Starting the journey into a more sustainable way of living can be a little intimidating. There’s a lot of information available online (like our Nolisoli Sustainability Guide), but most people don’t know where to start. There are small, everyday things that can help, like saying no to plastic, turning off the lights, walking and reducing the amount of red meat in your diet, but that’s also just the tip of the (rapidly melting) iceberg.
According to a study by the University of Kitakyushu, the average Filipino produces half a kilo of garbage a day. For people living in metropolitan areas like Manila, Cebu and Davao, that number could go as high as 0.7 kgs. per person per day. It may seem less than expected, but if you multiply the average by the number of people, it goes up to about 54 million kgs. of garbage, not including the waste produced by manufacturing or commercial establishments.
Although a huge chunk of pollution comes from corporations and big industries, it’s still important that we all do our part to help. If you’re looking for a few everyday products to switch out, here are some of their more sustainable and eco-friendly counterparts:
Kitchen
Reusable sponges instead of disposable sponges
Bamboo glass brushes instead of flimsy plastic ones
Stainless steel coffee filter instead of disposable paper filters
Home
Paper tape instead of plastic masking tape
Laundry pods instead of detergent that comes in huge plastic packs
Reusable kitchen towels instead of paper towels
Personal Essentials
Refillable cotton floss instead of floss that comes in plastic packaging
Reusable swabs that last up to two thousand uses each
Plastic-free hair ties that won’t harm your hair or the environment
Refillable stainless steel razors instead of flimsy plastic ones
Header image from berde4mama website
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Writer: ANDREIANA YUVALLOS