
Online education comes with many benefits. Our hectic schedules and the way we design our lives today “demand” for everything to be simple and fast. Online education does not only help you simplify your life but also contributes greatly to a greener environment.
It has already become evident that the way we live and do things has a direct impact on the environment. The adverse effects of traditional industrial operations and our inability to respect and give back to the planet have already taken its tall. Inability to recognise this for so long has become a direct threat to humanity and our ability to sustain our planet. Today, governments, businesses and even households around the globe are beginning to take measures and change the way we do things in a common, global attempt to protect the environment that we live in.
While online education benefits both employers and employees in ways such as reduced costs and administration, there is a much greater benefit which is priceless and that would be, its ability to protect the environment we all leave in.
Have you ever thought that online education helps reduce any negative environmental impacts which derive from manufacturing and transportation? Taking an online course instantly reduces the production of waste and conserves natural resources. There is no need for textbooks, electricity consumption, desks, chairs and much more.
Following, are four ways in which online education contributes to protecting the environment.
1. Save on Paper
The National Wildlife Foundation reports, that 60% of school waste is paper. Did you know that one ton of paper waste is translated to a total of 16 large trees? Saving paper from printing, recycling paper and moreover finding all the educational material one needs in digital form, means reduction in energy and recourses.
2. Reduction of Printer Ink Used
No printing material means less paper and printer ink used. It is estimated that each year more than 375 million empty ink and toner cartridges go to waste. Per day this number translates to 1,000,000! Would you like to conceive it differently? This means 11 cartridges per second are thrown away, most of them ending up in landfills.
3. Gas and Energy Consumption Reduced
Taking America as an example, the average American uses up to 600 gallons of gas a year. This amount comes from speeding, stuck in traffic or even idling. Traditional learning requires you to travel back and forth from classes. Substituting this with e-learning from the comfort of your home translates into a significant usage of gas.
According to a survey by the Open University Design Innovation Group (DIG), online education contributes to 90% less energy consumption, than traditional methods of learning requiring physical presence.
4. Less Carbon Dioxide Emissions
The Stockholm Environmental Institute substantiated the theory with numbers: a relevant study showed that students who take up online courses contribute to a 90% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, than students who need to travel to attend a class.
These are facts and numbers which underline the greater good online education offers to preserving the “home” we live in and that would be the environment. Not only reducing your carbon footprints and making your life greener but also a lot easier.
Go Green and Explore our Online Courses today.