Let’s start with some facts.
- People die from the most uncomplicated illnesses, such as diarrhea or cholera.
- There are still places with little or no access to clean water.
- Poor hygiene can dramatically affect an individual’s well-being, affecting other areas of their lives.
- There are areas where toilets and other sanitation facilities are scarce.
Sanitation and hygiene significantly influence a person’s disposition and welfare, especially now that we are amid a global pandemic. One of our fundamental human rights is to have clean and safe water resources and good sanitation. We should take extra care in keeping our surroundings as clean as possible to prevent and stop the spreading of the virus. How can we, in our simple way, advocate the advantages of a clean environment?
- Start with yourself
Walk the talk and be a role model. Wash your hands whenever needed, publicly or privately. Be mindful of other people using public toilets by ensuring they are cleaned after use. Take a bath regularly, not just for yourself but also for the people you interact with daily. Disinfect items exposed to dust to prevent bacteria and viruses from creating havoc in your home.
- Join organizations aligned with cleanliness
It’s our social responsibility to reach out to those with the greatest needs regarding hygienic and water resources. One of Clean Water International’s advocacy is emphasizing the importance of having good sanitation infrastructure and its benefits to the environment. You can also participate in your local NGO or share this vision in your neighborhood. It’s not a matter of how large or small your network is as long as you can contribute to spreading awareness regarding the importance of being in a healthy environment, free of waste.
- Learn effective waste management
Let’s do our trash collectors a favor by segregating our garbage. Separate the biodegradable from the nonbiodegradable. Some establishments accept recyclables, and it would be a great idea to bring your glass bottles, plastics, or soda cans to them and adapt to the eco-friendly lifestyle. It may be a bit more tedious to do all these things, but we have to take care of mother earth because it’s the only planet that we can live on for now.
- Never throw your trash on any body of water.
Whether it’s having a relaxing time on a beach or by a lake, have the courtesy of disposing of garbage properly. Littering carelessly in these areas will harm the environment and affect marine life. It takes years or even decades to wash away all the filth thoroughly. It would be a feat to transform murky water into something more pristine, so please do not start.
- If you were to reuse water, make sure you have adequate resources for it.
We’re all for renewing and recycling, but of course, it has to be executed efficiently. You have to ensure that you purchased or arranged for a reliable filtration system to avoid unnecessary hazards. Investing in a good water filter is essential because your household will use it. If you have any doubts, you can rely on the nearest refilling station. What’s important is for your family to have access to pure drinking water.
- Fumigate from time to time.
Regularly fumigating your home will solve the problem of cleaning hard-to-reach areas, especially if you want to get rid of unwanted pests. Fumigants complement insecticides well since they exterminate insects in all life cycles. They are also safer than other pest control treatments in places with food and storage.
- Check your plumbing system regularly.
We can go DIY or hire a plumber, but we have to give our pipes and tanks some tender loving care. Some areas have a more extensive scope in plumbing services, so it’s best to check what’s available in your neighborhood. A faulty pipe or leakage are primary causes for molds to develop. I would consider it a nightmare to have a clogged toilet, so it’s best to give this part of your home a regular check-up.
- Do a little gardening.
Clean air is as essential as clean water. Air pollution decreases the more plants or trees become present. Start with small pots. You can even level up to growing your produce if you’re up for it.
