The world has slowly been adopting a sustainable attitude toward its resources and products. Today companies claim to produce materials that are natural, recyclable or biodegradable. Put to the test, do such claims hold up under closer scrutiny? What is healthy or unhealthy – 8 examples to consider.
Biodegradable Plastic Bags
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At first glance a consumer might take pride in the fact that biodegradable plastic shopping bags are available for use. In reality however, such bags are just slightly better than their ordinary plastic bag counterpart. At the core is a plastic bag that will still be sitting in a landfill far longer than ever imagined. Eighteen months is the life of a biodegradable bag. Biodegradable bags are not as healthy as has been assumed.
Coconut Water
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Compared to sugary and caffeinated drinks, coconut water is used by health-conscious athletes who desire a quick re-hydration mixture to offset intensive physical exertion. Drinking coconut water is suggested as a natural way to replenish electrolytes and fluids. Its potassium content is quite high, equalling the potassium of one banana. Professional cyclists, marathoners, and others who engage in physically challenging sports have added coconut water to their daily routines.
However, if the wrong type of drinking container is chosen the actual benefits are doubtful. Plastic bottles or canned bottles of coconut water not only affect the quality of the coconut water but also affect the ecology since tetra packs are much more easy to dispose and take less energy to make. Marketing tactics concentrate on the product and overlook the processing and packaging habits. While coconut water is healthy; coconut water packaging often is not.
Tap Water or Bottled Water
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Manufacturers of bottled water tout their product as a healthy source of liquid refreshment to those living in countries where fresh drinking water is not available. Providing drinking water to such men, women and children is indeed a healthy alternative to what is available. However, the very same companies provide their bottled drinking water in plastic containers to consumers who are not deprived of clean drinking water.
It is a myth that tap water is unhealthy to drink. Tap water often meets guidelines for safety, yet bottled water is still being marketed as the healthiest choice. Begin drinking water from stainless steel reusable containers; it is quite healthy to do so.
Wind Power
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Wind powered projects have proven to be a true source of sustainable, renewable energy and is quite healthy for the environment.
Solar Energy
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Using the sun’s energy is a proven source of safe energy that is highly sustainable.
Biodegradable Soap
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Biodegradable soap is another example of an exaggerated marketing tactic. While such soap does biodegrade, it still releases dangerous chemicals that are not healthy for the human body.
Trading Electricity for Renewable Energy
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While the production of electricity has its problems, companies like Google are looking to fulfil their carbon neutrality commitment by trading for it with the regulation authorities. This is a beneficial way to help the overall health of this great planet.
Genetically Modified Foods
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There is an on-going debate about genetically modified foods (GMF) for general consumption. Those who insist it is unhealthy point to the mere fact that food is being altered as the reason to avoid it. Present opinions seem to lean toward the fact that modified food is not healthy and is a myth that needs to be exposed as harmful to consumers.
This guest post was contributed by the Natural Curtain Company
