With the onset of summer comes a host of activities to choose from. It could be just a family trip to the beach, a road trip, a bike ride, or simply a picnic with friends at the park. Sadly, very few people factor in ‘zero waste’ in their fun activities.
That’s why we have taken the time to enlighten you on some of the sustainable ways such as using biohazard waste disposal bags for medical waste, using eco-friendly food packaging, that you can include in your summer plans while limiting damage to the environment. Whatever you do during this summer, always think green first.
· Use eco-friendly food packaging
During that hot summer sun, a trip to the beach always seems like the viable means to beat the heat wave. And as you bring all other beach paraphernalia with you, food hardly misses in your priority list.
But have you given thought to sustainable ways of ferrying that food to the beach? Since you don’t want to endanger marine life along the beaches through reckless waste disposal, selecting reusable snack bags is the safest way to pack your food for the summer trip.
Not only are they affordable, but also reusable to give you long service.
· Look for sustainable packaging alternatives for other items
There are plenty of packaging options when undertaking a summer vacation. But you want to make sure you go with the eco-friendly option. Look for a packaging bag or container that can be reused to minimize chances of disposal.
And when moving to a new home with your family, opting for eco-friendly moving tips is a plus for both you and the environment. For example, hiring movers with exceptional environmental credentials, using just what’s available, reusing packaging materials, as well as renting reusable plastic bins.
· Reducing consumption
The more you increase the energy efficiency of your home, the less electricity you require. That translates to low power production by power plants. Ultimately, carbon-emissions decline. Reduced carbon dioxide emissions minimize the heat trapped in the atmosphere, resulting in a more comfortable summer atmosphere.
According to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one effective way to manage waste is through reducing consumption as well as reusing waste materials. That means, minimizing opportunities for creating new waste.
· Select reusable over disposable items
Instead of using disposable items that pose an environmental hazard, opting for reusable items is eco-friendlier. For example, bringing your own cup at work rather than using a disposable cup or choosing a reusable water bottle over a plastic disposable one.
Additionally, maintaining and repairing reusable items is another sustainable way to enjoy your summer. This essentially minimizes the chances of replacing torn or obsolete items.
For example, UNHRD has adopted the repair and reuse of cardboard packaging waste to ferry humanitarian waste in refugee camps. Such carton waste can further be used to make carton backpacks, cradles, as well as slippers.
Lastly, consider borrowing, renting, or sharing items that are used less frequently like party decorations to minimize disposal.
· Go for minimal packaging
When shopping for consumables, choose products that use minimal packaging. A product with less packaging means minimal raw materials used. This in turn lessens both the cost of production and the manufacturing waste produced. Who gets to benefit ultimately?
The end user, of course. A low cost of production reflects in the final price of the product in form of reduced price. For instance, if you buy in bulk, you gain two-fold. First, you get reduced packaging and secondly, a reduced price.
· Support the second-hand market
Buying second hand items like clothes is a dynamic way of going completely waste-free. Second hand items are cheaper than new ones. Purchasing them also motivates traders to receive donations and resell them.
Ultimately, this cycle reduces the rate of discarding unwanted items such as appliances, building materials, and clothes. It is also a way of giving back to your community.
· Grow your own food
Starting a garden in your backyard helps reduce waste from grocery shopping. You can grow different varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables for a healthy organic diet. That goes a long way in minimizing shipping transportation emissions as well as absorbing excessive carbon dioxide.
Final words
Although trying to be more environmentally friendly can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be difficult. If you start with smaller actions this summer, like taking your lunch in a reusable container, you can make other changes over time.
It’s important to remember that even if you can’t see results from the get-go, you are making a difference.
