Everyday objects= Earth killers

Now that we know how important and urgent it is to save the environment, it’s pretty easy for us to don’t know where or how to start. Well fret not, here are facts we need to know about our everyday objects that we use all the time and not realise the effects of them on Earth. The more we know about them, the easier we can start on our change for the good of the Earth!

Batteries

Did you know the average person may thrown away at least 8 batteries per year? More than 80% of the mercury in the waste stream, can be traced to discarded batteries. All batteries, single-use ones and rechargeable contain mercury, lead and nickel which can leak in landfills and harm the environment. It’s however a better idea to get rechargeable ones so you throw out less of them. Plus most electronic stores now offer to dispose of batteries properly, so don’t just throw them out and pollute the earth.

Cigarettes

An incredible amount of paper is used just to manufacture 1 cigarette, that is not taking into account, cigarette boxes and packaging. Cigarette buttes are one of the most visible trash pollutants and it takes an amazingly long 5 years for each cigarette bud to biodegrade

Electronics, computers, TVS and phones

All electronics which includes your computer, TV and mobile phones contain lead, mercury and other harmful metals. Although these may be fine when in use, it an be dangerous if not disposed properly. The lead found in these items leaches into out soil and becomes toxic to all life, including us.

Nail polish and remover

Nail polish and removers contain highly toxic chemicals like acetone, formaldehyde and phthalates which eventually evaporate and contaminate the air we breathe or seep into the ground and effect the water we drink

Expired medication

Medication that has passed its due date isn’t just a bad idea for you to swallow but also to throw ut! Studies have shown that medication that has been flushed down the toilet has contributed to the contamination of drinking water in several major cities. This in turn can also be hazardous to wildlife that live in these water resources

Mothballs

Mothballs are made from 2 key chemicals which are naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene that are suppose to evaporate into the environment. These chemicals can either be broken down by sunlight or bacteria. If disposed improperly it can seep into water and soil causing it to affect marine life and contaminate the Earth.