In celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22) and World Environment Day (June 5), we are introducing the “Guide for Sharing One Home” for May and June.

International Day for Biological Diversity is a day to reflect on the value of the countless species that inhabit our planet. This year’s theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” highlights how local efforts can come together to restore damaged ecosystems.^CBD

World Environment Day is one of the leading international observances dedicated to the environment. This year’s key focus is “Climate Action,” calling for urgent efforts to overcome the growing climate crisis and build a resilient and sustainable future.^{UN, WED}

Earth Is Our “Shared Home” Where All Life Lives Together

Approximately 8 million species inhabit the planet.^UNEP All living things, including humans, interact with and depend on one another within diverse ecosystems such as deserts, forests, wetlands, rivers, and oceans. Just as roommates show consideration for one another and take care of shared spaces, humanity must also care for the environment as “Earthmates” living together in one home called Earth. Unfortunately, however, our current way of life is still far from true coexistence.

Our Lifestyle Is Heating the Planet

Climate scientists explain that human activity has been the primary cause of global warming over the past 200 years.^UN Notably, greenhouse gases produced by fossil fuels account for about two-thirds of total emissions. This is because fossil fuels are used in nearly every part of our daily lives—from manufacturing and using products to transportation and electricity use.

To maintain our current lifestyle, humanity would need resources equivalent to 1.6 Earths.^UN If this trend continues, ecosystems will no longer be able to meet our demands, and the planet will inevitably grow even hotter.

Greenhouse Gases Are Destroying Our Shared Home Through Climate Disasters

In 2024, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations reached their highest levels in 2 million years.^WMO The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that unless greenhouse gas emissions are rapidly reduced, the global average temperatures could rise by more than 2.9°C within this century, bringing catastrophic consequences to life on Earth.

Excessive greenhouse gases are manifesting as climate disasters such as massive wildfires, extreme heatwaves, and powerful typhoons. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), approximately 12,000 disasters occurred between 1970 and 2021, resulting in more than $4.3 trillion in economic losses and 2 million deaths. The climate crisis is not only a human problem. Human activity has significantly altered 75% of terrestrial environments and 66% of marine environments, placing 1 million species of plant and animal at risk of extinction.^{UN, IDB} The balance of Earth, our shared home, is collapsing.

What We Need Now Is Climate Action in Everyday Life

To ensure a sustainable future for Earth and coexistence with all living things, we must transition to a lifestyle that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, we need to build daily habits that minimizes the use of fossil fuels.

One important step is reducing electricity consumption, since approximately 60% of global electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels.^UN

Reducing the use of plastics made from fossil fuels is also essential. Every year, about 400 million tons of plastic are produced, half of which is intended for single use. More than 11 million tons of plastic waste—equivalent to the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers—flow into aquatic ecosystems annually, threatening over 800 marine species.^{UN, WED}

Carbon Reduction Tips for Our Shared Home

Living together in our shared home, Earth, we can all practice smart ways to reduce carbon emissions together.

<Kitchen>

• Reduce Rice Cooker Keep-Warm Time [Reduce carbon by 458 kg/year]

• Reduce Oven Use Time [Reduce carbon by 21.9 kg per year]

Approximately 20% of household energy consumption comes from the kitchen.^BBC

Electric rice cookers use a significant amount of electricity—more than many other appliances— because of their “keep warm” function, which maintains heat for long periods.^{ME, ROK} On average, the annual carbon emissions from a rice cooker are about seven times greater than those from a washing machine.

Try cooking only as much rice as you need and freezing the leftovers in small portions. You can enjoy rice that tastes freshly cooked by simply reheating it in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.

Ovens also use a significant amount of electricity because they must heat not only the food but also the metal interior.^{Sarah Bridle} Avoiding oven use can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3 times.^BBC

When using an oven, try turning it off 10 minutes early and finishing the cooking with residual heat. Cooking larger quantities at once is another effective way to save energy. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently to prevent heat loss.^{European Commission}

<Laundry Room>

• Reduce Washing Machine Use [Reduce carbon by 60.6 kg/year]

• Reduce Dryer Use [Reduce carbon by 401.5 kg/year]

In the laundry room, the key is to reduce how often you use your appliances.

It is best to run the washing machine only with a full load. Since about 90% of the energy used during washing goes toward heating water, washing clothes in cold water is also an effective way to save energy.^{U.S. EPA & DOE}

Try using the dryer’s “High” or “Sensor Dry” mode to shorten the drying time. In the United States alone, dryer use generates approximately 27 million tons of CO2 each year.^{Zhu Zhu, Shelie A Miller} When the weather is nice, choosing to air-dry your clothes is another great way to care for the planet.

<Living Room>

• Reduce Television Viewing Time [Reduce carbon by 73 kg/year]

Globally, households own an average of 1.3 televisions, and energy consumption continues to rise as the use of household appliances increase.^IEA Why not reduce screen time and spend more time talking with your family? When devices are not in use, be sure to unplug or switch off standby power for connected devices such as set-top boxes and speakers as well!

<Common Area>

• Reduce Single-Use Plastics [Reduce carbon by 25 kg/year]

Reducing the use of single-use plastic bags around the home is another great way to help the environment. In South Korea alone, the average person uses 533 disposable plastic bags each year.^Greenpeace Plastic takes a long time to decompose naturally, and when incinerated or buried, it releases various harmful substances into the environment.^{ME, ROK}

Try bringing reusable shopping bags when you go shopping, and use reusable products such as silicone wraps instead of disposable plastic wrap. Small changes in daily life can help reduce plastic use.

Practicing the “Guide for Sharing One Home” every day can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,040 kg per year. This is equivalent to planting 47 trees.

To protect our shared home, let us begin in our own homes by reducing the use of electricity and plastics together!

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