Sustainability has never been under the spotlight as much as it has been in the last few years. With the epidemic slowing global movement dramatically, CO2 emissions are dropping due to flight cancelations and lockdown in many parts of the world, while many coal and oil mining projects have been delayed or halted altogether. Arguably for the time ever, seeing transparent progress in eco-conversation has become apparent. With large organizations taking advantage of the situation of making the world a greener place, the common man can follow suit that can establish the same impact, if not more. Living eco-friendly in Dhaka can be a little tricky at first, but once accustomed, these changes will definitely have a lasting impact.

How to live eco-friendly in Dhaka

Bringing Tupperwares and Cups Outside

Recycling has always been used when sustainability-oriented organizations try to drive home the necessity to act, and it’s hard to avoid it when we want to make simple, yet effective changes. More and more consumers are following the trend of bringing their own Tupperware and cups when going out for a coffee or grabbing takeaway from a restaurant. It’s surprising how much waste is accredited to discarded styrofoam packets and plastic cups, which is why a small act like this can make a whole world of difference. 

Also read: ‘Government to promote jute bags as an alternative to polythene’

Granted, lugging around plastic cups and Tupperware has the hindrance of filling up your bag “needlessly” and worrying about washing more dishes when getting home could deter the masses from adopting this lifestyle, but the reduction of waste will make a whopping difference. In addition, using reusable plastic bottles or flasks are more common eco-friendly alternatives, while brands like Starbucks are beginning to see success by incentivizing metal straws. 

Also read: Doing everything to combat Dhaka’s air pollution: Minister

Bringing Your Own Grocery Bag

Many countries are realizing the dangers of disposing of plastic bags on such a colossal scale that 76 of them have banned the mass distribution of them altogether. Bangladesh has the honor of being the first country to implement this order in 2002. Living in a country that saw the urgency of environmental conservations before others, keeping the vision alive in 2021 is encouraged. As a waste, plastic bags have been tracked as one of the most prominent ecological hazards that contribute to water pollution and a direct threat to animal life. 

Also read: Environment Minister talks tough against air polluters

Bringing your own cotton or Jute bag ensures a far better make, can double as a fashion statement on top of supporting a noble cause. Organic groceries can be troublesome to wash out of some reusable materials, but it is well worth the effort for better quality bags that are far more lasting. Buying more reusable bags for heavier grocery shopping sprees are important to consider as doing so will mitigate the need to use plastic bags period. 

Saving Water & Electricity

The consequences of wasting electricity are more severe than people assume. Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon emissions are in play when flammable sedimentary is crushed and heated to form electricity. Wastage doesn’t seem so bad when leaving the lights on accidentally overnight or leaving the air conditioner on with an open window, but micro oversight tends to add up and contributes to unnecessary pollution. Water waste poses a different set of problems. Much like electricity, draining the resource of drinkable water doesn’t seem like much initially, but collectively can usher great consequences. 

Thankfully, there is little need to go out of your way to stay savvy with your water and electricity. Using LED light bulbs, swap to energy-efficient air conditioners, use eco-friendly water heaters, and minimizing the use of dishwashing machines are all simple ways to stay ahead of conservation without taking up additional time or effort. Turning the water off when rinsing in the soap during a shower or turning the tap off when rinsing dishes with soap are small ways to make a difference that can become a habit when practiced enough.