Imagine a global green wave, with over 180 countries, thousands of partners and millions of people joining forces on the very same day. This Saturday, it becomes a reality. Now in its fourth year, World Cleanup Day was created to tackle the global trash problem by removing litter and mismanaged waste from our beaches, rivers, forests and streets.

A bit of history: The event’s humble beginnings date back to 2008. In just five hours, 50,000 people in the small European nation of Estonia banded together to clean up the entire country. Word spread quickly, inspiring other nations to adopt the same ambitious “one country, one day” formula.

Fast forward 10 years. The simple act of cleaning evolved into the first official World Cleanup Day in 2018, a collaborative global movement mobilizing all spheres of society—governments, organizations, corporations and environmentally minded individuals.

Norwex’s Norwegian roots align perfectly. Known for its forests, fjords and fresh air, Norway ranks among the world’s most environmentally friendly countries. For 27 years, Norwex® has prioritized sustainability, creating quality products that keep our homes, families and planet safer.

With millions of people around the world set to roll up their sleeves this Saturday, here are ways you can make a difference—not only on World Cleanup Day, but every day year round.

  1. Make picking up litter a part of your daily routine.

    It may seem insignificant, but every wrapper, aluminum can, plastic bag or other piece of trash counts. Keep an eye out for random litter, whether it’s on your morning coffee run or during your p.m. puppy walk. We’ve also been hearing the term “plogging”—which means picking up trash on your daily jog. Win-win.

    Two words of caution: Carry Hand Sanitizer to cut down on the germ factor. And be sure to exercise caution by picking up trash safely.

  2. Cut down on single-use disposables.

    Did you know the average family can spend hundreds of dollars a year on single-use disposables like paper towels and wipes? They’re big business, too. Over $12 billion are sold annually worldwide. And while paper towels have a relatively small carbon footprint—about 0.06 lbs. of carbon dioxide each—collectively they contribute to deforestation, global warming and a continually growing waste problem.

    Here’s another eye-opening fact: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper and cardboard waste—of which paper towels are a part—make up the largest percentage of waste materials in the U.S. And every day, more than 51,000 trees are cut down to feed the paper towel habit of North America.

    The good news is disposables are easily replaced with sustainably minded alternatives. And even better, Norwex Microfiber provides a far superior clean, removing up to 99% of bacteria from surfaces using only water when following proper care and use instructions. Plus, when wet, exclusive BacLock®* technology self-purifies within 24 hours. An added bonus: When microfiber does get soiled, it will end up in your laundry, not a landfill.

    Other waste-cutting household products include our Superior Mop Starter System, Norwex Napkins and Fluff and Tumble Dryer Balls. And don’t overlook personal care. Our Makeup Removal Cloths and Facial Pads gently remove all traces of makeup sans costly cleansers. Good for you, your pocketbook and, of course, Mother Earth.

  3. Be mindful of product packaging.

    These days, so much of the food we buy comes wrapped in plastic. A great way to reduce the amount of plastic you bring home from the store is to bring your own container and buy items in bulk whenever possible. And don’t forget those Reusable Grocery Bags and Reusable Produce Bags to help further reduce plastic.

    In 2019, Norwex introduced an even more sustainable option for its 12-ounce cleaning products: OceanBound Plastic, created from existing plastic waste that’s at risk of entering the world’s oceans. The initiative is part of our effort to reduce virgin plastic from our household product packaging.

  4. Do your part to conserve water.

    Even small changes can have a big payoff. Cutting back on water consumption means less runoff and waste that can end up in our oceans, rivers and bays. At the same time, it helps conserve fuel and reduce pollution.

    Simple, common-sense solutions include:

    • Check toilets, faucets and pipes for leaks. Even a small drip can waste 50 gallons of water—or more.
    • Only wash full loads—dishes and clothes.
    • Use a low-flow shower head.
    • Turn off the water while: shaving, brushing your teeth, even cleaning vegetables.
    • Water your lawn thoughtfully, from time of day (early morning) to positioning sprinklers correctly.
  5. Align with like-minded companies—then spread the word.

    Knowledge is power. You can be a catalyst helping others understand the importance and value of our natural resources. Doing your research and using your network to share information can boost yours and others’ awareness about waste and the environment. With so much information available at our fingertips, it’s a lot easier to find companies that are doing their part to keep the world cleaner and healthier.

    Another way to help family and friends create healthier homes is to join our Norwex Family. As a Consultant, you can earn supplemental income and free product—plus be part of a company and a community committed to walking the talk.

    Case in point: The Seabin Project. Through our office in Malta, Norwex placed 10 Seabins around that island country to address growing concerns about harmful chemicals, plastic pollution and environmental issues—and 10 more are coming soon.

    And at the community level, we support the Washed Ashore Project, an initiative to express and teach environmental issues via the arts. Through this project, community members of all ages work together to clean up polluted beaches and convert debris into giant sculptures of the sea life that is most affected by excessive plastic pollution.

We’re grateful for global initiatives such as World Cleanup Day that help protect our planet. Thank you to all the Norwex Consultants and Customers who will join in this important undertaking.

*BacLock is our antibacterial agent for self-cleansing purposes only. The agent is solely designed to inhibit bacterial odor, mold and mildew growth within the product.

Resources:

Category: Environment
Tags: reduce-reuse-recycle-repurpose-refuse, conservation