It has been more than a year we're suffering from the wrath of one of the deadliest viruses in the history of mankind. Millions of people have lost their lives and lifestyles. We are also fighting a global economic crisis, which has further increased concerns for the future. However, our spirits are high, as we are fighting together, hand in hand. The pandemic has created a global unity across races, religions and ethnicities. It has increased tolerance amidst differences.
Many people are ready to welcome the holiday reason with outstretched arms. Every year, this is the time to indulge in fun, frolic and merriment. But this year, we are going to find most of the population praying for the crisis to be over soon. They will probably ask Santa to ensure a cleaner and a safer world. They may also pray for that vaccine, above everything else. Enough has been seen and done in that matter.
But will praying be enough to ensure a safer environment? Do we, as humans, have nothing to do?
Indeed we have. The pandemic has taught us that. During the lockdown, we witnessed how the environment can change drastically if we stop exploiting it. The quality of air improved, especially in London, where the Nitrogen Dioxide content reduced by 31% in the nine weeks of UK lockdown. Different regions of the country also experienced a reduction in Nitrogen Oxide by about 50%. The ozone layer experienced 10% regeneration as well.
If we knew that by staying home for a few weeks, the environment will regenerate this fast, we would have tried it earlier. Right? Well, Wrong! Every one of us knew what we were doing and how we can reverse it. Before it comes to one’s life, few take the initiative to go the extra mile.
It’s not too late. We can still achieve our goal of a cleaner and safer environment. The following suggestions can give you some idea:
Get rid of plastic habits
The country has already banned plastic straws, stirrers and swabs. Eco-friendly metal straws and cotton swabs are being used in their place. But it may still take a lot of time to ban plastics in general. But what is the need for the government to intervene? From shopping to dumping garbage, we tend to use plastics everywhere, sometimes consciously, and mostly unconsciously. All you need to do is, consciously remove plastics from your life. It pollutes the oceans, landfills and the environment in general. Marine animals mistake plastics for food and end up, well, dead. Even if you are not worried about their life, know that plastic pollution can be deadly for all organisms in the future.
Other areas where we can replace plastics with more eco-friendly options are:
- Toothbrushes - Do you have an idea of how many years it takes those plastic toothbrushes to get decomposed? According to the experts, they take approximately 500 years to be destroyed completely. And these toothbrushes are made of plastic from top to toe. As the dentists recommend not using them for more than three months, millions of them end up increasing plastic pollution every year. So, do you stop brushing your teeth? No, of course not! You can use wooden toothbrushes in the place of plastic ones. Bamboo is the most recommended, as it grows faster than other wood trees. You can turn the Bamboo wood into biodegradable brushes that keep your teeth clean without harming nature.
- Food packaging - Most of the packaging materials for consumer goods is plastic. Billions of goods are bought every day in the UK alone, and the packages are thrown away carelessly. These plastics take a few hundred years to get decomposed, thus increasing the burden on Mother Earth. How to replace food packaging? You may use recyclable paper, as it won’t increase deforestation levels and meet the packaging requirements as well. Other options include recyclable and eco-friendly plastic that uses lesser raw materials, cardboard, and organic packaging.
- Dental floss - You may be wondering if your teeth use more plastic than you do, but it’s true. Traditional floss is again, yes, you’re right, made of plastic. You may replace the same with charcoal floss or corn floss that clean your teeth all right but don’t harm the environment. The only challenge that you have to overcome is tolerating their ugly appearance. Does it seem too difficult?
Wrapping it up
So you see how a simple habit can bring about massive changes in society? This Christmas, take the resolution to make your life plastic-free besides asking Santa for a cleaner environment. You have heard the phrase, ‘God helps those, who help themselves’, haven’t you? Yes, you’re guessing it right. You have to take the initiative to make the environment cleaner and safer. Once you convince God about your intentions, he may consider helping you. Take small steps and start today!