants and contaminants are unable to escape the indoor environment.

The importance of indoor air quality is something that we should never underestimate. It can have a serious effect on your comfort and your health, not to mention the impression that visitors get of your home when they enter it. The solution to the problem could be an air purifier. Let’s take a look at just four reasons why you should consider buying one.

1.You Or A Family Member Suffers With Asthma Or Allergies

There are lots of different things floating in the air inside your property. Pollen, smoke and dust are just some of the things that find their way into your lungs and which can make breathing difficulties or allergic reactions worse. If you invest in an air purifier, you’ll find that these potentially harmful particles are removed from the indoor air, and this will let you and your loved ones breathe more easily.

2.Someone In Your Family Smokes

If you, or one of your family members, is a smoker, second hand smoke will be filtering through the air of your home. This doesn’t just cause an unpleasant odor which permeates through every room and gets into your furniture and clothing, it can also be harmful to your family’s well-being. Second-hand smoke has been linked to a host of medical problems from asthma to cancer, so it’s important to try to eradicate the problem. Even if the smoker goes outdoors to smoke, some traces of odor and pollutants still may linger in your indoor area. If you invest in an air purifier, however, you’ll find that the odors and pollutants are all absorbed creating a healthier indoor environment for everyone.

3.You Have A Household Pet

We all love our furry friends and our cats and dogs are beloved members of our families. However, they bring a host of problems with them in terms of pollutants in the air inside your home. Hair, fur and dander are all common problems, and that’s before you consider the unpleasant odors which pets can also bring into the house. All in all, having a pet around can have a major impact on your air quality. If you have an air purifier, however, you’ll find that the odors as well as the dander in the air become trapped inside the HEPA filter, helping to keep your home environment safe, smell-free and easier to breathe in.

4.You Have Mildew Or Mold In Your Home

Moisture can be a major problem in some properties, and when there is excess moisture, mildew and mold can be the inevitable result. Mildew and mold doesn’t just smell bad and look disgusting, but it can also be a health hazard. Some forms of mold can cause serious medical problems, and for anyone with allergies or asthma, dampness can cause some severe breathing difficulties too. Mildew and mold can even result in structural damage to your property if left untreated, so finding a solution to the problem is essential. An air purifier is the perfect answer to the problem, cleaning the mold spores from the air, helping you to breathe easily and preventing any further problems from occurring.

If any of these four situations sound familiar to you, you should consider investing in an air purifier for your home. Your air quality will be considerably better and your home will be a much nicer place to live. You can find more info on pureairreviews.com to help you to choose the right air purifier to suit your needs.

Hydroponic living walls are simply plants cultivated in nutrient solutions. It is a method of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient rich solution and has become a big buzz in the horticulture industry. It’s simplicity and efficiency has garnered many gardening fans around the world. Here’s all you need to know about hydroponic living walls!

How it works

Hydroponics do not need soil. Instead, this living wall, is based on a root system that is supported by an inert medium such as rockwool, clay pellets or peat moss. The idea behind this is to allow the plant roots to gather the nutrient solution as well as having oxygen essential for the plant to grow. Hydroponic plants have all the nutrients already delivered to them in a precise and controlled manner, meaning less water and soil are needed to make sure plants are healthy and growing.

Maintenance

To maintain a hydroponic system, it requires regular monitoring, cleaning and balancing mixes of nutrients used. Depending on the size of the space you’re planning on installing the wall in, maintenance varies.  This stage is where acquiring a team of professionals, such as Sagegreenlife Living Walls, can be helpful as they’d assist with the necessary tools and tips on maintaining the hydroponics.

Electricity

Hydroponics require electric pump to function. The electric pump is used to circulate water from the base of the system to the plants, carrying the necessary nutrients plants need on a daily basis.

Risks

One of the downsides to hydroponic living walls, or hydroponic systems in general, is the greater risk of disease. Since hydroponic systems expose the roots of plants in order to send out the nutrients, a greater risk of water recirculation can cause algae and bacteria to grow faster and cling to the root. This can lead to the root rotting and endanger the life span of the plants and living wall.

Systems

Hydroponics usually come in two different systems – the Ebb and Flow system or the Drip System Technique. The ebb and flow system, known as flood and drain, works by flooding the growing area with nutrients in intervals. In the living walls, the nutrients slowly drain back into the reservoir and is ideal for plants that dry faster or do not retain water as others. The Drip System Technique is simpler and works as a slow feed to provide nutrients to plants. This technique uses a slow draining medium to provide the nutrients. However, this technique may induce clogging so it is important to monitor and find the system right for you.

Hydroponic living walls can be a great addition to any retail space, companies, restaurants or real estate. With the right team, research and installation – these living walls can brighten and add life to your space in no time. With hydroponic living walls being easier and efficient for plants to feed and gain the nutrients they need, this may be  living wall right for you. So, go out, find a team and start planning your living wall today.

The last few years, from 2016 to 2018, have seen huge new strides in the US solar energy industry. In California alone, the total amount of solar energy being consumed doubled three times, and while others states may be outmatched, they too are seeing increased use of solar.

Part of what’s driving the new “solar boom” is the advent of new, innovative solar technologies. Businesses do well to take advantage of these new tech opportunities to improve energy efficiency, attract eco-conscious consumers, and do their part to “save the planet.”

Many of the new developments are very exciting. Some are already quite practical to deploy on a wide scale, while others show great potential but are still in their “infancy” stage.

Here are our top four solar innovations affecting the market in 2018:

1. New and improved solar panels

Solar panel efficiency surpassed 23.5% in 2016 and has continued to grow since then. Cost per Watt has also sunk in the last few years on the newest solar panel models, which is hinting that 20% surplus will be the new norm for efficiency on even lower-priced solar panels.

On the horizon is a new system by an MIT research team that could double solar panel efficiency in the near future. The system will be collecting and utilizing thermal heat build-up on solar panels that, up till now, has always been emitted and wasted.

2. Solar Street Lamps

Integrated solar street lights are already becoming a common component of many municipal “eco-upgrades” in cities across the US.

These all-in-one products come as compact units that need very little maintenance and may transform the way we light up our streets and sidewalks in the years ahead. They collect power from the sun’s rays during the daytime and light up the street or parking lot for “free” from dusk till dawn.

Solar-powered street lamps are a great investment for both government agencies and private businesses alike.

Photovoltaic solar powered lights have been tested already on historic Route 66. They were installed in pavements along the highway for starters, complete with LED bulbs. The result is a system that melts snow and lights up the surrounding area all on self-generated solar power!

4. Solar Tracking Mounts

How do your get more solar power production out of ground-mounted solar panels? Simple. Follow the sun, just like plants do.

Highly efficient solar tracking mounts now follow the sun’s path as it moves across the sky each day. They shift and tilt automatically to the optimal angle to collect the maximum amount of sunshine.

While this technology is not new, it is improved and is now gaining popularity like never before. By 2020, half of all ground-mounted solar panels are projected to be located on solar-tracking mounts.

5. Solar Water Filters

A new miniature solar-powered water filter put out by Stanford University has made huge advances on past similar models. It no longer uses UV light only, nor does it take hours and hours of sunlight before it will work.

This model works in only minutes’ time. It is suspected to soon become a staple for hikers and outdoorsmen, but the principle behind it could signal major changes to how water is filtered at the home or office IF a larger model could be made.

These four innovations in solar equipment hold treat promise for the future of the industry. They also spell opportunity for business owners who want to make their business both as “green” and as profitable as possible.

You’ve probably heard the terms ‘going green’, ‘sustainable practice’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ more than a few times. This is because the world has acknowledged the negative impact we’ve had on the environment – which can be recognised by global warming and the devastating state of our oceans – and is quickly seeking out ways to halt the destruction, through sustainable living. Through making better lifestyle choices, and responsibly making use of the earth’s resources, as well as our own, we can reduce the strain we put on the environment.

Not only are individuals and households adopting this ‘cleaner’, more environmentally friendly way of living, but various industries are becoming aware of their practises, and are seeking to improve the way they do things. From engineering companies which use and supply various engineering services and equipment; even covering Prs Geocell Technology; to industries such as manufacturing, freight services, and even corporates who are aware of the amount of electricity, paper and power they consume.

So what practises should we be adopting, and what practises should we limit/discard in order to save the planet? Well let’s take a look at how we can alter our lifestyle, and live sustainably:

• Use less disposable items, recycle and reuse

Using less disposable items such as plastic bags, straws, bottles and containers for example is great, however, you really want to try and cut these items out altogether (as difficult as it sounds). Plastic is a huge issue, and it’s incredibly harmful. It’s affecting our environment incredibly, especially because it’s filtering into our oceans and killing marine life. Plastic is also harming land ecosystems, as the plastic is made of substances poisonous to our animals. If you do need to use plastic, make sure you recycle or reuse these items so as not to have them land up in landfills – which cause fossil fuels and increases global warming; or have them land in the oceans.

Source: Girgitnews

• Save water

Save water by reducing the amount of time you spend in the shower (side note: showers save more water baths do); reduce the pressure of your taps, and collect used water when you shower/wash dishes, and use this water to flush your toilet or water plants. Water is a natural resource, and the less we use of the earth’s natural resources the better we are being to the environment, and the better we live ourselves. For example, if you stay in a place that doesn’t get much rain; using less water will reduce the chances of there being a water crisis, or having water restrictions implemented.

• Walk or bicycle whenever possible

The main cause of global warming is greenhouse gases. Cars emit a few destructive greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. In order to reduce your carbon footprint you need to be aware of the things that emit gases that are harmful to the environment; and use them less whenever possible. If you’re able to walk, do so; otherwise use a bicycle, or use public transport. The car manufacturing industry is slowly catching wind of the effects of petrol fuels, and have already started manufacturing hybrid vehicles. Hybrids are a great alternative, and if you are serious about saving the planet, you may want to invest in one of these!

• Grow your own fruit, vegetables and herbs

Growing your own produce is not only good for the environment but for your own health, too. By growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs, you’ll inadvertently be reducing your carbon footprint. Think of the damage transport is doing to the planet, the pesticides that are harming your body, and the way irresponsible farming is being practiced, due to high demand and quick turnaround. If we all grew our own foods we wouldn’t have to rely on suppliers; who transport their goods and ruin the land in order to remain competitive and deliver.

Source: Farmcraft

• Switch to solar energy 

If you are able to switch to solar energy, fantastic! This helps to reduce the amount of energy we use to keep our households running, and instead find a natural and non-harmful alternative. If you are unable to make this change, simply upgrade your lights to energy saving light bulbs. This way you’ll be making a small, but significant difference!

It’s hard for some people to wrap their heads around water scarcity. Isn’t the world three-fourths water? We’re the little blue planet, after all! How hard can it be to find fresh water? 

As it turns out, only two and a half percent of the Earth’s water is considered “fresh.” The rest is salt water – which is what’s found in the world’s oceans and seas. On top of that, much of the world’s freshwater is deep in the ground or frozen up in the mountains, making it almost impossible to access. Long story short, freshwater is harder to find than one might think. 

The reality, from an environmentalist point of view, is that water conservation will be a critical component of 21st-century infrastructure and individual lifestyle. Otherwise, civilization as we know it stands to collapse at some point over the next hundred years. 

Fortunately, science and industry are on the job. While political obstructions continue to interfere with common sense approaches to conservation, much of the world’s brain trust is determined to find ways to solve the clean water crisis looming over the horizon. 

Considering the aforementioned observation that water is really everywhere – it’s just too salty or otherwise undrinkable – the key to water conservation is undoubtedly through advanced water filtration. While refined desalination techniques have existed for decades, their high cost and slow implementation rate make them impractical in most circumstances. Solutions for the water crisis need to be simpler and consequently more cost-effective. 

One of the most promising developments in advancing water filtration has been in the form of graphene, the strongest and thinnest material known to humankind. A sheet of monolayer graphene is water permeable but keeps out everything else – a simple water filter. Of course, as anyone with knowledge of graphene can attest, its production process is far from simple; the research which got us to the point of making graphene an affordable option for water filtration netted the Nobel Prize for the scientists involved. 

Yet, if the trend of continuing cost-reduction of graphene production continues thanks to chemical vapor deposition, it’s by far the most promising water filtration option on the table as of 2018. Consider, for instance, how a graphene water filter turns whiskey from its signature brown color to a crystal clear liquid. 

If it can turn whiskey into drinkable water, there’s little doubt of a layer of graphene’s ability to be the difference between salt water which can be lethal if consumed and freshwater which could save a life. While graphene isn’t the only option on the table when it comes to emerging water treatment technologies, it’s proving difficult to find one with as much potential for scalability. 

And when it comes to the key to successful water conservation going forward, scalability will be front and center. After all, the overwhelming majority of those who are at the heart of water usage are involved in agriculture or industry, two groups which put a heavy emphasis on finding the most affordable path to achieving their objectives. 

While it’s “water water everywhere”, looks can be deceiving. What we’re really after is freshwater – affordably accessible freshwater no less. The frontier of water conservation is, therefore, a matter of finding the most practical way to filter the water we’re surrounded by. It would appear – cloaked in a layer of cautious optimism of course – that humanity is on its way there.