According to a Stanford University research, gas stoves are a common household item that emits 2.6 million tonnes annually of greenhouse gases. LPG, which is 95 percent methane and widely used in India, is used as cooking fuel.
A Stanford University study has shown that gas stoves in the US continue to leak methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas, even though they are not in use.
CBS news reported that they release approximately 2.6 Million Tonnes of methane per year into the atmosphere. This is equal to the greenhouse gases that 500,000 cars release each year.
To reduce methane leaking, you should clean the burners surface regularly. The burner caps should also be well-placed and kept centred to prevent any leakage.
Many toothpaste brands may use plastic microbeads. These microbeads are responsible for 8 million tonnes annually of plastic ending up in oceans. Microbeads can’t be biodegradable because they are too small for clean-up. They can attract toxic chemicals and have devastating effects for wildlife and the marine environment. These microscopic beads can also find their way into cosmetic products and shower gels. Microbeads were banned in the US, Canada and the UK. Other European countries are expected to follow suit.
Traditional paper teabags are made of plastic. New formulas made from nylon or polyethylene triterephthalate (PET), are being increasingly used by manufacturers. They are said to have a better brew and taste. These teabags don’t compost well and can release toxic chemicals.
Razors have a high level of carbon footprint because they require high amounts of water and steel to make. CNN reports that an estimated 2 billion razors are discarded annually in the US. For a smooth glow and safe environment, electric, straight razors and long-lasting razors offer a better alternative.
Even though a tiny piece of tape might not be expected to have a significant effect on the environment, the number of these tiny pieces of plastic resins and films contributes to major greenhouse gas emission. These sticky gum residues can also hinder the recycling process. According to stacker.com, as a better alternative, some tapes (such as masking tape and cellophane) are becoming compostable to help reduce the carbon footprint.
Phosphate-based detergents can be harmful to the environment, and especially aquatic life. These phosphates cause massive algae blooms and pollute the water. Algae blooms can cover large areas of water, deplete oxygen, block sunlight and suffocate fish and other marine life. Surfactants are chemicals that remove dirt from clothes but also contribute to marine destruction. To reduce the damage, there are phosphate free options available on the market.
Vegetable oils can have similar environmental impacts to petroleum oil. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (USA), these can clog water treatment plants and animals with oil and suffocate them with oxygen depletion. Vegetable oils can also clog water treatment plants and further damage habitats and food supplies to aquatic life, stacker.com reported.
The environment is the most affected by laptops and smartphones. They require huge amounts of resources like rare metals, plastics and energy to make them. SFGate.com reports that they can also contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, chromium and other heavy metals. The unsafe disposal of electronic items is a growing concern around the world. Poor waste management is the main reason these items end up in landfills. These items can pollute groundwater and soil.
Denims and jeans require tonnes of water to make. According to an Insider report, a pair of jeans requires around 2,900 gallons water. This is staggering when you consider that one in nine global citizens does not have safe water access. Donating old jeans or upcycling them are becoming increasingly important.
Tampons and sanitary pads
Many feminine hygiene products produce non-biodegradable side-products. According to Julie Weigaard Kjaer (CEO and co-founder at Ruby Cup), a tampon can take approximately 500 years to decay and a menstrual pad has the same amount plastic as four single-use plastic bags.
She estimated that the average person could use approximately 12,000 of these products over their lifetime.
The use of period underwear and menstrual cups is encouraged in all parts of the world.
(Edited by: Thomas Abraham)