Reduce, reuse, recycle. We have all heard of the 3 Rs. We have read about it in textbooks and heard environmentalists talk about it. But how do you start?
If you are someone who's thinking about switching to a sustainable lifestyle don't get overwhelmed. You don't need to take an immediate leap into the world of eco-conscious living. Start small and stay consistent.
Making the switch to reusable products is the most crucial yet simple step you can start with. Don't worry, we've got your back!
- Cut single-use plastic, buy a sturdy water bottle:
Single-use plastic is the biggest contributor to most of the environmental problems that we face today. Most of these plastics are not recyclable and end up in landfills. These take hundreds of years to break down and when they do, they pollute the soil and water. You can't even incinerate them because the toxic fumes will pollute the air.
Instead of reaching out for disposable plastic cups and water bottles, carry a reusable bottle with you. So, you can stay hydrated without harming the planet.
- Carry reusable straws on you:
Don't go by the unassuming looks of plastic straws. These small, harmless-looking things take at least 200 years to break down and are currently polluting the seabed by the millions. Understanding this problem, most cafes and restaurants have now switched to paper straws. Though paper straws are comparatively better for the environment, they get soggy when left in liquids for some time.
A better and more earth-friendly alternative would be using reusable metal straws. No matter where you are, or what you drink, your trusty reusable straws are there to the rescue!
- BYOB:
Bring your own bag when you go shopping. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it is also extremely convenient. You can opt for cloth bags or jute bags for your shopping trips. If you already have a lot of plastic bags at home, reuse those instead of throwing them in the bin.
- Multipurpose products:
You don't necessarily have to buy products advertised as multipurpose, just start using them in multiple ways. For instance, The Better Home's eco-friendly cleaning products and natural home cleaners are 100% biodegradable. They are free of any harsh chemicals, so once you are done cleaning your home, you can use the same water for your plants. It's as simple as that!