The One with the Alternatives
8 Things we should use that may help the environment
“We are unstoppable, a better world is possible.”
Plastics and the fashion industry, as two of the biggest polluters in the world, remain as two of the biggest environmental challenges as well that we are facing today and its consequences are continuously affecting our health and our planet. Hence, the interrelationship between environment and health.
Various environmental issues may pile up in front and beyond our eyes but I believe that we, humans, are more unstoppable in fighting for a better world. We have the sole responsibility to protect and save our environment for there is no Planet B. As time passes by, a lot of innovative, alternatives and solutions to those problems have been presented to us, helping us have a more sustainable environment and lifestyle. Thus, opening the road to Zero Waste.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Zero Waste is the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health. It may be hard to achieve, especially in our country but I guarantee you that it could be possible!
Here are some of the things we should consider to use as an alternative to help save the planet.
Preloved/ Upcycled Clothes
Want to stay fashionable while saving the planet? Worry no more! For years now, ukay-ukay or thrift stores have become popular in the Philippines, wherein preloved or used clothes in various styles and era can be bought at a cheap price. It’s not only good for your savings but also for the environment.
According to Business Insider, fashion production comprises 10% of total global carbon emissions as it also dries up water sources and pollutes rivers and streams, while 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year. Used clothes reduce the environmental impact by limiting the carbon, water and waste footprints that are usually produced in manufacturing new ones.
We often hear the words reduce, reuse and recycle or the three Rs upon talking about environmental solutions. However, I believe that as time passes by, another R-word should be considered and that is Repurposing- the process by which an object is transformed or redeployed as an object with an alternative use or value. Thus the rise of D.I.Y. or Do It Yourself concept wherein you can upcycle and repurpose your old or used clothes to make a better one with a different style. Be creatively fashionable at a cheaper price while protecting the environment!
Ecobags
If you’re looking for a more convenient way to keep a sustainable life holding a lot of things, an eco bag is a must-have for you!
Switching into reusable bags are very convenient especially when you’re shopping or just doing an errand at a market or grocery store. Not only that it’s convenient but a lessening the use of plastic bags in the environment could lead into an improved drainage system, less flooding, less disease and a more sustainable living.
According to a study, plastic bags can take anywhere from 15 years to a massive 1,000 years to decompose, which means they have a lasting effect on the environment, as a huge amount of oil and natural gas go into the production of plastic bags that are non biodegradable. Thus, producing and transporting plastic bags requires a lot of energy. But there’s always a solution!
There are a lot of styles and designs for ecobags and other reusable bags nowadays which may add to your own fashion statement alongside upcycling clothes or buying preloved items. Flaunt it while saving the environment!
Reusable Straws
Have you ever seen a photograph or watched a video showing how marine animals were harmed by single-use plastics that has ended up in the ocean because of our improper waste disposal and continuous consumption of plastics? I hope you do and if not yet, please see for yourself.
According to the National Geographic, 8 million tonnes of plastics flow into the ocean every year, comprising 0.025% of plastic straws in total. When plastic straws enter the ocean, they break down into microplastics, which are very harmful smaller pieces that are ingested by birds and marine wildlife unintentionally- a consequence of improper waste disposal and management. Mind you, it’s more difficult to clean underwater than on the surface!
With that, reusable straws made from bamboo and stainless metal have arisen, which reduces and can still reduce the pollution caused by manufacturing of plastic. It is not for the trend but for the betterment of our environment. Reusable straws are also very convenient as you can use it anytime and anywhere. And yes, it’s safe and bacteria-free if you clean it thoroughly after using.
Switch to a more sustainable straw, #SaveTheTurtles!
Organic Shampoo Bars
Want to experience a great hair day in a more sustainable way? Switch to organic shampoo bars now for an easier and more convenient life!
Living in a third world country while saving the planet may be more challenging especially with the sachet economy that we have, wherein products such as detergent, shampoo, powdered milk, or beverages are sold in packages that are made of single-use plastics. But there’s always an alternative solution!
Unlike the traditional liquid shampoos that often contain chemical ingredients to enhance lather and foaming that can have adverse effects on your hair, chemical-free shampoo bars are formulated with all natural ingredients designed to naturally clean and strengthen your hair without chemicals. Like natural soaps, an all-natural shampoo bar is often made with natural, plant-based and biodegradable ingredients that won’t harm the environment.
Reusable Lunch Box and Tupperware
Back in elementary and high school, I usually bring packed lunch with me. I’ve always thought that it was really convenient and fun knowing that I could share and trade viands with my friends. But growing up, I came to realize that using reusable lunch boxes and tupperwares are not just convenient, cheaper and fun but also a contribution to a lesser use of unsustainable and toxic food packaging materials.
The “take out” culture has been prevalent in our society up until today as the consumption of fast food is rapidly increasing because of the modernization. According to Market Line, fast food is defined as the sale of food and drink for immediate consumption after purchase, either at the food outlets or elsewhere like home and work. Really convenient! However, the materials used for food packaging was kind of unsustainable, thus, adding to the consumption of single-used plastics.
If you’re interested in switching to reusable food containers, you may consider the products from Tupperware Brand Corp. as my family and I use their products for decades now. Their reusable food containers, although made of plastic, are sturdy and can be used over and over, eradicating the usage of single-use plastics, as well as preventing food from going to waste in the fridge. Lastly, it has also allowed consumers to lighten their environmental footprint for 70 years!
Bamboo Utensils
After switching to reusable food containers, why not consider switching into Bamboo Utensils?
Bamboo is a highly renewable, eco-friendly resource as it also grows faster than any wood and can be grown and harvested without the use of pesticides and without killing the plant, which is why it is naturally antibacterial. Moreover, It’s also safer for the environment because it’s reusable and compostable. Bamboo is also heat, stain, and water-resistant material.
Most importantly, like silver or stainless metal utensils, bamboo utensils are both strong and durable, making them longer-lasting than the plastic ones we can get from a take out or fast food.
Reusable Tumblers
Water is one of the most essential necessities we need to consume in order to survive, which is why I always bring one with me anytime and anywhere- via tumbler of course. Yup, #hydrated!
A tumbler is a piece of drinkware that is often made from BPA-free plastic with a lid, and is completely handle-less and it could also be an insulated one. Either of the two, it can work for hot or cold drinks. Moreover, a tumbler could also be a reminder for us to consciously take part in the battle against plastic waste.
You might ask why switch to tumbler when plastic bottles could also be reused and recycled? It is true that you can but a plastic bottle may contain harmful materials that could harm you as a consumer. Aside from that, the manufacturing process of plastic water bottles releases tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, which makes the surrounding oxygen become contaminated, harming the health of the residents- A proof that environment and public health are interconnected with each other.
Stay hydrated conveniently and cheaply!
Cloth Pads
Want to live cheaper and more sustainably while having a period? Worry not for cloth pads is already available!
According to research, the average woman will use 12,000 to 16,000 disposable pads, panty-liners, and tampons in her lifetime, which is absolutely a lot of waste, including the manufacturing, shipping, and packaging impact over the years. It may be difficult for it is one of the necessities women should consume monthly but hey, there’s an alternative!
Cloth menstrual pads or cloth pads are worn in the underwear to prevent menstrual fluid from leaking onto clothes. Reusable menstrual pads are not just good for the planet but it is also cost efficient and more comfortable to use, even though it could be uncomfortable in the beginning. In addition, it could last for years, reducing your impact on the environment and saving you from monthly trips to the store. You can also do it yourself! Your call, your choice.
Life is about choices. The state of the environment that we are living in reflects the choices our ancestors and how our generation and the previous ones continue to do so. But it is never too late to stand up and make a difference. Become a possibility despite all the impossibility around you.
Switching into alternatives might be expensive in the beginning but in the long run, you may save a lot of money as you also contribute in saving our environment. It would also take a lot of effort and discipline but at the end of the day, progress is still progress. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, they are still contributions for a better world.
Be unstoppable because a better world is possible for us and for the next generations to come!
