Five Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint in the Home
Carbon Sequestration: A Novel Approach to Climate Mitigation
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. While traditional methods of carbon sequestration, such as pumping CO2 underground, are expensive and untested, new technologies are emerging that make it possible to sequester carbon in building materials.
Low-Carbon Cement: A Sustainable Alternative
Cement production is a major source of CO2 emissions. However, sustainable cement makers like Solidia Technologies have developed low-carbon cements that reduce emissions by up to 70%. These cements trap CO2 during the curing process, permanently storing it in the concrete matrix.
Mineral Carbonation: Turning Power Plant Exhaust into Building Blocks
Mineral carbonation is a process that converts CO2 from power plant exhaust into solid materials like bricks and pavers. This process mimics natural geological processes that have reduced CO2 levels in the atmosphere over millions of years. The University of Newcastle in Australia is partnering with industry leaders to pioneer this technology, with plans to scale up to commercial production.
Olivine: A Green Mineral with Carbon-Capturing Properties
Olivine is a naturally occurring mineral that reacts with CO2 to form silicon dioxide and magnesite, rendering the greenhouse gas chemically inert. This mineral can be used in roofing systems, paving materials, and even soil amendments to capture and store CO2. Multinational companies like Derbigum have developed roofing systems that bind with CO2 when exposed to rain, capturing significant amounts of the greenhouse gas over the lifetime of the roof.
Bamboo: A Sustainable and Carbon-Sequestering Building Material
Bamboo is a rapidly growing, renewable resource that sequesters more carbon per acre per year than most other wood products. It is also durable and versatile, making it ideal for a variety of building applications, including flooring, paneling, and furniture. However, it is important to ensure that bamboo is sustainably produced and harvested.
AirCarbon: Biodegradable Plastic from Waste Methane
Much of the plastic used in our homes is produced from fossil fuels. However, Newlight Technologies has developed AirCarbon, a biodegradable plastic made from waste methane, a greenhouse gas that is 20 times more heat-trapping than CO2. This innovative material has the potential to replace oil-based plastics in a wide range of products, including cell phone cases, plastic bags, and furniture.
Incorporating Green Materials into Your Home
By choosing sustainable and carbon-sequestering materials for your home, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to climate change mitigation. Here are some tips to get started:
- Use low-carbon cement for your next construction or renovation project.
- Consider mineral carbonation bricks or pavers for your driveway or patio.
- Install an olivine roofing system to capture CO2 from the air.
- Opt for bamboo flooring, furniture, or other building components.
- Use AirCarbon-based products to replace conventional plastics.
By making small changes in the materials we use in our homes, we can make a big difference in the fight against climate change.