Plastic Free July To #PlasticFreeLife: How To Make The Switch?

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July is ending ― and so is #PlasticFreeJuly!

But keeping the urgency in mind, #PlasticFreeJuly is not what we need anymore. We are gonna need something much more reliable and sustainable than that ― #PlasticFreeLife!

Now, living a plastic-free life is a far-fetched dream. We all are caught up in this vicious cycle of using plastics, despite being fully aware of the fact that it is harmful to our nature. With each passing day, we are getting trapped in this labyrinth, finding it hard to quit the habit of using plastics.

Sudden boycott of plastic will lead to chaos in our daily life. However noble the cause is, one cannot abruptly give up plastic. Nevertheless, it’s never too late to try; here are some of the steps you can follow to slow down the use of plastic in your daily life.

Hope this helps!

Replace plastic shopping bags with reusable ones

Reusable shopping bags are a great way to start with. You definitely visit the market once or twice a week. Instead of relying on bags to be provided by the shopkeeper, carry your own. Don’t restrict reusable bags to groceries shopping; you can carry them anywhere.

Avoid bottled water

Whenever you step out, don’t forget to carry your water bottle. Buying a plastic bottle is a very good option, but are they good?

Plastic may leach certain chemicals into the water, making it harmful for consumption. Keep a stainless steel bottle handy, and refill it wherever you happen to be. Plastic bottles are not safe for the water, but it is not reusable as well. Switching to stainless steel bottles is a great initiative.

Keep reusable utensils and glass drinking straws handy

Travelling is part and parcel of life. Your travels not just cost you, but to the environment as well. So next time when you go on a family vacation, do not forget to pack reusable utensils and glass straws. This will eventually cut out plastic waste.

Ice cream cones are a treat

Hoarding ice cream tubs in your fridge not only leads to overconsumption of ice creams but also the use of plastic. Try out the ice cream cones next time you step out; true delight indeed! Switching to ice cream cones can save both your health and the environment from those plastic tubs.

Reduce the intake of beverages packaged in plastic bottles

Remember your favourite cold drink comes packaged in plastic bottles. The more you buy, the more harm it causes to the environment. Fresh fruits or juices can always be a better option.

Let go of frozen convenience foods

Little lifestyle changes can make big moves. You purchase a lot of frozen food from the supermarket for your convenience, but is it convenient in the long run? Frozen foods are packaged in plastic containers and are always a bad choice for your health and our environment.

Purchase fresh bread wrapped in paper bags

Bread is the staple food of every household. Instead of buying bread that is packaged in plastics, try purchasing the ones that come in paper wrapping. The latter is fresher and tastier.

Try wined bottles with natural corks

‘I hate wine’, said no one ever! Well, does this mean you hate the environment?

Definitely not! While buying wine bottles, always ask for bottles that have natural disposable corks and not the plastic ones.

Give up liquid soap for bar soap

Bar soaps come in cardboard packaging, whereas liquid soaps come in plastic bottles. Bar soaps are completely hygienic to use as they wash each time you use them.

Use biodegradable feminine products

Sanitary napkins mount up to extensive waste each year. Instead, switch your sanitary pads with linen clothes that are soft and hygienic to use. You can also use menstrual cups or period panties as they are quite durable too.

Multi-faceted pros of plastic-free living

1. Positive impact on your planet

When you use less plastic, you make the environment healthy and safe for your future generations. As the number of people who make these changes increases, the environment will be safer and cleaner.

2. A good example for those who look up to you.

People around you notice you and learn from your actions. When you quit plastic, it motivates others to do the same.

3. You become an inspiration for others

It is true that one person cannot make a change. Yet, when that one person religiously tries to avoid plastic, his/ her actions motivate others to do the same.

4. You join hands with others trying to protect the environment

By choosing a plastic-free life, you come closer to those who live the same way. You also get to connect with people across the globe who are doing their best to protect the environment.

5. Enhanced health and vitality

Living plastic-free is directly proportional to eating healthy. Quitting plastic brings you closer to your health by opting for fresh fruits and juices.

You don’t need to take drastic steps; it’s the little steps that count. These small yet significant lifestyle changes will take you closer to the environment and a step nearer to a sustainable way of living.

What are the most common mental health issues in children?

Though difficult to diagnose, it is estimated that up to 1 in 5 children suffer from a mental health condition. There are five different major categories of mental health disorders, and each one has different symptoms which is why it’s important to understand how they can affect children. The most common childhood mental health issues include depression, anxiety, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). Depression is the single most common mental health disorder in children and adolescents. It’s estimated that roughly 1 out of every 6 children and teens struggle with depression, with girls being twice as likely to struggle with the condition than boys.

If your child is exhibiting symptoms, they If your child is exhibiting symptoms, they will likely display one of these warning signs:

Abnormally low mood

Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

Significantly more irritable than usual

Loss of appetite or overeating

Greater difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Crying for no apparent reason

Low self-esteem, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and stomach aches

Avoidance of friends, family members , or activities they typically enjoy

Thoughts of suicide, death, or hopelessness

It is important to note that depression can look different in teens than it does in younger kids.

How can these mental health issues be treated?

It’s important to know that issues of mental health in children are treatable. There are many different types of interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and art therapy. As the child gets older, other treatments may become more appropriate such as medication. Mental health issues in children are common and treatable. It’s easy to be overwhelmed, but with the right information, you can start the right path to help your child.

How can we prevent mental health issues children?

The best way to prevent mental health problems in children is by parenting better. When parents are reliable and empathetic, their children will feel less anxious and stressed. In addition, being around nice people will also help children develop good social skills and self-esteem. In order to help your child develop good mental health, you need to be a good role model. Your positive attitude and an optimistic outlook are what they need to develop mental strength.

How can we maintain good mental health in children?.

In order to maintain good mental health, you have to do a few things. First, you have to be calm with your children. Meditation is a great way for you to relax and strengthen your mind. It will help you be calmer and more positive. In addition, talking to your child about their worries will also help them develop better mental health. Even simple conversations can help them feel better and stronger. Discussing your worries with them will give them a good example of how to handle stress.

How can parents help?

Parents should be aware of the potential mental health issues their children may be dealing with. If you suspect your child has a mental health issue, talk to them about it. Find out what they’re dealing with and help them work through it. If you do need to get them professional help, be supportive. It will not go away on its own and the sooner they get help, the better.

Conclusion

The five most common mental health issues seen in childhood are depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and OCD. All children experience these emotions at different intensities. It is important to help your child to understand that it’s not their fault and to provide them with the tools they’ll need for coping. If you or your child is experiencing any of these problems, please call a therapist.