What are environmentally sustainable products?

  • Post category:Blog
  • Post last modified:October 23, 2020

Many of you might be intrigued by the term “environmentally sustainable products”. The name simply refers to a group of eco-friendly products made out of natural decomposable materials, that contribute to a greener living.

Our planet, which is over 4.5 Billion years old, has been the home to a wide range of life forms ranging from several micrometres to giants species.

Biologists have discovered that life on Earth began billions of years ago and has undergone tons of genetic change while adapting and aligning itself to be the present-day ecosystem. The flora and fauna which you see around do not even make up to 1% of organisms present in the ecosystem. Each and every living being in nature has a direct relationship with the natural ecosystem.

With such treasured species inhabiting our planet, it is the duty of the human race to look for life options that do not harm the ecosystem. Switching to environmentally sustainable products in everyday life can bring forth a significant change.

The article intends to take you deeper, to understand the impacts of plastics on the environment, examples of eco-friendly products that can be used in every day living and the advantages that it offers. 

Impact of plastic on the ecosystem

Have you ever thought of the question- what happens to the plastic you throw off? Unlike any other naturally occurring compounds, plastics have a rigid set of interlinking polymers which makes it hard to decompose

In fact, most of the plastic waste takes several hundred years to disintegrate.  Plastic waste has seeped into nearly all ecosystems of the sea, air, and land posing to a significant threat to terrestrial and marine life.

environmentally sustainable products

Dumped plastics which floats on the surface of the ocean, traps the sunlight and makes it harder for it to penetrate deep down the surface of the sea.

  • Scientists have warned that plastic litter which floats on the ocean surface which cause a ripple effect which will adversely affect the climatic system of the planet.
  • Studies have shown that plastic particles migrate up the food chain just like several chemical and toxic pollutants.
  • Plastic once disposed of into the ocean will break down into tiny pieces of microplastics which are often ingested by marine animals such as dolphins, sea turtles, seagulls and whales putting them in grave danger. The plastic waste often clogs their digestive tracks, making it impossible for them to consume food.
  •  Harmful toxins which are present along with the plastic waste are ingested by the fish eventually making its way into the human food system.

Some examples of eco-friendly products

Following are some examples of green items that you can add to your daily lives in order to reduce your carbon emissions:

  • Recycled shopping bags
  • Bio-degradable water bottles
  • Recycled paper
  • Compostable plates
  • Compostable straws
  • Compostable coffee cups and lids
  • Eco-friendly diapers
  • Natural toothpaste
  • Biodegradable trash bags
  • Eco-friendly soaps 

Read our article on “30+ tips to live a plastic free life”. 

Advantages of environmentally sustainable products

So, yes, using eco-friendly products does reduce your carbon footprint. But what is in store for you as a consumer? Let’s take a look at some of the advantages below:

  •  Eco-friendly products use green packaging

Plastic packaging can be the most damaging to the environment. Once disposed of after use, these might take up to several years before they completely break down. Manufacturers often use eco-friendly packaging while packing eco-friendly products. These are made out of recycled organic materials that are quick in decomposing when disposed of.

  • The carbon footprint is minimized

Since environmentally sustainable products are made from recycled or biodegradable materials, the requirement of natural resources is highly reduced. Additionally, unlike synthetic materials, the material itself won’t give any negative impact on the environment.

  •  Cost-effective

There is a popular misconception that eco-friendly products are expensive. However, in the long term, these products are more efficient in cost. Eco-friendly products tend to last longer and remain strong even with time. These are made out of recycled materials that are durable and sturdy. 

Since the cost of decomposing them within the landfills is significantly reduced(do not need processes like incineration, etc), these products tend to be more cost-efficient to the society in the long run. 

Final thoughts

By opting for environmentally sustainable products, we are not just taking part in the preservation of our planet but also helping our future generations to live a healthier life. 

If more and more people start to use eco-friendly products, the overall cost of production comes down. Companies will start looking for much cheaper options for raw materials. Together let’s hold our hands in opting for compostable products for a better tomorrow.

 

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