Saving environment is becoming a very important topic and many people are taking serious steps to improve their lifestyle and use organic as well as eco-friendly products. However, you must know that many of these so-called organic products are not so organic and you need to be watchful to understand the differences and buy the right product.
Organic Cosmetics:
Many companies making shampoo, creams or face powder claim their products to be organic and eco-friendly. However, until a third party certifying authority verifies these claims, such assertion of organic products do not have any value. It is quite possible that these companies include one certified organic compound along with 10 other non-organic compounds to create such cosmetic product.
Thus at the time of shopping for organic cosmetic products you will have to look for USDA certification, Natural Products Association seal or stamp from BDIH. Lastly, check whether any cosmetic product is safe for use on Environmental Working Group’s website to be 100% sure about the product before buying it.
Plastic without BPA:
BPA or Bisphenol-A is a industrial chemical which is used in making plastic and known to cause several health problems. Some companies stress that the plastic they make is BPA free but it is hard to verify such claims. In addition to it, it is also confirmed fact that almost all types of plastics even if they do not have BPA are harmful when they come in contact with heat.
In case you have concerns regarding chemicals leaking into food from plastics then the best thing is to change over to glass or ceramics, which are free from lead for your dishwashing and heating requirements.
Biodegradable Products:
If you do not have compost pile and your municipal corporation has does not have any composting facility then those products being marketed to be biodegradable will not be biodegrading. For any product to actually breakdown, it requires water, air, enzymes, microbes and light but all these conditions are normally not present in the landfills. Thus, it will be better to opt for more reusable materials.
Purchasing Meat:
You need to make sure the meat you eat is free of hormones and antibiotics. However, if it does not have certification from a third part certifier then it can be difficult for you to make out whether the meat free from these two or not. You will have to check if it has United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic seal, which would mean the product is certified and does not have hormones or antibiotics.
Dry Cleaning:
Most of the dry cleaners in the country make use of perchlorethylene, which according to EPA is a probable carcinogen and can result in cancer. However, even the chemicals used by many of the organic cleaners are not free from harmful chemicals. Better option is to look for wet, CO2 cleaners or try to wash them yourself. In addition to it, you should know that most of the garments that are marked for dry cleaning do well when used in cold water cycle.
Resuable Bags:
It is always better to use reusable bags instead of the paper or plastic ones but you should also know that a good amount of energy in required for producing them. According to a life cycle assessment conducted with sponsorship from British government, you would have to use a cotton bag as many as 170 times before it turns into an environmentally friendlier product as compared to any paper or plastic bag.
Thus in case any day you forget to take the reusable bag while going for shopping then do not buy a new one, rather use the plastic or the paper one you have with you.
Summary:
All the choice we make to save the environment may not actually save it. You will have to stay vigilant and understand the differences to make the right choice.