Unfortunately, the presence of man has led to destructive changes, but we still have a chance to change everything for the better.

The best thing that is happening today is changes in societies for the better, and the desire to change. Today, we see changes in waste management, environmental management, etc.

When we talk about the environment, it should be understood that it is not only the weather, it is animals, birds, and all living creatures on this earth.

The most interesting facts and figures about the environment:

• 27,000 trees are destroyed every day to produce toilet paper.
• Recycling one aluminum can could provide enough electricity to run a TV for at least 3 hours.
• 80 billion aluminum cans are used every day.
• Paper can be recycled only six times. After that, the fibers are too weak to hold shape.
• 40% of all water in the world is sold in bottles.
• A glass bottle made nowadays takes 4000 years to decompose.
• The oldest tree in the world is more than 4600 years old.
• Our planet is increasing by 77 million inhabitants annually.
• 35% of landfills consist of packaging materials.
• Rainforests are shrinking by 100 acres every minute.
• American companies alone use enough paper to wrap the earth three times. And it’s great that the business world is moving in a paperless direction in their work.
• Only one percent of the water on our planet can be used for drinking, 97% is in the ocean and another 2% is frozen water in the Arctic today.
• 30% percent of cold air disappears from your refrigerator when you open it.

These are just some facts and figures to understand how society still needs to do a lot to move towards sustainable development on the planet.

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Household chemistry is harmful to the environment

Chemicals in dishwashing, washing and cleaning products upset the ecosystem. Many detergents contain phosphates. When phosphates enter water bodies, they accelerate the growth of blue-green algae and this leads to the flowering of rivers.

Flowering is dangerous because algae do not get enough sunlight and oxygen. Water quality deteriorates. Also, these algae emit toxic substances that disrupt the development and normal functioning of fish and other river dwellers.

Household chemistry can harm health

Any household chemicals that enter the market are toxicologically certified and should not cause problems if used properly. But it can be harmful if not used as directed and in the wrong doses. The level of toxicity depends on the quantity.

Problems with the use of household chemicals can be different: from skin problems to irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. They can occur if you inhale these products in high concentrations.

Detergents also contain chemicals that can affect health in large quantities. For example, washing powders contain enzymes: cations or anions that remove stains and dirt. Cationic detergents are the most toxic to the body. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, shock, and convulsions. Anionic detergents are less toxic but can irritate the skin and eyes.

If a person is exposed to a large number of detergents, they can get asthma. These products are also responsible for a large number of household poisonings.

The use of chlorine-containing products indoors can cause a variety of problems: from irritation of the nasopharynx to toxic effects through the respiratory tract.

If a person has an intolerance to any chemical compound, then systemic inhalation of these compounds in high concentrations can cause allergic reactions. This is not only a rash on the skin but also shortness of breath or swelling of the airways.

There are many universal cleaners on the market. Among the substances that are part of them: are phosphate, ammonia, and sodium hypochlorite. Depending on the composition, universal cleansers can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. When ingested, they can cause poisoning in both humans and animals.

How to avoid the negative effect of detergents

It is important to use household chemicals according to the instructions, to avoid getting inside the body, skin contact, and keep away from children as possible.

• Barrier protection methods should be worn: gloves or respirators.
• Wash your hands and wash your skin with plenty of water after using household chemicals.
• When cleaning, there must be good air circulation in the room, so you should open the windows for ventilation.

How to choose a safe alternative

Don’t buy flavored products, because we do not inhale the smell of chamomile or lemon, but chemical compounds that can affect our health.

Some brands use greenwashing and simply add the words “bio”, and “eco” or put the product in a green package. So you should first look at the composition of the tool.

You should avoid products with:

• phosphates;
• chlorine;
• microplastic;
• fragrances.

Use ecological detergents

It is believed that we live in an environment of dangerous microorganisms, so we buy products, that promise to kill 99% of bacteria. In fact, most bacteria are not that dangerous.

It is not necessary to disinfect surfaces for cleaning at home, there will be enough soap solution, which will perfectly handle dirt. You can use ordinary natural soap, which can be bought online or in eco-shops. It usually does not contain fragrances and is safe for the skin and the environment.

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Many things and products for the home that leave their ecological mark. Plastic mops, brushes, sponges, detergents – all this pollutes the environment.

1. The first useful eco-habit of many people is sorting garbage. For a convenient separate collection of plastic, paper, and glass, you can buy a special cardboard container with three compartments. It is easy to use and inexpensive. You can place it on the balcony or kitchen, in a place for garbage.

2. Part of the trash is occupied by organic waste: leftovers, peels of vegetables, fruits, leaves, and sometimes flowers. In landfills, organic matter rots and releases methane, a gas that is explosive and accelerates climate change. It is because of it that fires occur in landfills in hot weather.

Organic waste can be safely disposing of with a composter. This is convenient to do even in the apartment.

3. The next way to make your home more environmentally friendly is using brushes for washing dishes. For example, instead of the usual plastic sponges, you can buy brushes and sponges made of natural materials.

These can be coconut fiber or agave fiber kitchen brushes. Unlike plastic parts of ordinary brushes, they are biodegradable.

Natural brushes also wash away dirt and can last up to 6 months. In addition, after wear you do not need to buy a new brush, just change the nozzle itself.

4. An alternative to synthetic washcloths can be a loofah or a jute washcloth. Its use for cleaning, washing dishes, and bath procedures.

5. Natural soap can be used to replace cleaning detergents. It is quite enough for cleaning surfaces, dishes, and even washing.

Household chemicals containing phosphates get into the water and spoil the microflora of water bodies. Natural soap is an environmentally friendly alternative. In addition, it can also have a pleasant aroma.

Modern manufacturers of eco-friendly products use natural aroma oils in the production of natural soap.

6. Wax napkins are an ecological alternative to food film. They are made from natural ingredients, so you can safely store food in them.

These napkins can be used to wrap vegetables, fruits, and bread, store greens, cover cooked food and even freeze food.

7. If you drink tea from sachets, it is better to buy a reusable bag. The fact is that the tea bags contain polypropylene – a plastic sealant that prevents the paper from soaking in hot water. Due to the mixture of materials in the sachets, it is difficult to recycle, and therefore they increase the amount of plastic waste that pollutes the environment.

There are also zero waste solutions for the bathroom:

8. For example, brushes made of natural materials are an alternative to toilet brushes, which are often made entirely of plastic. They are made according to the same scheme as washing brushes: natural bristles and a wood base.

9. If you are thinking of upgrading your soap dish, you can buy a ceramic one instead of a plastic one. It will last a long time and will be an excellent eco-replace for plastic.

10. If you don’t already have a toothbrush cup, you can buy a wooden stand instead of a plastic one.

You can also replace the plastic cup with a glass or ceramic one.

11. Packages in everyday life are always needing, and now there are many alternatives to polyethylene. For example, you can buy backpacks or reusable bags made of flax or mesh material. With them, you can not only go shopping but also store food at home.

12. In case of a cocktail party at home, you can buy reusable metal tubes or bamboo tubes. This will reduce the amount of plastic waste.

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In addition to harming the environment, plastic utensils can harm the human body.

Is it safe to use disposable tableware?

We now live in the so-called Plastic Age. This material is used for everything in a row because of its cheapness and lightness. However, there are already a large number of studies proving the dangers of plastic.

Under the influence of temperature or time, it can emit harmful chemicals into beverages or foods. So, any plastic is dangerous in contact with food, especially if it has scratches that will inevitably appear over time.

What to look for when choosing a reusable plastic container?

Choose only PP polypropylene (“5”), be sure to look for the markings in the triangle on the container and its lid.

But we recommend using non-plastic alternatives – ceramics, glass, food steel (marked “18/8” or “18/10”). Such materials will last much longer. Moreover, glass and ceramics can be safely heated.

What foods should not be stored in plastic containers?

• Fatty foods (oil, fish, etc.)

Oils can be bought in glass, or pour into glass bottles at home for long-term storage.

• Alcohol

Especially beer and light drinks.

• Vinegar

The vinegar reacts quite aggressively with plastic. It is dangerous to use it for eating after contact with the bottle.

• Hot foods

Try not to store any foods in plastic. And even freeze food in glass jars or natural bags. Low temperatures, as well as high temperatures, open the way for chemicals to our foods.

Any plastic enters into a chemical reaction, and its microparticles get into food. To date, scientists have discovered that nine types of plastic can accumulate in the human body.

Manufacturers advise to look at the marks and use the dishes according to them. For example, if there is no label that it can be used for hot drinks, it is better not to do so, because Bisphenol A (BPA) may be released. It is harmful to human health. It is best to prefer dishes made of glass, clay, ceramics.

But if you can not do without plastic:

• choose denser plastic for packaging;
• prefer reusable containers and bottles;
• do not use disposable utensils a second time.

If you bought water in a plastic bottle – do not throw it, do not subject it to any deformation. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight, do not leave it on the windowsill or in the car so that the water does not heat up.

FYI: If plastic is intended only for cold foods, it is not necessary to store hot foods in it. For each plastic product, there is regulatory documentation that you can request from the manufacturer. It must indicate the shelf life of this product and its chemical properties. The manufacturer usually gives a warranty period: if it is written that it is a year of operation, the safety of use applies only to this period, no more.

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In order to stop the exploitation and killing of animals for the sake of natural fur, world brands continue to abandon their use. Instead of natural, faux fur is a trend on the catwalk and in the mass market.

Unfortunately, faux fur is not as environmentally friendly as it may seem at first glance. It is made of synthetic materials – acrylic, polyester, nylon, which are still harmful to nature. For example, during washing, each synthetic item releases about 2,000 plastic particles, which then fall into water bodies and thus harm their inhabitants and people. In addition, faux fur will decompose in a landfill for up to a thousand years.

Along with the desire to be more aware and responsible about the environment, there is an understanding that no matter how hard we try, we must always choose between environmental friendliness and ethics, especially when it comes to clothing. Which shoes to choose – genuine leather or eco-leather? Buy sweater from natural wool or acrylic? And what about faux fur?

The global trend of abandoning the use of natural fur by brands due to the cruelty and unethical production is only gaining momentum.

But how environmentally friendly is faux fur and are there alternatives that can reduce the negative impact on the environment while remaining ethical?

There is a stereotype that natural fur decomposes quickly. This would be the case if it had not undergone chemical treatment during production. Many toxic substances are used to preserve fur: formalin, formaldehyde, cyanide-based paints, which inhibit the decomposition process.

In turn, low-quality faux fur, which can be seen more and more often in the mass market, being in a landfill, almost does not decompose, poisoning the soil, groundwater, and even air, releasing tons of dangerous substances into the atmosphere.

Back in 2011, the Dutch company CE Delft conducted a study on the environmental impact of various materials, comparing natural fur with cotton, acrylic, polyester, and wool.

It turned out that the production of natural fur has the worst impact on almost all environmental indicators, including:

• climate change,
• hazardous emissions,
• eutrophication (waterlogging).

Next was wool, followed by cotton (due to excessive water consumption) and only at the end – polyester and polyacrylic.

It turns out that faux fur, which usually consists of 70% acrylic and 30% cotton, is more environmentally friendly and has less impact on the environment.

What can we as consumers do to save ourselves and the planet? The best solution would be to buy things from small local brands, thereby reducing the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions during transportation. Also, pay attention to reselling and, if desired, look for other alternatives.

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How to stop using plastic, save some money and reduce environmental damage.

1. Buy a reusable water bottle

Your own bottle of water will not only save you from thirst and waste of money but will also give you the opportunity to experiment with the taste of the drink. The most environmentally friendly alternatives are metal and glass bottles, but reusable ones (made of high-quality plastic) are also suitable.

2. Replace plastic bags with a reusable fabric bag

Almost every trip to the store ends with the purchase of a plastic bag. It performs its function for several minutes, after that it ends up in a landfill in the role of garbage or garbage bag.

Small fabric bags are a good alternative. In some stores, you can buy them directly at the checkout. They almost do not tear, do not wrinkle and take up little space.

3. Do not use plastic bags when weighing vegetables in stores

For these purposes, bags of natural fabrics have been invented for a long time. You can buy or sew them yourself from old clothes or bedding. And you can also refuse packages if one product is weighed: one apple, one carrot, one onion or one lemon.

4. Recycle food waste and paper into compost

This method is ideal for the summer season. Creating a compost heap will reduce waste and facilitate maintenance of the garden.

5. Give preference to glass storage systems

They are not only prettier than plastic containers but also do not harm health.

6. Buy wooden combs and toothbrushes

They are not inferior to ordinary plastic in price or functionality. Moreover, some tree species, such as bamboo, have an antibacterial effect.

7. Refuse disposable devices in favor of metal

In stores, you can buy small sets consisting of a fork, a spoon, and a cover, which you can always take with you.

8. Use cotton wool and toothpicks instead of cotton buds

It is not only cheaper but also more convenient since now cotton wool will take only the form that is convenient for you.

9. Replace razors with more environmentally friendly metal machines

Although they are not so easy to use, their contents will cost you a penny. It is worth noting that this item is also suitable for women.

10. Go to other means for intimate hygiene

Daily panty liners can be replaced with a timely change of underwear. And during menstruation, it is better to use menstrual cups or reusable tissue pads. The first can be ordered on the Internet, and the second can be sewn independently.

The transition from disposable to reusable products reduces the amount of plastic waste, and also significantly reduces the cost of some items in the budget. The purity of the planet depends only on us!

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Currently, garbage is filling our planet, plastic bags, plastic bottles, beer bottles and cans and various liquids.

Actually, all that we do not need, we throw in the trash, including unused items and furniture. Plastic bags decompose in only a few hundred years. And due to the ingestion of plastic waste, about two million birds and marine mammals die each year. Researchers estimate that 75% of the world’s population in 2050 will have difficulty accessing fresh, healthy water if pollution continues at the current rate.

Garbage is toxic and poisons the seas, oceans, rivers, lakes, surface and subcutaneous waters. They poison the soil. Poisonous birds and other animals become victims of poisoning. We read about flocks of dreams many times.

The world produces an incredible amount of garbage and waste. Some of them, such as plastic, break very slowly and for a long time. Since the dumping of toxic waste on land is expensive and risky, many countries are trying to drown them in the seas and oceans. Radioactive waste from nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons factories and waste from hospital laboratories is particularly dangerous.

Americans annually produce more than 600 million tons of hazardous waste. Storage of this waste in itself costs about 80 billion dollars.

Americans produce about 300 million tons of garbage per year. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), every American loses 4.6 pounds per day. 65% is from residential buildings, and 35% from schools, hospitals and enterprises. 55% of this garbage goes to landfills, 33% is recycled and about 12% is incinerated. In San Francisco, 68% of garbage is recyclable. This is the best result among major cities. USA. New York spends almost $ 1 billion a year collecting and recycling trash. And what a city looks like that does nothing to scavenge, just remember Naples. Seeing Naples drowning in garbage is just “you can die.”

One method of disposing of garbage is incineration plants. Combustion energy can be used for heating or power generation. IncineratorsIncinerators facilitate disposal of debris, but pollute the air. From the point of view of environmental protection, it would be more desirable to recycle secondary raw materials (recycling). Recycling of recycled materials reduces the amount of waste, does not poison the environment and reduces the need for raw materials, and thus serves to maintain non-renewable raw materials. The problem is that industry is reluctant to use recycled materials in the production process.

There are so many sources of environmental pollution that it is very difficult to identify everyone. In many countries, a permanent system for monitoring and controlling the state of the threat to the environment was introduced in order to protect public health and launch emergency measures in a timely manner.

The developed industrial world is rapidly absorbing the raw material resources of the entire globe. Only a fifth of the inhabitants of our planet live in rich industrialized countries. However, they consume up to 80% of the earth’s raw materials. Often, different countries rich in poor countries pay them for this service. Thus, “ecological bombs” are created.

We do not have accurate data on how much waste our world produces. We read about poisoned waters in rivers, lakes and seas. Various harmful substances, such as freon, are released into the air. We litter the environment with hard and long-lasting plastic. Pollution of the earth, water and air harms not only people, but also fauna and flora.

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Economically = ecologically
Economics is the first principle of an ecological home. First of all, you should save water and energy. Both the environment and your wallet will benefit. Have you ever thought about what you can do with water from washing vegetables and fruits? If not, then add other plants to it! A tap in the kitchen set on a cold stream. If you need hot water, pour cold into a watering can. Dishes are best washed in a bowl or sink, not under running water. If you do not have to turn off the taps every now and then, you will use less water! Also, remember to use the sieve in the kitchen sink and do not throw the garbage into the sewage system – the same at home as in the workplace. In addition, you can invest in a tap with a built-in filter and drink tap water. And choose water and energy efficient appliances.

Lower the house temperature by 33,8 °F, thanks to which you save as much as 5% of energy! Screw the temperature in the washing machine at 140 °F instead of 194 °F , and save another 40%. Turning on the TV and radio in the next room or computer in the company after working hours, has a negative impact not only on your finances, but also on the environment. The same with the light – leave the room, turn off the lamp! Always turn off anything you do not use and do not leave electrical devices connected to the socket in standby mode. Teach your family and co-workers the sustainable use of water and energy.

In the workplace, effective energy management is not only beneficial, but it also becomes an international requirement that is most easily met thanks to ISO 50001, an energy management system that aims to effectively manage energy while taking into account the company’s circumstances. And the benefits are many:

• identification and management of risks related to future energy supply,
  measuring and monitoring the use of energy to identify areas for efficiency improvement,
• increase overall efficiency to reduce energy consumption and reduce bills,
  reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and fulfillment of statutory goals,
• Prove to care for the environment to meet tender requirements.

Waste reduction and recycling

No generation of waste is impossible. However, their reduction and recycling, the most! The easiest way to see how much rubbish is made is to look at yourself and … the purchases you make and the trash buckets. What you bring home shopping is important! Do you choose an ecological bag or a one-time plastic bag? Where does this commercial travel later – in the trash, do you use it as a bag for other rubbish? What items do you buy – reusable or single-use? Look also at the packaging of purchased items. Is the cream in the jar packed in a cardboard box and wrapped in foil? All these extra packages are garbage that you want, without wanting to produce! Therefore, the best packaging is one that is not there, and when the goods have to be packed into something, choose the one whose packaging can be processed. Choose glass, not plastic, but remember that some packaging is not recyclable, e.g. cartons in which we buy juices or milk, and that metal cans absorb a lot of energy when processing, which is also not good for the environment.

Try to segregate the waste at least on glass, plastic and paper, and use special containers for specific garbage. Overdue medicines should be returned to pharmacies, furniture and equipment that are still usable, hand over to someone else or sell, and used household appliances and electronics to the store. Plastic caps, especially batteries, throw in special containers that you will find in many institutions as well as in supermarkets, schools and hospitals.

In the workplace, pay attention to the behavior of colleagues, it can not be that one person applies to the rules of waste segregation and others do not. It is a good idea to stick ecological stickers that will remind everyone to crush packaging, segregate garbage, extinguish the light and turn off the tap.

Other proven ways for an ecological life

1. Shopping “second hand” for the needs of home and business.
2. Not buying unnecessary things.
3. Using tickets in the electronic version or application.
4. Reading e-books, newspapers and magazines in an electronic version.
5. The use of specially programmed plugs that cut off the power supply to the equipment at night and while we are at work.
6. Walking, cycling, public transport instead of driving a car or taking a few people to a car, for example to work, school.
7. Eco driving.
8. Returning or replacing unnecessary things instead of throwing away. In many enterprises, collections of unused items and giving help or shelters are popular.
9. Smoking in the oven only in the permitted manner.
10. Self-generation of energy for own needs and for resale.
11. Maximum use of natural light.
12. Adaptation of light sources to the needs of employees and household members.
13. Using rechargeable batteries instead of batteries.
14. No airing when the radiators are turned off and the air conditioning is switched on.
15. Running your own garden even in the workplace.
16. Do not scratch the towels.
17. And much more.

Remember about Eco-behavior in public space. This is very important! Do not litter, always turn off the lights and turn off the water in toilets, do not take paper towels “for sweat”, whenever you can use the stairs instead of the elevator and clean up your pet. Your behavior affects the behavior of people in your environment. Be an example to them!

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The “plastic problem” returns from time to time as a boomerang. There are new alarming reports from all around us regarding its destructive impact on the surrounding environment and our health.

Not everyone is aware of the fact that more than 60 billion tons of plastic waste are produced worldwide every year! Plastic is particularly harmful as it is not biodegradable and its molecules become part of the food chain. It is estimated that in some regions of the oceans, more plastic than plankton is floating in them! Neil Seldman, an expert in the field of waste recycling, described plastics as a potentially greater threat than global warming.

However, the problems do not end there. Dr. Allen Hershkowitz from the US Natural Resources Defense Council claims that more than 90 percent of the damage caused by disposable plastic packaging is caused by the consumer will open the proverbial plastic bottle with his favorite juice or mineral water.

Few people are aware of the amount of fuel used in the first place for the production of plastic, then for its transport, and finally for its recycling (which with the rest takes place in the case of only a small part of plastic bottles). Most of them land on rubbish dumps. It is said that to make everyone aware of how big the problem is and how much energy is used to produce plastic, each bottle should be filled in 1⁄4 of its volume with the fuel needed to produce it.

But the problem of littering the environment is just one bad face of plastic.

More and more scientific reports indicate its potentially harmful effect on our health. The main culprit here is Bisphenol A (dian, 2,2-bis (p-hydroxyphenyl) propane, abbreviated as BPA. It is an organic chemical compound from the group of phenols that has been used for many years in the chemical process of hardening plastics.

Products containing BPA are widely used in the food industry mainly as packaging for food and beverage as well as in the children’s industry (plastic baby bottles, teats, teethers and plastic dishes). Its presence is marked by placing the “PC 7” symbol or the figure 7 itself inside the triangle.
BPA was thought to be completely safe for humans and animals for a very long time. Unfortunately, recent reports and results of scientific research show that it is completely different. They indicate that it has a detrimental effect on the hormonal, metabolic and nervous systems.

It is believed, inter alia, that bisphenol A mimics the action of natural sex hormones – estrogen and as such can affect the risks associated with the occurrence of diseases such as cancer, obesity, congenital malformations, decreased fertility in men, precocious puberty, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes or decreased resistance.

Bearing in mind the above research results and the safety of its citizens, several countries such as Canada, Japan and Korea have already introduced regulations that completely ban its use. In others, turbulent discussions take place on this subject.

The easiest way in which we, consumers, can defend ourselves against the disastrous influence of plastic on the surrounding environment and our loved ones’ health is its elimination from everyday life. Let’s replace plastic supermarket bags with increasingly popular paper or canvas bags. Plastic containers for food storage are replaced with old good and proven glass jars. Do not buy mineral water or drinks in plastic bottles. Let’s turn them into a hit that is already the world’s only ecological healthy and designer aluminum water bottles. Well, first and foremost, we choose products marked with BPA Free, which means BPA -free.

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