Let's face it! We are all in a global warming crisis, and no stone should be left unturned to prevent it so that our planet continues to breathe with life for generations to come.
The IPCC Report for 2022 predicts huge chances of crossing the global warming level of 1.5°C in the following decades. Unless immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are met, it might even worsen, reaching even beyond 2°C.
Simply put, it means temperatures will soar several times higher, glaciers will melt even swifter, and drought, heatwaves, and unforeseen health hazards will become more common. So, it's high time that we take the onus of doing our bit, starting from our homes.
The simple maxim- REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE
Almost all of us might have heard about this concept of 'REDUCE REUSE & RECYCLE' multiple times in the past few decades but little do we realise its significance.
REDUCE
Identifying our necessities and minimising the use of less eco-friendly products can go a long way in making our homes free from plastics, polymer materials and all those carbon-rich products that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
#1: Avoid the use of warm water
Get rid of your practice of washing clothes in warm water. So skip the heating and use your washing machine in the cold water setting. You can not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions but also save on your energy bills.
#2: Get rid of regular soaps & detergents
Shift to the use of plastic-free and waterless products like Skipper’s detergent sheets and soap tablets that eliminate plastic waste and the emissions associated to shipping water.
#3: Use eco-friendly all-purpose cleaning products
Keep a check on the cleaning products you use for your home. Bio-degradable cleaning products, and once again concentrated & waterless products eliminate waste, whilst still being suitable for your kitchen, living area, floors and restrooms. Cleaning products with non-synthetic materials reduces the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals harmful to humans and the environment.
#4: Create your cleaning products
You can also try and make your own organic cleaners by mixing vinegar, lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda. It's a much more sustainable and a cheaper alternative. Vinegar and clove oil are also fantastic for fighting mold.
REUSE & RECYCLE
Reusing products is a great way to eliminate the potential environmental impact.
#5: Use recyclable water bottles and food bags
Recyclable water bottles & food bags are great ways to reduce waste, and the production of more single-use consumables that contribute to unnecessary carbon emissions and landfill. The sample applies to other essential items such as clothing. A reduction in the use of plastic and a move towards recyclable products like glass and paper would have a major positive impact on the environment.
The same applied to everyday items such as clothing. The next time, before you throw away your old t-shirt, think about how you can reuse it! Be it as a cleaning rag, re-purposed napkins, or hair towel, there are undoubtedly several ways to reuse them.
#6: Use the vegetable & fruit wastes as compost
There is nothing better and more comforting than having a small and beautiful green garden in and around your living space. These will not only bring in fresh air but also make your home a much more liveable place. Furthermore, you can create it with minimal maintenance by using all your vegetable wastes from the kitchen as bio-degradable compost. This way, you not only use the leftover of your fruits and vegetables effectively but also cut off the need to use synthetic chemicals.
#7: Cut down your energy consumption
Cutting down the excessive energy consumption in your homes is a highly effective way to prevent the menace of climate change. Turn off your lights, fans, heaters, geysers, TVs and Acs when not in use. Use insulation as much as possible to regulate temperatures. Also, practice turning off the water taps every time after use.
#8: Shift to solar energy if possible
Making a shift to solar energy can be a real game-changer. This renewable and eco-friendly energy source can power your home seamlessly while keeping all your utility bills within limits. Isn't it a smart thing to invest in your home?
RAISE AWARENESS
#9: Stay well-informed and educate if necessary
It's about time that we adopt a sustainable lifestyle not only within our individual household but also as a way of overall life globally. To achieve this goal, we must be well-read and informed about the environmental changes along with its implications and the different ways to tackle them. Making 'climate-change education' a crucial part of your child's learning in their growing up years can help.
#10: Be local
Sourcing locally available sustainable products go a long way in keeping your home eco-friendly. Use fruits and vegetable that are in season which removes the need of unnecessary imports and thereby reduces transport and packaging. Opt for bulk buying instead of shopping in small quantities. You can even try your hands in a small kitchen or terrace garden too!
At Skipper, Environmental protection is at the heart of our business and we are most passionate about doing our part for a better planet.
