Keep Our Earth Clean: Stop Polluting Now!

Human activities have had a devastating impact on the planet, with more than one million species of plants and animals facing extinction due to overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and land use change. The consequences of pollution are dire, from flooding caused by melting polar ice caps to the disappearance of entire ecosystems and the displacement of human populations. Air pollution is a global public health emergency, causing respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and early death. Water pollution, caused by sewage, chemicals, and heat, poses further risks to human health and the environment. To protect the planet and ensure human survival, it is essential to address the various forms of pollution and make sustainable choices in our daily lives, such as reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and minimizing waste.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

The three 'R's – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – are essential for sustainable living and play a vital role in minimising the waste we produce. They are simple yet powerful concepts that can significantly benefit the environment and reduce the need for landfill sites.

Reduce: The first 'R' is all about creating less waste. This means minimising the amount of trash we generate in our daily lives. For example, instead of buying bottled water, opt for a refillable water bottle. You can also reduce waste by using reusable containers for your lunch instead of plastic bags, and bringing your own bags when grocery shopping. Say no to single-use plastics and straws, and opt for reusable alternatives.

Reuse: The second 'R' encourages us to find new ways to use items multiple times before replacing them. Instead of throwing away clothes you no longer want, consider donating them to someone who will make use of them, or pass them on to friends or charitable organisations. You can also share toys with local daycare centres or preschools instead of discarding them. Reusing items helps to reduce your trash footprint and can even save you money.

Recycle: The third 'R' involves turning old, useless items into something new and useful. Recycling is about separating items that can be given a new purpose. For example, plastic milk jugs can be recycled into picnic benches or playground equipment. Corrugated cardboard, newspaper, tin and aluminium cans are other examples of items that can be recycled. Recycling helps to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfills and saves energy.

Additionally, two more 'R's are sometimes included: Rethink and Recover. Rethink encourages us to consider how our actions impact the environment, while Recover refers to putting waste products to use, such as burning methane gas produced by decomposing garbage to generate energy.

Avoid single-use plastics

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with an estimated 75-199 million tons of plastic waste currently in the ocean, and this figure is expected to nearly triple by 2040. Single-use plastics are a major contributor to this crisis, as they are often used for mere minutes before being discarded. These items, such as bags, bottles, wrappers, and straws, are made from fossil fuel-based chemicals and are challenging to recycle due to their small size.

One of the most effective ways to address this issue is to avoid single-use plastics altogether. Here are some ways to do this:

Reusable bags

Instead of using plastic bags, opt for reusable totes or produce bags when shopping. These bags can be easily stored in your car or commuter bag, so you always have them on hand. Reusable bags are more environmentally friendly, even if they are made of plastic, as long as you use them multiple times.

Refillable containers

Single-use plastic bottles and takeout containers can be replaced with refillable water bottles and reusable containers for storing food. Buying in bulk and cooking from scratch can help reduce the need for plastic-heavy packaged goods and takeout containers.

Avoid individually packaged goods

Choose products with minimal or no packaging, or opt for zero-waste shops that allow you to bring your own containers. Avoid items with plastic wrappers, such as candy bars, and look for alternatives with less plastic packaging.

Reusable alternatives

Whenever possible, choose reusable items over disposable ones. For example, use a reusable straw instead of a plastic straw, or opt for an edible spoon instead of a plastic one. Reusable items are better for the environment as long as you use them frequently and for an extended period.

Recycling

Although recycling is not always an option for single-use plastics due to their small size, it is still important to recycle what you can. Check with your local municipality for specific recycling guidelines, as systems vary by location. Proper recycling can help reduce the environmental footprint of plastic waste.

By making these simple changes, we can significantly reduce our plastic waste and contribute to a healthier planet.

Don't use balloons

There are many small changes we can make to stop polluting the Earth and protect the planet. For instance, we can save energy by making use of natural light, switch off taps, use sustainable means of transport, and avoid using single-use plastic bags. Another way to contribute to this cause is by avoiding the use of balloons.

Balloons are a major cause of pollution and pose a significant threat to wildlife. They are ingested by marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, turtles, seals, fish, and water-fowl, who mistake them for food. The ribbons and strings of balloons can also lead to the entanglement and death of birds and other animals. Even balloons marketed as "biodegradable latex" can take anywhere from 6 months to 4 years to decompose, causing immense harm to wildlife and the environment during this period.

The release of balloons, a common practice during commemorative celebrations and in memoriam events, results in harmful waste as they eventually return to the Earth as litter. Balloons can travel thousands of miles and pollute even the most remote and pristine landscapes. Additionally, balloons contribute to the depletion of helium, a valuable and finite resource. While helium is always present in the air, we are running out of easily accessible sources. Helium is crucial for various essential products and industries, including MRI scanners, fiber optics, LCD screens, NASA and SpaceX rockets, pharmaceuticals, and the Department of Defense.

The use of balloons can also lead to dangerous power outages, with metallic Mylar balloons being a major culprit. These balloons cause thousands of power outages each year when they come into contact with power lines. Furthermore, balloons are made from plastic, which is derived from refining crude oil. The process of collecting crude oil causes habitat loss, water and soil pollution, and air pollution from the equipment used. The manufacturing of plastic also contributes to pollution through greenhouse gas emissions and the extensive use of energy from burning fossil fuels.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid using balloons and opt for alternative decorative options. By refraining from using balloons, we can reduce the harm caused to wildlife, prevent pollution, and conserve valuable resources like helium.

Cut down on waste

To cut down on waste and prevent pollution, it is important to adopt a more conscious lifestyle. This involves making small changes, such as turning off taps when not in use, using sustainable transport, and avoiding single-use plastics.

One of the most effective ways to reduce waste is to not create it. This means opting for second-hand or shared items instead of buying new ones. Donating or selling unwanted items also helps to prevent waste, as it gives them a new lease of life and keeps them out of landfills.

Food waste is a significant issue, with around 931 million tonnes of food wasted globally each year. To reduce food waste, it is important to plan meals ahead of time, make shopping lists, and buy only the necessary ingredients. Opting for plant-based diets can also help reduce water pollution and lower carbon footprints.

Single-use plastics are a major contributor to pollution, with plastic pollution ending up in our oceans and waterways. To cut down on plastic waste, it is recommended to use refillable water bottles, reusable containers for food, and bar soap instead of bottled liquid soap. Avoiding plastic packaging and opting for products without plastic packaging can also help.

Paper waste can be reduced by switching from printed materials to digital formats, such as digital subscriptions for newspapers and email receipts. Recycling is also an important part of waste reduction, and it is crucial to recycle paper and plastic waste whenever possible.

By making these small changes, we can collectively cut down on waste and work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Conserve water

Water is a precious and limited resource, especially in drought-prone areas like California and South East England. Conserving water is essential to reducing our carbon footprint, saving energy, and protecting our ecosystems and wildlife. Here are some ways we can all conserve water:

In the garden

• Use a water butt to collect rainwater, and use this water for your plants, cleaning your car, and washing your windows. Some water companies offer discounts on water-saving equipment like water butts.
• Use mulch and bark in your garden to reduce evaporation by up to 75%.
• Plant drought-resistant plants that don't require as much watering.
• Avoid using sprinklers, as they can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour.
• Only water your lawn when it needs it. Step on some grass—if it springs back when you move your foot, it doesn't need water.

In the home

• Install water-efficient taps and showers to minimise heating water and reduce your water use.
• Fix dripping taps—a dripping tap can waste 15 litres of water a day.
• Install a cistern displacement device to save up to 5,000 litres of water a year. These are often free from water companies.
• Shower instead of taking a bath. An average bath uses around 80 litres of water, but a shower uses between 6 and 45 litres.
• Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator, so you don't need to run the tap to cool water for drinking.
• If you wash dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing. If you have two sinks, fill one with rinse water. If you only have one sink, gather your washed dishes in a rack and then quickly rinse them with a spray device or a pan of water.
• Only run your dishwasher and washing machine for full loads.
• Rinse your vegetables in a bowl or sink of clean water, instead of under a running tap.

Frequently asked questions