‘Go Green’ is one slogan that people are religiously shouting all across the globe. The ever increasing pollution and its ill effects are scaring everyone around and people are eager to take apt measures to curb the troubles. If you love the environment and want to contribute in safeguarding it from the clutches of pollutants and hazardous agents, you need to start getting your home rid of some basic items that seem harmless, but in fact can damage the environment.
Mercury bulbs
Mercury in bulbs, even in small amounts, is dangerous and can’t be ignored. A lot of power consumed by mercury and the filament bulbs is converted into heat energy and wasted in turn. It is better to replace these bulbs with energy saving and non toxic options like CFLs, which will also cut down on electricity bills as they consume lesser power.
Plastic shopping bags
Plastic bags are very popular because of the durability that they come smothered with. But, the underside of using plastic is that it is non biodegradable and hence is considered as one of the major pollutants responsible for the degradation of environment. Most of the times plastic bags end up in landfills and are not recycled. Toxic fumes are produced when these are burnt, which causes air pollution. Throwing them is no solution, as these don’t allow water to seep into the ground, disturbing the water table. The only solution is to opt for paper or cloth bags, which are a greener alternative.
Chemical fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers can do more harm than we can imagine. While these may be responsible for a better crop production, they come tagged with many disadvantages that will cause devastating impacts in the long run. Excess or uncontrolled usage can disturb the pH balance of soil. It can also damage water resources as the chemical fertilizers don’t get decomposed completely and are washed away to water bodies like rivers and streams, in turn disturbing the flora and fauna. One should always choose organic fertilizers over chemical ones, which is a healthy practice.
Antibacterial products
Bacteria can cause severe diseases like food poisoning, cholera, pneumonia and tuberculosis. It is essential to maintain a good hygiene for keeping ailments at bay. But, lately consumers have switched over to the use of soaps, sponges, household cleaners, make up and even mattresses, which contain a compound called triclosan and its overuse can make microbes resistant to antibacterials. In an attempt to create a germ free atmosphere we are actually encouraging the growth of even more harmful bacteria that will stop responding to antibacterial agents. Therefore spreading awareness about the ill effects of the use of such products is a must.
Air fresheners
Air fresheners are a great way to keep away bad odor or for keeping your surrounding fresh with pleasant fragrance. But, have you ever contemplated on the fact that these air fresheners are a storehouse of chemicals, which are toxic? These can aggravate problems like asthma and cause additional troubles of the reproductive system and cause hormonal abnormalities. If you still want your house to smell good, opt for home made fresheners and keep windows open so that fresh air can pass through the house. Apart from this, add a drop of essential oil to boiling water and see the freshness it gives off.
