As the entire planet is facing several problems as the unconscionable use of natural resources. There is a need for a change towards sustainability in your home. The main aspect of sustainability is focused on the well-being of future generations and in particular with irreplaceable natural resources as opposed to the satisfaction of present needs.Furthermore, the following concepts are principle for achieving sustainability in the home.
1. Recycling
Recycling is necessary for our future generations since we are making new products from the old products. Recycling is very important as waste has a huge negative impact on the natural environment. Harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses are released from rubbish in landfill sites. Since we are sending less trash to the landfills and saving resources, it helps in reducing global pollution. Energy saving is important to reduce the future effects of global warming[2].
Choosing to buy packaging and products made from recycled materials is a better way to help reduce waste and support the world’s transition to a circular economy approach. When we think of recycling we should think about the complete idea; reduce, reuse, and recycle[2].
2.Zero waste: Kitchen compost
Zero waste is a lifestyle that seeks to use products that can be composted or reused instead of just thrown away. There are several step recipes for a perfect zero waste kitchen including; buying in bulk to create a zero-waste pantry, storing food in zero-waste containers, prepping to-go meals like a pro through using reusable tools in the kitchen like stainless steel containers and bamboo utensil kit instead of disposable plastics, finding a second use for your food scraps, adding a pinch of recycling to your recipe, keeping your zero waste kitchen design minimal and following up the compositing process[3]. Composting is an excellent way to reduce your home’s footprint for more sustainability in your home. Check out on sosfuture: indoor composting article for some in-depth reviews of the various compositing options out there.
3.Eliminate toxins
Recent evidence indicated that chemicals in everyday products may put us at risk for health problems – from infertility and birth defects to certain types of cancer. There are several ways to rid your home of many of these potential toxins such as, avoiding the use of plastic food containers and switching to glass containers.
Most of our plastic ends up in landfills, our oceans and waterways, and the environment. Several studies showed that Plastics do not biodegrade. Several studies showed that it can take up to thousands of years for plastic containers to decompose. In the meantime, it contaminates our soil and water. The toxic chemicals used to manufacture plastic containers get transferred to animal tissue, eventually entering the human food chain.
Furthermore, many nonstick pans contain trace amounts of a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, which has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. The pans’ non-stick lining can scratch into your food. Instead, use stainless steel cookware, and natural, non-stick sprays such as olive oil[4].
4.Clean Naturally
There are several reasons for using eco-friendly cleaning products. It is so necessary to shop for eco-friendly cleaning products. Make sure that you are using products that are free from chemicals to protect your health. Eco-friendly cleaning products will protect the health of your home, and it will also prevent even greater environmental damage.
Recent research has indicated that Eco-friendly cleaning products will decrease water pollution, air pollution, ozone depletion, and global climate change. [5] These types of eco-friendly cleaning practices will also promote recycling, especially since they work to minimize toxic products and reduce the excess waste of raw materials. Check these DIY on SOSFuture.org a reusable diffuser, laundry detergent, toilet bombs.
Also, interest in eco-friendly/ sustainable products is growing over time [7] They are great way to make sustainability in your home.
5.Reconsider Transporation
Green transportation revolves around the effective and efficient use of resources, modification of the transport structure, and making healthier travel choices. There are several modes of green transportation including walking and using several means of transport that utilize renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, biofuels, and hydroelectricity. Green transportation includes using bicycles, electric bikes, electric vehicles, modern electric trains, and hybrid cars. Greenhouse emissions in hybrid cars are extremely low; emissions can range from 26% – 90% lower compared to standard cars[9].
References
1. Corporation, I.F., Ecolodges: Exploring opportunities for sustainable business. 2004, International Finance Corporation Washington, DC.
2. forward, g. Recycling Facts; Importance of Recycling. 2020 [cited 2020; Available from: http://greeningforward.org/environmental-issues/waste/recycle/recycling-facts/.
3. jungle, s. 10 STEP RECIPE FOR A PERFECT ZERO WASTE KITCHEN. 2020 [cited 2020; Available from: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/zero-waste/zero-waste-kitchen/.
4. everyday health. 10 Toxic Household Items You Should Throw Away Now. 2020 [cited 2020; Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/health-answers/toxic-household-items-should-throw-away-now/.
5. Bhate, S., and K. Lawler, Environmentally friendly products: Factors that influence their adoption. Technovation, 1997. 17(8): p. 457-465.
6. vitamart. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products vs. Chemicals 9 Benefits of Using Natural Cleaning Products. 2020 [cited 2020; Available from: https://www.vitamart.ca/9-benefits-of-natural-cleaning-products.html.
7. GlobalWebIndex. Lifting the Lid on Sustainable Packaging. 2020 [cited 2020; Available from: https://blog.globalwebindex.com/chart-of-the-week/lifting-the-lid-on-sustainable-packaging/.
8. GlobalWebIndex. The Rise of Green Consumerism: What do Brands Need to Know? 2018 [cited 2018; Available from: https://blog.globalwebindex.com/chart-of-the-week/green-consumerism/.
9. conserve energy future. What is Green Transportation? 2020 [cited 2020; Available from: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/modes-and-benefits-of-green-transportation.php.
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