Earth Day is being celebrated across the world on April 22, 2024, and it is being celebrated by more than 1 billion people who are supporting and advocating for the well being of planet Earth. One might wonder what exactly is being done to celebrate something so vital? Well, people have taken charge of educating their future generations about climate, and the major topic that is being taught is how to avoid the use of plastic.
This year and on this day, everyone must concentrate on the never ending war of plant vs. plastic!
Plastics harm our planet in so many ways that we can recount on that everyday. Plastics contribute to producing GHGs, i.e., greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. It is on such an aggravating scale that by 2060, GHG emissions will account for 4% due to the excessive usage of plastics.
Microplastics:
The major component that is used to make plastics is oil, and it is directly affecting the fossil industry. Unfortunately, a major part of the waste plastics is never recycled and is left just lying around and that is killing wildlife at a very rapid pace. And now there is some eye-opening evidence that shows that we are inhaling plastic particles (microplastics) at alarming levels. Along with microplastics, we are also ingesting the harmful chemicals released by them.
We don’t have the functions that will support the digestion of these microplastics, which is the major reason for all the risks and diseases. The sad part is the ingestion of microplastics not just happen as adults; it occurs at the infant levels as well. Recent studies on placentas have shown the positive presence of microplastic. The elderly are also not being spared by this and it has become the major reason for cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart troubles too. During the plaque removal, doctors found polyethylene microplastics in 60% of the patients.
We may not be able to eradicate the intake of microplastics but we can always mitigate their intake. How?
7 ways to avoid the ingestion of microplastics, considering Earth Day:
- Avoid too much of Red meat! It has been proven that it carries microplastics. Also in shellfish, the amounts of it is alarming and on consumption, they remain in the digestive tracts. Make proper protein choices in your food to save your digestive system.
- The dust particles in your house contain dangerous amounts of particles, so try to clean and dust as much as you can.
- The single-use bottles are also not so great to use because they contain 240000 nanoparticles of plastic in one serving. So choose wisely!
- Avoid using plastic containers to reheat your food in the microwave, as the heat releases plastic chemicals like BPA.
- Avoid using plastic based or packaged toiletries and self-care products.
- Avoid eating root vegetables, as they have higher particles compared to vegetables and other plant based foods grown above the ground.
- Avoid wearing polyester, as it is a textile that is made out of plastic and microplastics are shed through it. And those particles we end up inhaling.
These microplastics can be reduced if everyone across the world knows how to minimise their dependence on plastic products. The more we use plastic-based products and foods, the more we are hurting ourselves and this planet. This planet is the only one that has life existing on its surface (as far as we know). Building your life on the basis of what products you use and what you eat will decide the future of the planet and your children as well.
So starting today, let us follow these minute steps globally to start changing your wellbeing in a positive direction, and it will also save the planet for our future generations. And remember, we are the ones who need Earth; it is not the other way around.
In closing, embracing simple yet effective practices can significantly reduce our daily ingestion of plastics and contribute to a better planet. By opting for reusable alternatives, minimizing single-use plastic consumption, choosing natural fibers over synthetic materials, supporting eco-conscious brands, properly disposing of the waste , advocating for policy changes, and spreading awareness within our communities, we can all play a vital role in protecting our environment and safeguarding our own well being. Let’s commit to making mindful choices every day, not just on Earth Day, to ensure a cleaner, greener future for generations to come. Together, our actions can make a world of difference.
