A complete blog on trash? Absolutely! Trash management has become a global necessity, evolving beyond just a debate topic on global warming.
While I’m not an environmentalist or saving up to build a villa, this effort is a small step to prevent nature from reaching an irreparable and irreplaceable state. We must acknowledge the increasing number and intensity of hurricanes, frequent weather changes, unbearable heat, and unexpected rains. These are all cries from our environment to maintain its health and beauty, as it suffers from human irresponsibility.
Although I don’t have concrete evidence to support my theory, the saying “there’s no smoke without fire” seems fitting here.
How to Live a Healthy Life by Taking Care of Our Surroundings
If we want to live a healthy life, we must take care of our surroundings in our own ways, even if it takes time to get back to an “all green” stage.
Here are three steps I follow religiously to contribute to a healthy environment.
Step #1 Reuse as much as you can.
I reuse most of the plastic, glass jars, boxes, and bottles we purchase from grocery stores. Whether it’s a yogurt container, pickle jar, big oil can, or a birthday cake bowl, these are great for storing dry foods like flours, lentils, and rice.
I opted for a homemade spice rack instead of buying one from Sam’s or Costco. I bought a stand and filled small glass baby food bottles with daily-use spices. These baby bottles are super cute and add to my shelf decor.
My cashew nuts and almonds jars have been reused for years. I purchased the big jars once and now just refill them as soon as they are empty. I ensure these containers do not come into contact with heat or too much moisture to keep the food healthy.
Step # 2 Reduce as much as you can.
In our everyday lives, we buy more plastic than food. For example, every vegetable and fruit we buy in grocery stores has plastic wrapping. Whole Foods sells items in paper bags, which is also wasteful. Instead of taking a new paper or plastic bag every time, we can carry a cloth bag for our groceries. I carry my tote bag every time I go to the store.
By stopping the purchase of plastic and paper, we can help reduce their production, which in turn helps more trees sustain without being cut down. More trees mean less instability in nature.
Reducing garbage is another key to healthy surroundings. For instance, I never throw away eggshells; they make excellent fertilizer for plants. Just crush them into coarse powder and mix them into the soil. There are people leading trash-free lives, and it’s a great initiative.
Step # 3 Recycle as much as you can.
Sorting recycling items can be boring, but I make it a fun game by finding what can be recycled once a month. Collect all such items and drop them at recycling centers.
I have created artwork from waste CDs (wall decor), plastic bottles (pen/pencil holders/pots), waste paper (flowers and vase decor), waste cardboards (bookshelf, first aid box), and many more. I am a believer in making the best out of waste.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are key resolutions for a radiant future.
These are my tiny acts to make our planet beautiful. What are yours? Let me know in the comments section.