The environment is at stake, the planet is in trouble, and it is time for us to act responsible towards it by saving it through little changes made in our lifestyle.
From recycling to reduced emission, the responsibilities seem to be getting bigger by the day. If that wasn't enough, mostly even the littlest of things we use on a daily basis can potentially harm the environment.
Even I did not know of this until I began to research about things we could do to save the environment for the article I posted prior to this one.
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to check out that article.
So what are some things we should reconsider buying or using?
1. Single-use Plastic items
Disposable plastic, drinking bottles, food wrapping, plastic cutlery, you name it! Every piece of plastic that we use still exists on the planet somewhere and will stay there for a loooooong time unless it is burned.
Now, burning plastic would cause a whole different issue with harmful emission into the atmosphere, or causing cancer.
Upto 12.7 million tonnes of this harmful material ends up going into the ocean EVERY YEAR.
Since it would be hard to cut off your exposure to every bit of plastic, you can just start from the basics by carrying your own bags (preferably cloth bags) to the supermarket, or shopping.
When you order food, ask the restaurant to not send any cutlery and use the ones present in your kitchen.
Although restaurants like McDonalds are coming up with a 'No-Plastic' concept by going for wooden cutlery, paper straws, cups and bags, the usage of paper will rise and bring to light another change we all need to implement.
2. Over-usage or Wastage of Paper
Try to use recycled paper, and DO NOT FORGET TO RECYCLE ALL PAPER-BASED GOODS.
That way, we can save trees!
3. Wet-Wipes
YUP.
I'm talking about the ones you probably use for removing makeup, for your baby, or for cleaning purposes. Every Wet Wipe comes under this category.
There was a 400% rise in wet wipes found on beaches last year, which is causing immense harm to marine life.
Wet wipes contain plastic in them, which can never be dissolved.
Since they cannot dissolve in water the way paper does, wipes should not be flushed down the toilet. Ideally it would be best if you consider them as the last option to use for any basic thing.
Try to avoid the usage of wet wipes by cleaning with towels, flannels or any fabric based cloth.
4. Any product containing micro-beads
Some products contain micro-beads which are made of plastic such as face washes, body scrubs, toothpastes, abrasive cleaners etc.
These beads are so small that they can pass through water filtration systems and end up in the ocean. This puts marine life at risk.
A single shower with products made from micro-beads, can result in 100,000 plastic particles entering the ocean.
So the next time you purchase any product, make sure to check the ingredients.
There are face washes and scrubs that contain natural abrasives like volcanic sand, walnut/apricot shells etc. which you can use as alternatives.
5. Antibacterial gels/soaps
Don't fall for the "Kills 99.9% of germs" statement the next time you buy gels or soaps.
As per research, the usage of antibacterial products (especially gels and soaps) is causing the rise of antibiotic resistant 'super viruses and germs' as well as weakening and affecting the development of the immune system in children.
Many studies prove and say that being clean is better than being "germ-free". In fact, those who are exposed to some level of germs, have stronger immune systems than those who grow up in overly sanitized homes/environments.
6. Aersol cans/sprays
Do you have a deodorant or mosquito repellent can at home?
Did you know that it could be potentially harmful for the environment?
Any spray can that continues to spray when you press down on the nozzle (contained in a metal can), is an aersol can/spray.
Aersol sprays contain CFC's, hydrocarbons, and compressed gases such as Nitrous oxide, which are greenhouse gases.
Now, we all know what happens when greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere.
If you didn't know, greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause of the depletion in the ozone layer, which in-turn harms us, and every living being on the planet.
8. Bleach
This chemical is found under most kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Many of us know that inhaling such chemicals harms our respiratory system but did you know that it affects the environment too?
Bleach (Especially chlorine based) comprises of lye and manufacturers often release bleach into water bodies where reactions occur with other minerals and in turn create dangerous toxins which exist for decades.
So rethink when you buy these products the next time you go to the supermarket.
Try to use more natural or organic products for your household, and the environment along with yourself to be in safer hands.
These small changes can make a big difference and help save the environment if all of us join together and do the same!
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