How Can Your Business Reduce Ozone Depletion?

As designated by the United Nations, September 16 every year marks International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. In 2022, the U.N. observed 35 years of the world’s progress in defending the ozone layer against synthetic chemicals. These chemicals can cause damage to the protective ozone layer, and lead to dramatic issues with climate heating.

This worldwide effort to preserve the ozone layer and prevent a global health and environmental crisis is focused on efforts to phase out Ozone Depleting Chemicals. Thanks to this awareness, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has found that there has indeed been a substantial reduction in ozone-depleting emissions over the last two decades. There is some evidence currently available that the ozone layer may even be healing itself, and it could possibly recover by the middle of this century.

This is great news for the future of the planet, but these efforts cannot stop now. While countries are making laws that focus on the greater world issues, individual businesses can also do their part by reducing the harmful chemicals they use, and replacing them with sustainable or bio-based alternatives. This article looks at some steps your business can take to help reduce our reliance on Ozone Depleting Chemicals.

Ozone Depletion Impact on the Environment

The ozone layer is a thin shield of gaseous elements that sits about 15-30 kilometers above the earth’s surface. This protective layer absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which could be dangerous to all living matter. Unfortunately, centuries of human activity have eroded the ozone layer. Human-made substances such as Ozone Depleting Chemicals, which can be found in many everyday products and solvents, have caused damage to the ozone layer. Depletion of the layer or holes in it can allow more of the harmful UV rays to penetrate through to the earth’s surface.

Long-term exposure to this increased UV radiation can cause cancer and many other health problems for both humans and animals. Many of the Ozone Depleting Chemicals are also potent greenhouse gasses, which can accumulate in the atmosphere and contribute to severe climate change. Some chemicals which have been found to be most dangerous to the ozone layer include:

• Halocarbons such as chlorine, fluorine, iodine or bromine.
• Methyl bromide and methyl chloroform.
• Carbon tetrachloride.
• Nitrous oxide
• Halogenated hydrocarbon
• Families of chemicals including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons.

These substances can be found in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, as well as fire extinguishers. Other uses include solvents, aerosol propellants, and blowing agents for insulating foams.

Businesses' Role in Ozone Depletion

Many businesses, such as those in agriculture and industrial manufacturing, unfortunately, contribute to ozone depletion through the ordinary course of their operations. If your business involves cleaning, manufacturing, waste, or processing, there is the possibility that you may be using Ozone Depleting Chemicals. To reduce your role in ozone depletion, eliminate harmful compounds from your operations and use methods that are more environmentally friendly. Some examples of steps businesses can take to decrease their role in ozone depletion include:

• Maximize transportation and operational efficiencies, to reduce energy consumption.
• Allow for telecommuting when possible.
• Check fire extinguishing equipment for active ingredients such as halon, halogenated hydrocarbon, or carbon tetrachloride.
• Eliminate harsh cleaning products.
• Work with local vendors wherever practical.
• Avoid aerosol products with chlorofluorocarbons (CFC).
• Properly dispose of pre-1995 freezers, refrigerators, and air conditioning units.
• Keep machinery and equipment running efficiently.
• Buy lumber, wood products, and plywood that have not been treated with methyl bromide.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of methyl chloroform as a degreaser or adhesive.
• Eliminate materials and solvents containing CFCs or HCFCs.
• Avoid products made with ozone-depleting substances such as aerosol sprays, blowing agents, and cleaning products.
• Support legislation for the reduction of Ozone Depleting Chemicals.
• Increase the use of BioSolvents as an environmentally friendly, high-performing alternative to traditional petroleum-based solvents.