Online course programs are very flexible and as well as convenient. However, a vast number of people are not aware of how advantageous e-learning is to their environment.
Many people can write a book about the advantages of pursuing an online course such as the flexibility it brings and the convenience. But they hardly know the benefits of e-learning to their environment. The following is how e-learning fits into a green lifestyle:
Americans use an average of 600 gallons of gas per year, which costs a household approximately $2, 600 based on the data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey (USBLSCES). Taking online college classes rather than commuting to campus helps to save gas, limit the use of non-renewable natural resources and also reduce the household budget for gas.
According to the Stockholm Environmental Institute, college students who participate in e-learning via an online college degree program produce 90% less carbon dioxide emissions compared to students attending traditional classes. This is simply because online learners do not need commuting to any campus, which then implies more cars will be off the road.
According to the National Wildlife Foundation, more than 60% of the waste produced by educational institutions is paper, which is one of the things e-learning stands to correct. E-learning saves paper through the provision of digital curriculum, textbooks, assignments, and other materials. Not less than 16 big trees will have to be used to produce a ton of paper, which means every ton of wasted paper is the death of 16 big trees. On top of that, the paper manufacturing industry is the third largest drain on fossil fuels among all industries.
While e-learning reduces gas for car commutes, it also uses fewer natural resources compared to traditional classroom settings. These savings are basically as a result of the energy and power used to cool or heat a classroom. In addition, online learning also brings a reduction in the use of building materials, plastic, wood, metal and other non-renewable sources.
The environment is protected due to the fact that the waste caused by the production, disposal of printer ink is reduced. This is simply because online college degree program assignments are turned in digitally. According to a survey, over 350, 000 of these cartridges get added to the landfills every year, which will take nothing less than a thousand year to decompose completely.
Aside from the fact that taking an online degree program has many advantages for students such as convenience and flexibility, the environmental impacts of e-learning should be taken seriously. With e-learning, students can sure lower their carbon footprints.