By now, most of us have made eco-conscious habits a part of our life. We don’t leave the water running when we brush our teeth, we recycle our plastics, and we turn off the lights when we leave the room. Many of us have taken it up a notch and are now bringing out own bags to the store, buying hybrid cars, and installing solar panels in our homes.
But there are ways you’re harming the environment that I bet you don’t even realize! Luckily, these harmful habits are simple and easy to change. Here are three common ways you’re hurting the environment and how to make more eco-conscious choices.
Straws
Nearly every time you go out to eat you are given at least one disposable plastic straw. And where do those straws end up? Well, in the landfill, if we’re lucky, but often they end up in the ocean. A little plastic on the side of your halibut, anyone? The Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Clean Up report from 2011 found over 600,000 plastic straws in marine debris. If a family of four eats out once a week you can reduce plastic straw pollution by over 200 straws a year simply by bringing your own reusable glass, bamboo or stainless steel straw with you. Imagine if your friends did it, too?
Car Wash
Are you washing your car in the driveway at home? Stop it, just stop right now. Many drainage systems in suburban and more rural areas do not lead to the sewer system, but rather to local water sheds and even creeks. When you send water filled with soaps, toxic chemical residue and more down the street, you’re polluting local water sources for wildlife as well as the groundwater in your immediate area. Take your car to a professional car wash business where they recycle the water used to wash the cars and run it through at least a meager filtering system. If you absolutely must wash your car at home, use a non-toxic cleaning agent like Biokleen All-Purpose Cleanerso you’re not washing poison down the street.
Household Cleaning
Hide your kids, hide your wife, because the stuff you’ve been using to clean your home is turning it into a toxic wasteland. Companies that make household cleaning products are not required to list the ingredients used in their product on the label, as they are considered “trade secrets.” This means while you’re wiping away the crumbs on your kitchen counter you’re laying down a layer of toxic chemicals that you don’t’ even know about. These chemicals can include known endocrine disruptors, possible developmental and reproductive toxins, and allergens and irritants. Ditch all of these poison products and use an eco-friendly, plant based formula like The Clean COllection