The planet is nature’s gift to all the creatures that inhabit it. We should love and care for it because we and the next generations exist thanks to it. It is, in fact, our home, the home that hosts us and will continue to host us. We all need to realize that we owe it a lot and that it is our “commitment” to care for it as much as possible. In other words, we have to say a big “thank you” for our short stay here.
Unfortunately, this is either not the case or does not matter to some people. The planet’s pollution has reached alarming levels, yet humans continue to deforest, pollute the waters, create more and more animal farms, use vast quantities of plastics, etc. How can this situation be avoided, and when will humans genuinely begin to love our planet?
Here are 10 + 1 straightforward tips that can help by applying them daily:
1. Recycling
Recycling is critical, as the enormous tons of rubbish that pollute the environment in landfills can be reduced by recycling and reusing. More specifically, all you need is an extra bin in your home to throw away the recyclable packaging, always clean and free of food debris or other products.
2. Reducing of disposable items
Plastic reduction is an issue that has been heard a lot lately. The large number of bags, straws, plastic bottles, and glasses is a number that can be gradually reduced. Reusable bags, biodegradable/stainless steel straws, glass/stainless steel bottles, and ceramic/glass coffee cups have surrounded the market. With so many options, why do you still buy classic, plastic items?
3. Say “no” on plastic cutlery
Many restaurants usually give you plastic cutlery, either when you stay at their place to eat or when you choose to take your food away. You can either ask for wooden ones or have your cutlery with you, so you do not have to use the plastics provided by the restaurant. The second option is safer, as it is impossible to know which stores can give us wooden cutlery.
4. Avoid packaged fruits and vegetables
But why do we have to face this picture in supermarkets and grocery stores? I often see my favorite fruits, but mainly vegetables, in packages full of plastic. Of course, I avoid all these products, but I wonder how much more beautiful it would be if the fruits’ and vegetables’ colors filled the shelves in their “naked” version. In the same category, of course, is also bread. So, avoid the packaging; prefer to buy your fruits, vegetables, and bread in your bag. Personally, net bags have helped me a lot in this change.
5. Say “no” in packaged juices
Could you tell me why you want to buy a packaged juice that, besides not being as healthy as a homemade smoothie, also has an unnecessary package, which is responsible for the environment? Make your juices, and if you want to take them to your office or workplace, use one of the recommended reusable bottles. And if you are still looking for the best smoothie combinations, take a look here.
6. Use of glass packaging at home
Generally, it would be better if you prefer storing your food in glass jars rather than plastic packaging. You can follow the same process for the meal you want to take to work, especially when you are terribly “choked” by obligations. There are beautiful and very friendly food containers to take with you. Many even have a triple space, so you can separate your main meal from the salad and possibly an intermediate snack.
7. Avoid free samples
Often, people give us a free sample on the street or offer us a small product when we finish shopping at a store. Most of them are in plastic packages and are not even worth it, considering the amount of the product with the plastic that wraps them. The same goes for small travel packages. You can have your hair shampoo with you and not use the small hotel bottles. And if you want to be even more careful, choose soap bars with no packaging.
8. Personal hygiene products
Do you want to change your toothbrush and need help deciding what to choose? There are lovely bamboo toothbrushes. As for the make-up removal discs, this is even easier. You can use a wet towel or a washable cloth. Also, coconut oil is ideal for make-up removal and can be commercially in glass packaging. Let’s go to the swabs now… What do we do with them? We choose wooden swabs. And as for the pads, we replace them with fabric ones that are easy to wash -and among us, they are also very comfortable- or with a period cup. Of course, if you are a parent, you can do the same with your baby’s diapers.
9. Avoid online shopping
Most of the time, when we shop online, the products arrive packaged in large, plastic packages. Even a tiny object, such as a pencil, can have a big box around it. So, you should better shop in physical stores, since you can bring your shopping bag with you. Besides, this has the positive that you can see what you want to buy and understand better if you like it and it suits you as it is an ideal opportunity to take your friend with you and have a great time during the shopping.
10. Prefer second-hand products
Starting with the smallest, such as clothes and shoes, and reaching the largest, such as electrical appliances, you can reduce the burden on the planet. So, find the best second-hand stores in your area and choose unique pieces of clothing and footwear while also shopping in second-hand shops and decorating your home with whatever you want. It is essential to say that now, on Social Media, you will find many accounts that can serve you and allow you to buy a piece of your wardrobe or home, benefiting you and the planet.
11. Creating your own products
Did you know that you can create many things on your own? From creams to food, such as tofu. Thus, you contribute to the reduction of the production of plastic packaging since by buying the raw materials either in bulk or in your packaging; you can make the products you want and, in fact, much cheaper. This is a beautiful, productive process for parents to spend time with their children.
Don’t waste any more time and start slowly with small changes in your daily habits to contribute to the protection of the planet.
Love for the Earth means love for ourselves!
