Practical Suggestions for Limiting One’s Pollutive Output

Courtesy: Florian Direny

Pollution is a global environmental phenomenon. It is therefore not surprising that discussions of the subject tend to focus on the promotion of social, national and global actions with the aim of proposing far-reaching and important solutions. Despite the fact that these collective efforts can be very effective, it is still important to recognize that there are also individual actions which, although less far-reaching, can nevertheless help those who implement them to have a positive impact on the environment.

Furthermore, although these individual actions may seem insignificant on their own, collectively their reach can rival that of large-scale socio-political programs. These individual actions also have the advantage of being much less difficult and costly to implement. This article intends to offer three such practical tips for promoting environmental health.

Recycling

This advice may seem obvious, but in fact, less than nine percent of the world's population actively recycles plastic. Recycling is a crucial practice because it allows the reusing of non-biodegradable objects, thereby protecting the environment from their nefarious effects. Non-biodegradable items include materials such as plastics, metals, certain fertilizers and certain technological products such as computers and laptops. These materials cannot decompose naturally and therefore pollute the land and other environmental sites where they are discarded.

Recycling not only saves money in some cases, but also protects the environment by limiting the consumption and use of these objects. Recycling is relatively easy. Using the same water bottle multiple times - instead of throwing it away and buying another one - is a form of recycling. Putting non-biodegradable items in special bins to be used again is another example of recycling. There are even special recycling centers that one can visit to place their waste instead of throwing it in the streets.

Using Healthy Means of Transport

Considering going to the local supermarket? How about a little walk? You plan to shop at the bakery next door. Do you really need your car? It's only a 10 minute walk. Plus, exercise will do you good. You have the option of using a bicycle to take a short tour of your surroundings. Why not? This will help you build strong foot muscles and then reduce your oil footprint. There are so many opportunities to limit our pollutive output, we just have to be innovative enough to seize them.

Using Renewable Energy Sources (If you have the means)

This advice is a little less practical than the previous ones, especially from a financial point of view. But for those who can afford it, using less polluting energy sources can help reduce their environmental footprint. Some examples include: 1) Using solar panels. 2) Buying an electric car instead of using a gasoline one. 3) Using energy resources sparingly. 4) Hanging clothes after laundry instead of using a drying machine.

Concluding Words

At times we can feel helpless in the face of global crises. The progressive degradation of the environment and the climate are perfect examples of this feeling. Despite the global aspect of these crises, we can always do our best to contribute positively, even if in a minimal way. Sometimes you have to start crawling to finally be able to run and walk. These modest suggestions, I hope, will guide you on the right path to safeguarding our planet and our environment.