It could cost the Earth to clean up our own act in polluting our environment! Topping £1.6tn according to a recent Guardian article

In a recent article by The Guardian, a shocking figure emerged regarding the financial toll of addressing pollution and environmental damage. The cost to restore our planet could surpass £1.6 trillion. This staggering number raises urgent questions about our responsibilities toward the environment and the actions we can take to reduce these harmful effects.

Understanding the impact of pollution - ranging from toxic chemicals like PFAS found in consumer products to alarming amounts of plastic waste - is more critical than ever. It is essential for everyone, whether you are a millennial, a Gen Xer, or a baby boomer, to recognise how our choices affect you individually and the earth.

The Scope & Potential Level of Personal & Environmental Degradation

Environmental pollution is not a new issue; it has persisted for decades. From plastics suffocating marine life to harmful chemicals altering our ecosystems, pollutants wreak havoc on both wildlife and people. For instance, recent studies estimate that nearly 1.4 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean annually, threatening creatures from tiny plankton and corals to large whales.

How does it get there? Well - here's a fact - at the moment in the domain of beauty products, approximately 120 Billion units per annum globally, yes Billion i kid you not units of packaging from our beauty use, contributes to this pollution. And out of this approx 114 Billion is single use - non-recyclable packaging - this is data from https://www.cleanhub.com/.

Think about this in your daily routine, whoever you are - how many products do you use? When you wake up, shower, wash your hair, shave, put on make up, spray some perfume or aftershave, do you hair - how many products do you use daily? How many ingredients are both in that substance you put on your body or consume in your body in some way and what's in the packaging and how did that product even get delivered to you, in your home? These are important questions if you are a true believer in change and value how we and life not just survives but continues.

In addition, harmful substances like PFAS, often found in items ranging from non-stick cookware to fast-food packaging, they pose serious threats. It's also found in certain beauty products like foundations and waterproof mascaras. Do you know how Teflon (PTFE) was discovered, google it and read up on something called the Manhattan project and Dupont - you're about to be shocked.. There's a reason why Teflon is both heat resistant and a forever chemical.

What's even worse, is when you combine something like PTFE (aka Teflon, i'm sure you've heard of that before, with PFOA - there is strong medical research that suggests that combination is very harmful for humans - with links to multiple health issues that could be life changing. These "forever chemicals" have been linked to various health issues, including immune system problems and cancer, with studies indicating that over 90% of people in the U.S. have PFAS in their blood.

This widespread pollution impacts not only the environment but also public health. Understanding these risks is essential for sparking a robust response to prevent further damage.

Polluted river affected by human activity

As discussions about sustainability intensify, especially in regions like the UK, the financial burden of addressing this damage, detailed in The Guardian's article, complicates the conversation further.

Let's talk money if we can't talk sense? The Financial Repercussions

The projected cost of over £1.6 trillion highlights the need for immediate action and reflects the long-term implications of our current practices. This figure may seem overwhelming, but it serves as a critical wake-up call for consumers and policymakers alike.

Historically, the cleanup costs for ecosystems—whether it’s restoring landscapes, cleaning waterways, or remediating contaminated sites—have often been underestimated. The Guardian's article signals that if we continue on this path without comprehensive action, these costs will surge even higher.

To put this in perspective, if each of us contributes to pollution through our daily choices, the cumulative effect can be significant. For example, neglecting health risks associated with toxic exposure can lead to potential medical costs reaching billions of pounds, thereby impacting sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. We all need to understand #YourChoicesMatter

The Role of Individuals in Combating Pollution

While the scale of pollution can feel daunting, individuals hold significant power in combating it. Our purchasing habits can influence market demand. By choosing products that are free from harmful ingredients and packaging, we send a strong message to manufacturers about what we value.

For example, opting for refillable cleaning products or supporting brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices can help diminish the production of wasteful items. In fact, according to some surveys, 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable brands, indicating a shift towards conscious consumption. However, in reality - personally I don't believe it is as high as that - and maybe its dependent on demographics, but people I feel today are very price conscious and right now at least in the UK we are all in a bit of a squeeze with the cost of living being so high. So what the answer may be in relation to this - i honestly don't know - it would be great to hear your thoughts as to any potential suggestions?

Engaging in community initiatives, such as participating in local clean-up events or joining educational programs can inspire awareness and collective action together. These efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in advocating for environmental accountability, with movements like #BFY (Better for you) and #YourChoicesMatter emphasising the impact of personal choices.

Clean landscape representing eco-friendly practices

Each choice we make - be it selecting biodegradable materials or supporting policies that restrict harmful chemicals - contributes to a broader solution. We must remind ourselves that small, consistent actions add up to substantial change.

The Need for Robust Policy Changes

Combating pollution requires systemic change alongside individual responsibility. The Guardian underscores that governments must prioritise environmental policies that not only address existing damage but also prevent future contamination.

Implementing stricter regulations on harmful substances like PFAS could substantially reduce their use in everyday products. Furthermore, incentivising companies to adopt greener practices can create a more sustainable economy that benefits both nature and society. But personally i believe accountability needs to be better from companies to consumers as well, this is something we are looking into at Enbodie with our app Enbodie.me - how we provide a way for these communities to be aware of each other and work together more harmoniously.

Greater transparency about the environmental effects of products can also empower consumers - this i believe comes from education. Daily when i speak to people from all walks of life about harmful ingredients, generally they are simply not aware - and once they find out they are often shocked. The question is - how do we get to the outcome of change for people? When people become aware of the pollutants associated with items, the demand for safer, greener alternatives can increase significantly - its critical to use clinically validated data, not FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt).

Thriving nature reserve showcasing biodiversity

It's also clear that investing in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture is an imperative. With ample evidence linking pollution to climate change, directing resources towards renewables can help tackle the pollution crisis and stimulate growth in emerging sectors. And with the cost savings and investments the government believes the UK will reap from Ai, it's odd that there is no related strategy to this from its Ai investments - is it not? Because as more compute is used for Ai, more energy is used, more pollution will happen if the direction is not changed..

The Path Toward Change

Is it as simple as #YourChoicesMatter ?

The financial estimate of £1.6 trillion to tackle pollution and environmental degradation serves as a call to action. Although the challenge feels enormous, it underlines the urgent need for action from individuals, industries, and governments alike.

The road ahead is clear, filled with opportunities for positive change. By making informed choices, advocating for better policies, and supporting green practices, we can unite in the fight against pollution and improve ourselves and our future. As we play our part in this global community, it's time to recognise that every decision we make - small or large - truly counts in ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

Let us commit not just financially but also through education and awareness, focus on proactive measures to turn the tide on pollution - and start with you - your health, be better! Each step we take is vital, and together, we can create a significant impact.

The very informative article from the Guardian can be found here - https://apple.news/ALzOa-Hm4RHC4KGMAnz4GuA