Author: Evelyn Long

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated, where she covers sustainable housing and improved building techniques for readers interested in a greener future.

Plants Life on Earth

How to Save and Revive Dying Trees

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date December 16, 2021
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Just like other living organisms, trees can get sick and die of disease if they’re not cared for properly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to relieve the stress your trees are experiencing and protect their long-term health.

Injured trees exist on a spectrum from stressed to dying. Unfortunately, once your tree is dying, there’s little you can do to bring it back to life. However, if you catch the symptoms of illness early, it is very possible to save your tree.

Read on for practical tips on how to revive struggling trees.

The Environmental Impact of Electric Cars

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date November 17, 2021
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As more companies develop electric vehicles (EVs), controversy has grown over whether they are better for the environment than gas-run vehicles. Although some experts disagree, most have concluded that electric cars are better for the environment. Here’s the nitty-gritty of how electric cars really impact the environment.

Global Warming Climate

Urban Density in the Fight Against Climate Change

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date October 20, 2021
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Shanghai is the second most populous city in China and the most populous city proper in the world. It is one of the four direct-controlled municipalities of China, with a population of more than 24 million as of 2014. It is a global financial centre, and a transport hub with the world's busiest container port. Located in the Yangtze River Delta in East China, Shanghai sits on the south edge of the mouth of the Yangtze in the middle portion of the Chinese coast. The municipality borders the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang to the north, south and west, and is bounded to the east by the East China Sea. A major administrative, shipping, and trading town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to trade and recognition of its favourable port location and economic potential.

It’s no secret that climate change has brought about a wide and serious impact on the health of our planet, and will continue to do so if our practices go unchanged. One of the ways that cities tend to contribute to climate change is by utilizing poor urban planning practices that go on to impact the spread of the city and the resources it takes up.

While the existence of cities can cause issues in itself, the issue of urban density is often one of the primary concerns for improving how cities function on the resources they need. Here are just a few of the important things to know about the way urban density and city planning can impact climate change.

Global Warming Climate Environment

Designing for Water Conservation in Arid Climates

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date September 22, 2021
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Huacachina (Ica) Dunes — Huacachina is a village in the Ica Region, in southwestern Peru. It is located in the Ica Province, near the city of Ica in the Ica District. Huacachina has a population of 115 (1999). The oasis features on the back of the 50 Nuevo Sol note. Photo by Ingo Mehling - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Climate changes are making pre-existing water shortages in dry climates even more severe. Drought conditions make life challenging for all beings, but as humans, we can take action to ensure the homes and buildings we construct are designed to conserve water for all plants, animals, and people that need it.

Of course, massive action is best for our planet. Though personal efforts may make a difference over time, large-scale changes are necessary to preserve the global water supply. Before we explore the green infrastructure designs for water conservation in arid climates, we must assess the challenges they counter.

Energy Climate Global Warming

Debunking Myths About Geothermal Energy

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date September 16, 2021
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Geothermal energy (power plant) — Geothermal energy is a misunderstood element in the renewable sector, and its efficiency's myths limit its expansion.

The demand for clean energy is increasing as more people adopt eco-conscious values. The media portrays solar power as the industry leader, leaving other renewable electricity forms in the dark. Before investing in emissionless power sources, it is essential to evaluate their differences and consumer benefits.

Environment

We Need to Reduce the Risk of Waste in the Food Industry

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date August 26, 2021
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Food waste. Image by Taz - https://secure.flickr.com/photos/sporkist/126526910/, CC BY 2.0, Link

2020 was not friendly to food sustainability. Restaurants struggled to meet conventional production rates during the pandemic. A decreased demand for food increased waste, generating sustainability challenges. In the Midwestern United States, potato farmers were forced to dump billions of pounds of potatoes in landfills when supply chain issues made it impossible to find a market for their produce.

Robotics Artificial Intelligence Technology

How Robotics Can Revolutionize Sustainability

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date July 22, 2021
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A mechanical engineer with sustainable agricultural robot in field. Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

Climate change is a topic that’s discussed more and more frequently as the effects of human interactions with the planet begin to manifest. There has been a rise in natural disasters and temperature fluctuations. The previous balance that existed in ecosystems is now deteriorating, and the solutions to mitigate further problems are now delving into the realm of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

Environment

Alternatives to Concrete for Sustainable Building

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date June 17, 2021
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Sustainable Building: Alternatives to Concrete: a bamboo cabin. Photo by Alberto Samaniego from PxHere

When most people think of construction materials, one of the first things that come to mind is concrete. This is not surprising when you realize that concrete is the most commonly consumed product on Earth after water.

Despite its popularity, however, concrete has adverse effects on the planet and its health. It releases a dangerous amount of carbon dioxide into Earth’s atmosphere, with the concrete industry making up 8% of overall global emissions.

Global Warming Climate Environment

How Businesses Can Do Their Part Against Climate Change

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date May 21, 2021
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Central Park — Increasing environmental sustainability has become an important topic both on the minds of many individuals and in the media. This is for good reason - recently, studies have starkly illuminated the impact of climate change and the role humans play in increasing global temperatures. With sobering consequences such as drought and more severe weather patterns, an increased number of people have started to consider how they can become more sustainable. In this global shift, many cities are moving to become more sustainable and decrease negative impacts on the environment. Although the level of involvement varies by city and country, an evolution is occurring as cities implement improved infrastructure and policies to become more sustainable.

In a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the effects of climate change, one sector of the community holds most of the cards – businesses. The top fifteen U.S. food and beverage companies alone generate more greenhouse gases every year than the entire continent of Australia. Change at this level can make waves, yet business owners may not know how to start on the path toward a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Environment

How Road Salt and Snow Removal Affect the Environment

Post author By Evelyn Long
Post date April 21, 2021
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Snow is a magical phenomenon for children. Building snowmen, drinking hot chocolate, and receiving the day off from school create memorable experiences for little ones. But as an adult, these weather patterns may lose their whimsy due to restrictions on driving.