We live in a throwaway society made up of all types of disposable products - diapers, sanitary napkins, cutlery, razor blades, packaging and even throwaway cameras!
But where does all this trash go?
Have you ever noted that in the rest of the ecosystem - plant kingdom, animal kingdom and the mineral world, none of the natural cycles existing in it are creating even an iota of waste. Humans are the only creatures to generate waste..
Without dwelling on whys and hows, we will first explore the opportunities that we have on a minute - by - minute basis to reduce waste in our lives.
One needs to be aware of what is recyclable, what is biodegradable, how to avoid products that are use and throw and products that utilize the least amount of packaging.
There are 10 general rules that you can follow:
1. Always purchase goods packed in glass, metal or paper - avoid plastic and thermocol, they are not recyclable.
2. Always purchase in bulk or family size - you not only save money, but also reduce the overall packaging you are consuming.
3. Purchase vegetables from a local sabzi market than the ones already packed in supermarket.
4. Go for brands that use recycled paper packing or biodegradable packing.
5. Look for the Recycling symbol whenever you shop..jpg)
6. Buy good quality and durable products.. The extra money is worth the quality and reduced wastage.
7. Borrow before you buy. Don't purchase something that you are likely to use only on a rare occasion.
8. Maintain and repair the products and equipments you own. Call for servicing or purchase the replacement part rather than throwing it for a new one.
9. Donate what you do not need. There are many companies that recycle stuff into useful items.
e.g. Chindi based out of Mumbai that takes old clothes and converts it into beautiful pieces of useful home products. or Attero based out of Noida is a e-waste management company.
10. Last but not the least - Avoid impulse buying. Do not leave without a shopping list and stick to it. Use your own carry bag. If you are not sure of whether you need something or not, then probably you dont. Remember - Impulse shopping ends up leaving both you and the environment poorer.
But where does all this trash go?
Have you ever noted that in the rest of the ecosystem - plant kingdom, animal kingdom and the mineral world, none of the natural cycles existing in it are creating even an iota of waste. Humans are the only creatures to generate waste..
Without dwelling on whys and hows, we will first explore the opportunities that we have on a minute - by - minute basis to reduce waste in our lives.
One needs to be aware of what is recyclable, what is biodegradable, how to avoid products that are use and throw and products that utilize the least amount of packaging.
There are 10 general rules that you can follow:
1. Always purchase goods packed in glass, metal or paper - avoid plastic and thermocol, they are not recyclable.
2. Always purchase in bulk or family size - you not only save money, but also reduce the overall packaging you are consuming.
3. Purchase vegetables from a local sabzi market than the ones already packed in supermarket.
4. Go for brands that use recycled paper packing or biodegradable packing.
5. Look for the Recycling symbol whenever you shop.
6. Buy good quality and durable products.. The extra money is worth the quality and reduced wastage.
7. Borrow before you buy. Don't purchase something that you are likely to use only on a rare occasion.
8. Maintain and repair the products and equipments you own. Call for servicing or purchase the replacement part rather than throwing it for a new one.
9. Donate what you do not need. There are many companies that recycle stuff into useful items.
e.g. Chindi based out of Mumbai that takes old clothes and converts it into beautiful pieces of useful home products. or Attero based out of Noida is a e-waste management company.
10. Last but not the least - Avoid impulse buying. Do not leave without a shopping list and stick to it. Use your own carry bag. If you are not sure of whether you need something or not, then probably you dont. Remember - Impulse shopping ends up leaving both you and the environment poorer.
