On the 7th of April every year, we celebrate World Health Day.
This is done in an effort to raise awareness about global health issues and promote healthy living.
The theme for this year’s World Health Day is “Building a fairer, healthier world.”
One of the key ways to achieve this goal is by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.
Waste management has become a significant concern for environmentalists, health experts, and policymakers worldwide. The accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans has severe consequences on our health and the environment.
Reducing, reusing, and recycling waste can help reduce the impact of waste on our health and the environment. This ensures that our world continues becoming habitable. Not only for ourselves, but for your children and grandchildren generations to come.
8 Ways to Save the Environment
Reduce Single-use Products
Single-use products such as plastic bags, straws, and water bottles are a significant contributor to waste.
You can reduce your consumption of these products by carrying reusable bags, bottles, and straws.
This small step can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans.
With fewer demand for single-use plastics, corporations are forced to innovate and come up with more sustainable storage solutions.
This brings us one step closer to solving the climate crisis.
Buy Products with Minimal Packaging
Packaging is a significant contributor to waste.
You can reduce the amount of waste by buying products with minimal packaging or packaging that is recyclable.
You can also avoid products with excessive packaging, such as individually wrapped items.
Some people shop in bulk stores with self-service dispensaries.
This way you can bring your own bottles and jars, and reuse the same containers over and over again.
Recycle your Waste
Recycling is an essential part of waste management.
Recycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans.
You can recycle materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal. It is important to ensure that you dispose of your waste in the correct recycling bins.
There’s some debate over whether traditional recycling actually does anything for the environment.
But at least we can hope that our waste is properly managed if not totally reused.
Compost your Organic Waste
Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and promote healthy soil.
You can compost food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials.
Composting can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and provide you with nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Composting is rather labour-intensive and requires a bit of land to make work.
So this may not be for everyone. But if you know a friend who does do their own compost, donate your waste to them.
Donate or Sell Items
You can reduce waste by donating or selling items you no longer need.
This way, someone else can use the item, and it does not end up in a landfill.
You can donate items to charities, sell them online, or have a garage sale. Similarly, you can buy your own clothes from pre-loved and second-hand stores.
Designer brands and fast fashion are some of the worst contributors to climate change.
They are the second-biggest consumer of water and responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions.
So avoid supporting those industries where you can.
Use Rechargeable Batteries
Disposable batteries contribute significantly to waste.
You can reduce waste by using rechargeable batteries.
Rechargeable batteries can be used multiple times, reducing the number of disposable batteries that end up in landfills.
Another thing to note is that you’ve probably been disposing of dead batteries wrong your whole life.
They should ideally be sent to a waste management facility and not chucked away along with your domestic waste.
Doing so can cause serious harm to the environment.
Here are some places where you can recycle old batteries.
Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Products
Conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can harm our health and the environment.
You can reduce the impact of cleaning products by using eco-friendly products.
Eco-friendly cleaning products are made from natural ingredients that are safe for our health and the environment.
If you have a bit of crafty bone, you can make your own soap.
This is especially good if you or your children suffer from sensitive skin.
Try Going Vegan
Giving up meat is something that not many of us are willing to do.
But with so many vegan and vegetarian alternatives, there are plenty of opportunities to do so.
Just cutting out poultry and beef especially from your meals can help reduce your carbon footprint.
The meat industry is notorious for contributing almost 60% of global greenhouse emissions.
You don’t have to give up meat entirely, but try having a weekend vegan meal.
Time to Save the Earth
Reducing, reusing, and recycling are essential steps we can take to celebrate World Health Day and contribute to a healthier planet.
By reducing our waste and consumption, reusing items where possible, and recycling materials, we can reduce the amount of pollution and waste that harms our environment and, in turn, affects our health.
Through these actions, we can make a positive impact on our planet, preserve natural resources, and support a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.
Let’s pledge to implement these practices in our daily lives, and join hands to build a healthier world for all.
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