Big Shine Energy is all about #ApproachingZero carbon emissions. Although our favorite way to accomplish this task is through energy efficient LED lighting solutions, we wanted to do a little extra so that anyone can be a part of our mission, anywhere. Each step we take toward sustainability, no matter how small, brings us closer to zero. All it takes is a change of mindset. That’s why we started our daily #100EnergyTips campaign across our social media platforms.

In 2010, Bill Gates gave a TED Talk about the importance of developing technology that would eliminate carbon emissions. He opened with the strong observation. While his work at the Gates Foundation focuses on finding ways to maintain a balanced, healthy society for the poorest 2% of the world, these are the same places that will be harmed the most by the negative effects of global warming due to CO2.

In recent years, the news has become filled with more natural disasters than ever before. On a global scale, we’ve witnessed more flooding, colder winters, hotter summers and deadlier storms. Scientists say these phenomena are the result of climate change. But unless climate change is directly affecting us, it’s easy to view it as only a distant problem that doesn’t concern us.

As the industrial world continues to increase, one of nature’s greatest gifts to us continues to decrease: trees. Trees play a silent yet larger role in the lives of all living beings than we acknowledge. A single tree can absorb 13 pounds of CO2 per year while emitting fresh oxygen that we need in order to survive. The role of reducing CO2 is vital on a global level. However, can trees keep up with our demand?