Over the past 50+ years consumerism has wreaked havoc on the environment. With manufacturing companies producing disposable items, over 300 trillion tons of plastic distributed each year, and low cost merchandise makes it easier to destroy the planet. Although, switching to an alternative source of goods can be pricey compared to the harmful ones, in the end our Earth will thank us.
- Paper Coffee Cups
We all know and love our easy to-go coffee cups distributed by brands like Starbucks, McDonalds, and Dunkin Donuts. Let’s say you get a coffee everyday before work or school, that is 365 disposable coffee cups ending up in our landfills. Coffee cups are not biodegradable unless otherwise stated.
The best way to keep paper coffee cups out of the landfills, would be to use a reusable travel mug/coffee cup. This could also help eliminate unnecessary costs, since you will not be purchasing their disposable cups.
- Plastic Water Bottles
This is the top wasted product in the world. As we all know, plastic cannot decompose, so we are stuck with plastic in the ocean, ponds, side of the roads, and landfills. Approximately 1,500 water bottles are being used every second in the U.S. Plastic is also linked to breast and prostate cancer.
A way to prevent these harmful things from happening would be, to use a reusable water bottle, such as, Camelbak bottles or any other brand you prefer.
- Disposable Kitchenware
I love my grandma’s cooking and she is picky about what utensils she uses, but did you know if you aren’t using wooden, bamboo, or sterling silver kitchenware you’re increasing our plastic problem? C’mon grandma get with the program. In all seriousness, the overuse of plastic is detrimental to the environment. Plus, bamboo utensils are actually really cute.
- Boxes of Tea Bags
For all my herbal tea drinkers and sweet tea people, your tea bags are not compostable. While, we all love some good tea, is it worth ruining our Earth over? Lucky for you, there are alternatives to help fix this problem. Try spooning the tea leaves into your tea in a metal strainer, you still get the same great taste, but without the guilt.
- Plastic Bags
Okay, I am sure you’re tired of me talking about plastic, but its imperative in today’s society. Economy friendly companies offer “plastic bags”, without the plastic. Companies use compostable items to produce a functioning bag. Plastic can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. This means our children’s children won’t even see the plastic we have used be decomposed.
- One Time Use Razors
One time use razors are bad for the environment in being they cannot decompose. Razor heads are inexpensive metal that ends up in our landfills. Also, did you know the numerous times you purchase these plastic razors, you’re spending the same or more than you would on an electric razor that is durable.
- Plastic Toothbrushes
Recently I made the switch from my pink plastic toothbrush to a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush. The bristles on my bamboo brush are so soft compared to the ones on the plastic toothbrushes. Plastic toothbrushes are one of the hardest things to remove from landfills.
- Menstrual Products
This one is for all my ladies. Now, the thought of using something other than pads and tampons to protect us from “Aunt Flow” seems to be a big No-No. But, there are better solutions for our bodies and environment that aren’t as bad as they sound. Such as, menstrual cups, cloth pads, and even a new line of underwear called Thinx. Using anything cloth for body related issues seems to be the next big thing.
Pads and tampons sit in our landfills, imagine the horror… Luckily, we have other options.
- Light Bulbs
These days we walk into a room and “forget” to turn off the lights, which is very bad for not only your electric bill, but also the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from them. LED lighting is not only good for the environment, but also for your electric bill. The price tag may not be in your favor, but in the end you will save money from your house bills.
- Cleaning Supplies
Clorox, windex, and bleach are extremely harmful for the environment. Not to mention for anyone in your household. Find an all-purpose cleaner with a plant based formula. These cleaners are 100% natural, organic, and safe for everyone.
Keep a conscious mind and watch what you use and throw away.
Information from: https://sciencing.com/landfills-vs-incinerators-5523826.html