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Chemicals and the Spruce initiative
Chemicals and the Spruce initiative
Aug 13, 2024
This month at the Spruce Initiative we look at how chemicals can impact the oxygen producing ability of the ocean. Gone are the days when noxious chemicals were released into streams and waterways. It really is horrific to think about how polluted some streams and waterways became in the mid part of the twentieth century.
These days factories must use alternative ways of disposing of chemical waste. It is imperative that noxious chemical waste not end up in the ocean where the pollution may kill life giving plants, algae, plankton and bacteria. It is important that factories that produce noxious chemical waste dispose of it in such a way as the chemicals do not leech out in ground water.
We ask you about the chemicals you use at home. Do you use batteries in appliances and how do you dispose of them? Batteries are a major source of chemical poisoning however they can be recycled if disposed of appropriately.
Many cleaning products are not biodegradable and end up polluting waste water. It is best to avoid products such as bleach and other harsh chemicals which end up in waste water. These products come in plastic bottles so if we cut down on the use of these products we also cut down on the use of plastics.
Recently I have thought about nail polish and how the acetone in nail polish ends up in waste and may leech out into ground water. Nail polish itself is also a source of pollution. Maybe consider a real French polish with buffed nails and chalk.
All the chemicals we use to some extent end up as waste. Paint and such chemicals as methylated spirits need to be disposed of appropriately to prevent them ending up in ground water which leeches into our waterways.
Just as you would not throw rubbish on the street we ask you to take care with the disposal of chemical wastes. Of course it is best if you avoid using chemicals which are not biodegradable and plastic containers that are not made from recycled plastic. Most plastic products will have on them if they are made from recycled plastic and if they are recyclable. Recycling plastics is a way of reducing the amount of plastic waste and production however it still creates noxious waste.
Can you use soap instead of body wash which comes in a plastic container? Can you use a shampoo bar instead of shampoo in a plastic bottle. Can you purchase peanut butter in a glass jar instead of a plastic one? Can you purchase milk and juice in cardboard instead of plastic. Write to your suppliers of products and encourage them to use environmentally friendly products and packaging.
Be aware of contributioning to landfill and chemical waste. Cut down on these where possible. Do you really need that plastic bag for your fruit and veggies. Do you take your own bags in which to put your shopping and are they made of natural or recyclable fibres?
Do you buy clothing that is made of natural fibres? Recently I noticed that some clothing is made of recycled polyester. Don’t just throw old clothes in the bin. Take them to op shops where they can be recycled.
And do consider ioinong us at the Spruce Initiative. Be prepared to pick up a piece of rubbish when you are out on your daily walk and dispose of it appropriately and celebrate International Spruce Day by planting a tree every year.
Clean and Greenis our motto. Remember one piece a day sends the rubbish away. Do just clean let’s Soruce!
Cheers,
Felicity
Clean and green is our motto. Remember: one piece a day sends the rubbish away! Don’t just clean let’s Spruce.
www.thespruceinitiative.info
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