Resolutions are typically made to improve personal health and happiness, but what if we expanded them to also benefit our cities and urban environments? The Multilogue Collective™ introduced the concept of Urban Resolutions 2021, and I would like to share the sustainable changes I have made to contribute to a better living environment.
Some sustainable goods I have switched to:
Say 'yes' to the Bamboo toothbrush~
Although plastic toothbrush consumption is not a pressing issue in today's world but it does contribute to environmental pollution. On average, a person will use approximately 250 toothbrushes throughout their lifetime, resulting in a significant amount of plastic waste. A simple and manageable step towards sustainable living is to switch to a bamboo toothbrush. Rusabl offers biodegradable toothbrushes made from Moso bamboo that can disintegrate in just six months. I have personally ordered one and highly recommend it as a small yet impactful change we can make in our daily lives.
Choose the gift paper as wisely as you choose the gift!
When it comes to wrapping gifts, we often resort to using traditional plastic wrapping paper, which quickly ends up in the trash. A more eco-friendly and creative alternative is to use newspapers! By wrapping your gift in a newspaper, you can not only reduce waste but also give your gift a unique and thoughtful touch. To make it more visually appealing, you can add a colorful ribbon or even try your hand at some simple newspaper origami.
Go classy with a Fountain Pen!
Disposable pens, made of non-recyclable materials like polyethylene and polystyrene, have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. We often use them thoughtlessly for a brief period before discarding them and buying new ones. However, the magnitude of waste generated from such pens, which persist in the environment indefinitely, is alarming. Luckily, there is a solution: the fountain pen.
Using a fountain pen has been a transformative experience for me. As I began using it more frequently, I noticed its writing became smoother, and I gradually developed a deeper connection with the pen. I was first inspired to try a fountain pen after coming across a post on Instagram a few months ago.
For more ideas on conscious living follow noorain_aahmed
Ditch Tissues, Hello Hanky!
By surrounding ourselves with people who lead mindful lifestyles, we can naturally adopt healthier ways of living. One such person in my life is Ar. Rujuta Chauhan, whose thoughtful habits have inspired me to make positive changes in my own life. Among the many things I learned from her, the most convincing was the importance of ditching tissue papers. Rujuta has conducted extensive research on this topic, and you can contact her at rujuta.chauhan@gmail.com to learn more about it.
The manufacturing of tissue papers contributes to the release of greenhouse gases, and most tissues cannot be recycled due to the reinforcements used in their production. It's important to keep these facts in mind the next time you reach for a tissue. Using a handkerchief is a wise way to reduce tissue waste, so I always carry a couple of them in my bag when I go out.
Damn the plastic bottles!
According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2018-19, India generates 3.3 million metric tonnes of plastic waste annually. Shockingly, almost half of this waste consists of single-use products like plastic bottles, which take around 450 years to decompose in a landfill, equivalent to about 6.4 human lifetimes. The sheer volume of plastic bottles consumed is alarming. Therefore, I make it a point to carry my own reusable water bottle wherever I go.
Some more Eco-friendly simple steps I follow
I have taken several steps towards sustainable living, such as switching from regular sanitary pads to biodegradable ones and considering the use of a menstrual cup in the future. I also prefer eco-friendly personal care products like Khadi natural products, Vicco toothpaste, and homemade lip balms over conventional ones. To minimize plastic waste, I avoid plastic-wrapped chocolates and ice creams, plastic straws, cutlery, cups, etc. I have also reduced my meat consumption. I refuse paper bills in restaurants, fuel stations, and grocery shops.
Bottom Line
Use the power of mindfulness to refuse, reuse, recycle, and replace.
Be creative and innovative when consuming products.
Think carefully before making a purchase.
Avoid single-use products and find alternatives.
Contribute little things to make the Earth a better place and strive to improve. Adopting a conscious lifestyle might not be always budget-friendly but will always be mentally satisfying.
Further links to overcome the mental block if you have any~
Why I live a zero waste life | Lauren Singer | TEDxTeen-https://youtu.be/pF72px2R3Hg
https://yourstory.com/2017/06/two-indians-who-live-zero-waste-lives-share-tips-tricks-and-challenges
https://www.sustainablejungle.com/zero-waste/zero-waste-tips/#item%201
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