In our mission to care for the planet and the ocean we love so much, it is essential to understand key environmental terms, such as carbon neutral vs. net zero. Although they sound technical, don’t worry! We will explain these important ideas in a simple and friendly way so that we can all contribute to a greener world.
Carbon neutral vs. net zero, what to consider?
You may have heard both terms, which are related to sustainability. But they don’t mean the same thing! Take a look at the differences:
Carbon neutral: what it is and its benefits
Carbon-neutral involves balancing the carbon emissions released into the environment through actions that offset these emissions. This is achieved through measures such as tree planting, renewable energy projects and sustainable practices. Self-sustainability is key to achieving this balance.
Some of the outstanding advantages of carbon neutrality are:
- Sustainable balance: carbon-neutral seeks to balance the emissions released into the environment through compensatory actions, in addition to creating a more sustainable environment.
- Promotion of self-sustainability: it encourages practices that reduce dependence on non-renewable resources, thus promoting self-sustainability and preservation of the environment.
- Environmental awareness: adopting the concept of carbon neutrality promotes environmental awareness, encouraging individuals and companies to be more responsible with their emissions.
Net zero: what is it and its benefits
To understand carbon neutral vs. net zero it is necessary to know that being net-zero goes a step further by not only offsetting carbon emissions, but also reducing the total amount of carbon in the atmosphere. For example, an indoor vertical garden can contribute to this reduction.
About its benefits you can learn more:
- Balancing and active reduction: going beyond carbon-neutral, as net-zero seeks not only to balance emissions. As a result, it wants to actively reduce the total amount of carbon in the atmosphere.
- Contribution to ecosystems: by reducing and offsetting emissions, a positive contribution is made to ecosystems, helping to preserve biodiversity and maintain the health of the planet.
- Focus on sustainable solutions: by adopting a net-zero approach, we promote sustainable solutions that go beyond neutralization. As a result, we are actively working to mitigate climate change.
Now that you undertstand carbon neutral vs. Net zero, take steps to lower your waste!
Pay attention, as this is key to understanding carbon neutral vs. net zero:
- Recycle: opt for recycling to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Sort your waste and be sure to recycle materials such as paper, plastic, and glass. The benefits of recycling go beyond waste reduction; they also preserve natural resources.
- Reuse: give items a second life before throwing them away. Reusing materials reduces the demand for new products and reduces waste generation. It also contributes to sustainability by extending the useful life of objects.
- Reduce: consciously reducing your carbon footprint is essential. Consuming responsibly, using sustainable products and adopting eco-friendly practices contribute to reducing emissions. Therefore, reducing waste is essential for a greener future.
At Maaji, we join this cause because we love our planet and our oceans. By understanding the difference between being carbon neutral vs. net zero, we can make informed decisions for a greener future. If you want to learn more about how you can make a difference, keep visiting our page!
Bibliographic references
- Borràs, C. (2020). Las 3R: reducir, reutilizar y reciclar. Ecología Verde.
- González, J. (2022). Diferencias y similitudes entre carbon-neutral, net-zero y climate positive. LinkedIn.
- Naciones Unidas. (2022). Net zero coalition. Naciones Unidas.
