5 Examples of How We Contaminate the Environment Without Realizing It

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Are we fully aware of the impact our everyday activities are causing? Some acquired habits, some actions that we carry out almost mechanically or inadvertently have a certain environmental impact that, although relatively low, multiplied by the millions of people who inhabit the planet, its consequences take on truly enormous dimensions.

It is very hard to list each and every one of the daily actions that we carry out daily bases  and that can have a greater environmental impact: each house is a world and the habits of each are very different from each other

However, we can choose  5 of the most common actions to illustrate how we pollute the environment without realizing it and, in this way, raise awareness about the consequences of our own actions.

This is the first step to take measures that contribute to improving the world we share, measures that in some cases may seem insignificant but, in practice and without great effort on our part, substantially improve a natural environment that well deserves to be the object of all possible attention.

Five examples of how we pollute the environment

AquaDrink invites you to review 5 examples of daily actions that harm the environment, as well as their respective measures to prevent them. Take note of it:

Wrapping and packaging

More and more people are now becoming aware of the importance and several benefits of recycling. However, there is still a long way to go, and sometimes we find it difficult to know how to properly recycle some products such as medicines, light bulbs, mobiles, plastics … even recycling, we also pollute!

recycle packaging

Measure:  the best recycling is the one that should not be done. Therefore, when you buy, try to buy products in bulk (whenever possible), or with environmentally friendly packaging; reduce the volume of waste you generate, and make sure everyone in your family knows how to recycle correctly.

Eat melons and watermelons in winter, or oranges in summer …

In relation to the above, we can add that the consumption of certain products instead of others damages the environment to a greater extent. For example in food, which represents a good part of our daily use, fruits and vegetables out of season (brought out from greenhouses, or come by from very distant places transported without ecological guarantees), Use filtered water to wash vegetables, and fruits. If you don’t have a water filter at your home, then install one. Invest in water purifiers to assure your and your loved one’s health.

genetically modified foods

Genetically modified foods or the abuse of meat and fish are some of the bad habits that show how we contaminate the environment without realizing it, and that we can correct in a simple and effortless way.

Measure: you can be more responsible with your daily consumption by consuming local products, purchasing them directly from producers, or in alliance with other consumers: consumer cooperatives are a convenient, simple, and environmentally friendly option. You can also buy in fair trade stores, where they guarantee the origin of all their products, made taking into account respect for the environment and the dignity of the people who produce them.

Waiting for hot water in the shower

Water is a natural resource as necessary as it is limited. Consumption is increasing every day. A 15-minute shower, for example, represents consumption of more than 60 liters, or a 1-minute washing of hands, and dishes … requires almost 4 liters of water.

wasting water in shower

Measure: in addition to closing the tap while we lather or brush our teeth, in the shower, we can save between 5 and 10 liters of water if, for example, while we wait for hot water, we take advantage of the rest of the cold water to fill the bucket to mop the floors or the watering can if we have plants at home.

Use incandescent bulbs

It is not only an environmental concern that has to lead us to take more into account the consumption of light in our home. The constant rise in the price of electricity is in itself sufficient reason to control our domestic spending, and that in environmental terms can translate into a reduction in dirty energy sources (nuclear, thermal …)

incandescent bulbs

If we also add that incandescent bulbs are still used in most homes, the extra electricity we consume without realizing it multiplies exponentially.

Measure: trying to have only the necessary lights on, replacing traditional or incandescent bulbs with low-consumption or LED bulbs,  disconnecting appliances that we are not using, or using plugs with a general on and off button can save us up to 20% on our bill electricity, with the environmental benefits of these savings!

Use certain cleaning products

Most of the cleaning products from the industry are made with potentially toxic substances, and some are even highly polluting. To avoid them, carefully read the composition of the products you buy, we suggest that you make them in your own home with completely natural components. Here are some examples of completely biodegradable and homemade cleaning products, although on the Internet you can find much more information on the subject:

  • Fabric softener: in addition to being respectful of the environment, the homemade fabric softener made simply with vinegar (half a liter), water (1 liter) and bicarbonate (a couple of tablespoons) will allow you to save a few euros, which always come in handy!
  • Silver cleaner: chemical products for cleaning cutlery or other silver objects are usually highly toxic and abrasive, but you can replace them with a simple banana skin: by rubbing their inner face against silver objects, you will be able to clean them and make them shine like never before.
  • Wood restorers: putties to cover scratches and bumps on wooden furniture can be replaced with shelled nuts: if you rub them on the scratches, you will see how they disappear in a few minutes without having to use abrasive products of any kind.
cleaning products

Other keys to avoid polluting the environment in your day today

In addition to the measures that we have explained in the previous section to combat those actions with which we contaminate the environment without realizing it, you can also put other habits into practice in your day-to-day life. Let’s see:

  • Reduce your consumption of plastic bags. It is not enough that you have to pay for them in supermarkets and stores. The best choice is to recycle them, reuse them or simply look for baskets or bags made with recycled material.
  • Use energy-saving light bulbs in your home and in your everyday spaces. Remember that producing the electricity we consume is a process that leaves a noticeable mark on the environment.
  • Build an urban garden at home and try growing your own fruits or produce. The idea is not that you become a large-scale producer (or at least not in the beginning), but that you are aware of natural cycles, local production, and the care of resources.

Reducing environmental pollution, an impossible task?

Almost any human activity has repercussions on the environment, so reducing our ecological impact to zero is an impossible task.

Another different thing is to try to minimize it to the best of our ability, becoming aware of the consequences of our actions and trying to change those habits that, with little effort, can significantly improve the conditions of our immediate environment and, in general, of the planet.

Keep one thing in mind: although the measures that we have talked about in this post are every day and by themselves, they do not suppose any relevance, multiplied by a thousand or hundreds of thousands of times they suppose a positive effect of unimaginable proportions. If we do not try from now on, the next generations will suffer the effects of greater environmental pollution and the effects derived from it, for example, greater poverty and inequality, greater displacement, and poorer quality of life. Do not wait any longer! Now is the best moment.

Gallivant is an exciting, fresh new approach website for those who like traveling and are well aware of climate change as well can contribute their part that brings in better environment for ourselves as well as our future generations.

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