While we focus on our comfort, we are somehow polluting our planet. Heaps of waste, tons of toxic gases and gallons of polluted water are exposed to the soil, air and natural water reservoirs, causing major consequences for the earth.
We need collective efforts to minimize its impact on the health of nature.
Opting for eco-friendly choices not only revives nature but also paves ways for our future generations to breathe healthy air and live on productive land.
Let's discover how we can contribute to reducing waste on an individual level.
Prefer reusable bags
Plastic bags are not biodegradable, meaning they remain in the soil in their original form without decomposing or changing their composition. Layers of plastic bags buried in the ground make it difficult for water to seep through and sunlight to reach the ground, further leading to reduced health.
If you notice piles of such plastic bags and trash piling up, don't forget to get in touch waste disposal services to clean up the waste. A little effort can go a long way without you even realizing it.
Reusable shopping bags are bags made of paper or fabric. Make a note of reusable bags in your grocery checklist and keep them in your drawers for any future needs. Paper and clothing are environmentally friendly, and replacing plastic bags with these bags can contribute to environmentally friendly practices.
Maybe you already have reusable shopping bags at home that are often buried deep in the drawers and never see the sunlight. Try creating a reminder to take bags with you when you go grocery shopping, or keep them in your car so you can easily take them with you for use.
Recycle it
Waste can be reduced by 40% if purchased products have recyclable packaging. Companies need to invest a little more in their packaging to make it eco-sustainable and recyclable. How can citizens contribute to this?
Start by checking the labels before you buy and only choose products labeled with eco-friendly or reusable/recyclable labels. To understand these tags, you need to increase your knowledge about recyclable plastics. Here are a few types of plastics that can be recycled.
- PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
- HDPE (high density polyethylene)
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- Ldpe (low density polyethylene)
- PP (polypropylene)
- PS (polystyrene)
The more we emphasize environmentally sustainable products, the more companies are pressured to invest in sustainable raw materials to expand their consumer market.
We can also contribute to the recycling of products by using services such as oneillskiphire.co.uk, which use the right steps to collect recyclable waste and take it to the right facilities for processing. If you find piles of plastic waste, don't forget to contact such services and play your part in saving our planet.
Compost the waste
Fertilizers are expensive, and it becomes difficult when you have a beautiful garden to take care of. Switching to an organic approach may be a possible solution. Now you may be thinking that this is not your area or how to make organic fertilizers yourself. Do not worry; It's a piece of cake.
Did you know that almost 50% of your kitchen waste is actually compostable? Your vegetable or fruit scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, food scraps, grass clippings and fallen leaves can all be compounded in your backyard and turned into natural fertilizers.
While we admit that composting takes effort and time, it can provide a lucrative return on investment in the form of lower fertilizer costs and beautiful, organic garden growth. Depending on your climate and regional conditions, composting can take 3 to 12 months before you can use it in your garden.
The organic material provides the plants with the necessary nutrients and at the same time acts like a sponge to absorb enough water for the plants, meaning less watering.
Reduce the use of paper
Thousands of hectares of forest are being wiped out to meet the world's paper needs. Trees play the most crucial role in keeping our climate and soil in balance. They breathe fresh oxygen in the air and reduce the effects of greenhouse gases, which lowers the temperature of the atmosphere. At the same time, their roots are deeply embedded in the land to create air pockets and keep it alive.
Wiping the trees ultimately reduces all the benefits that plants provide us. Try to reduce the use of mail, receipts and magazines and switch to their electronic alternatives. The emails, e-receipts and e-magazines are great because they are not only harder to lose but also save paper.
Conclusion
Countries produce more waste than they can process. The best way to reduce waste production is to make efforts at an individual level. The more environmentally friendly and sustainable we are, the better our chances are of minimizing the amount of feed sent to landfills.
It all starts with YOU and ME!
