THE PEN ...to pens - What is means to environment!

Do you ever had your lucky pen? 

In old days, students get to write with Pen in their fifth standard and the only pen options they had was Fountain pen, as use of other types of pen considered will hamper the penmanship - beautiful handwriting.  One student used to have maximum two pens, the second as a backup. These pens suppose to last forever, as all one  have to do is refill the ink, in-case the nib got broken, just change the nib and keep working. On average a pen last for ever, until and unless it is dramatically broken or lost somewhere. 

The value of gifting someone a pen was meant a lot, was considered as a big honour and reserved for special occasion. Upgrade use to happen from simple fountain-pen to Fountain-Chinese-pen or Fountain-Pilot-pen. There was always the craving of having a gel pen or a ballpoint pen. However, even a ballpoint or gel pen was selected based on whether refill is available or not. So, usually one Reynold pen last for several years with multiple refills until we lost it somewhere or break it in fights :) 

As the time passed by; with upgrade in technology, ease in manufacturing and strong supply-chain in place: availability of cheap pens and their variety have increased multi-fold.

New habits were formed, rather a single pen, an individual started buying complete set of pens. 

What is the average minimum number of pens a student holds today? 

        What is the average minimum number of pens a professional hold today? 

        What is the average minimum number of pens a non-professional, a non-student holds today? 

        What is the average minimum number of colour pens a child holds today? 

 According to EPA (2019), Americans ( population 0.3 billion) throw away 1.6 Billion disposable pens every year.  Estimate how the numbers will looks for complete earth , with total population of 7.9 billion! 

I reflected the stock of my pen treasure. 

Today's count 2 ballpoint pens + 3 highlighters on my table, and one in my bag, one in purse, 8 new packed ones, 23 used pens in the stock. Over this, 5 highlighters,  1 set of 12 colour pens, 1 set of 100 colour brush pens and may be 6-8 pens in my office pen-stand.  One in these is my luckiest THE Fountain-Chinese-pen, from my school days now it is just resting.  

The strange thing is I remember only buying 1 set of 5 pens in last two years which I used and disposed already. 

To my surprise, even consideration of the topic "pen going to land-fill" not much popular in sustainable living or eco-green solution thinking ! 

Broadly, for ease in understanding  I classified pens by following two types : 

1. Ball-point  pen : 

a. Disposable or refill pens where ink is oil based and dries faster than other types. However, since ink is thick these pens use less ink as you write

b. Rollerball pen,  similar designs as ballpoint pens but with water-based ink. 

c. Gel pens :  similar to ball-point pen, except use pigments instead of regular dyes

2. Fountain pen :  refill with varieties of nibs, inks, ink-bottles available

Image courtesy Jetpens.com

Otherwise, there is whole range of pens, like Whitener pen, Marker pen, Highlighter pen, Stylus pen, Colour pens, etc. the list is quite big. 

In addition, the variants of different types & size of tips/nib, types of inks etc. it will be a big thesis to capture and analyze all available types! There is high probability, that I will leave some varieties, so better I decided to stick with two basics, which I am most familiar with. 

To understand the perspective of  impact on environment during the complete life-cycle of pen , I got basic comparison below for Fountain pen Vs Ball-point pen

Study shows, Ball-point pen uses overall 13 times resources over a Fountain pen,  and emits almost 13 times more CO2 in the complete life cycle as compared to fountain pen. 

Can pen go in recycle bin? 

Any type of pen, highlighters, as mentioned in table above have different kinds of metals, ball-point pens, highlighters etc. with remainder of ink also. So one has to disassemble the pen - separate out plastic, metal, rubber and choose the right bin for them. Imagine a tip of pen in tones of metal scrap!

So practically no! It just goes to landfill. 

There are few organizations like Terracycle, BIC who collects and basically recycle the plastics for outdoor furniture like bench, picnic tables etc. However, this also limits to only few countries; and within a country say in America if there is one plant what it cost to environment while travelling across nation. 

What are options, one can't simply stop writing ! 

1. Reduce the number of pens used. Don't loose your pens, and write with them until the very last drop.

2. Switch to using a fountain pen, or some alternatives of available eco-pens . 

3. Recycle - with dis-assembly > material separation > sorting > dispose or upcycle by converting them in some artwork. I use the outer body in airing the pot-soil.

    

Want to join in this challenge of stopping the littering by pens around, the disposable pen proliferation, explore some alternate options available in the market at www.betterliving.how . 

Remember buy them only when you really need them, and don't keep collecting new pens, even if they are free. 

Do share and post your ideas for reducing this rapid increase of use-and-throw pens, and also change the habit of  having so many pens !

Staying in an Independent Country – Does that mean you are living independently?

 With many thoughts rattling inside me on living independently, I googled these words and started reading about them. Although, independence literally means to be free from outside control, not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence. Is that really possible?

“Independent Living” actually turned out to be worldwide Independent Living movement, which began in 1960 which is a movement of disabled people working for equal opportunities, self-determination and self-respect.

 How about a normal non-disabled person! Are they living independently? Are you living independently? Do you think every person have equal opportunity of the availability of information, financial resources, peer and family support so they are able to examine the alternatives and take decisions for their own life?

When I asked this question to my some of my friends, here are some replies I received:

I took responsibility of myself and own decisions for my living arrangements.

I am earning since my school days, and have not taken a penny from my parents since then, yes I am independent!

I have Life insurance policies and enough investments, that I can continue living independently even when I am old.

That’s it !!!

Taking care of personal grooming, food, clothing, money management is what to be considered as independent living!

Extending this care to your family spouse, children, parents should be considered as independent living?

How can we keep the environment out of this context? There is no hidden fact that all living things including us the humans, LIFE is dependent on air, water, soil, minerals, vegetation …. the resources of the environment.

Our life, in that matter of fact no life in this universe is possible without environment and is completely DEPENDENT on environment. Consider Air as an example – you carry out different activities in a day eg. Transportation, food delivery, cooking, ok take to next level THE industries, construction, fire crackers…coming back to basic every second we breathe out we release carbon-di-oxide in the air. How long you guess this fresh air will still be available for you?

No matter how many air purifiers keep on adding – if balance of credit and debit is not taken care bank balance will soon be ZERO.  Study shows that an average human breathes about 740 Kgs of Oxygen per year, which is roughly seven or eight TREES worth. (ref 1). Can each one of us plant and take care of at least 8 trees/person in our life? Don’t wait for retirement age, for investments as to enjoy benefits and interest at old age investments need to be done at early stage of life and taken care throughout the life, same logic applies here the sooner you plant, and with regular care the future shall be protected

Global warming is another serious threat to life on earth, with melting glaciers, increase in sea levels, extreme weather conditions. There are many reasons for this like Greenhouse gas, cutting down forests for residential / commercial buildings or agriculture and as a common person one can keep asking government to make rules and policies for designing for environment, controlling emission norms, dumping waste standards etc. All that is fair and valid ask however how about when we reflect our daily life in mirror. Somewhere directly or indirectly we all are a part of this whether its travelling in flight / train/ ship /car/ scooter or relishing with favourite cuisine or dress! Agreed all can’t be stopped at once for practical reasons –but may be some must have things can be Rethink for use, for example Air Conditioners!!!

Today air condition is in homes, schools, offices, malls, buses, cars, trains… now people can’t think their day without them. Irony is people complaint about global warming sitting in air-condition, and didn’t realize that this air conditioning is also adding equal amount of heat the very near outside the wall of same room/building.

Being an engineer I can tell you no matter how efficient system can be made, or theories be developed with centralized cooling if some place need to be cooled artificially, the heat need to sucked from there and thrown somewhere else. And to do this transfer additional energy is also needed.

Modern day architecture is now filled with all-glass skyscrapers. They definitely provide great views for people sitting inside, and does helps with lots of natural light in but these glass walls traps the warm inside which forces use of air-condition and adds additional heat to outside. Now there are inventions going on with new glasses or laminated glass panels but to be true what’s wrong in going back to the stone or brick made buildings. Why these buildings need to be only heritage buildings and use by people take photos there for their profile pictures!!

Globalization is boon and helped to enjoy us whatever we want irrespective of where we are. Whether its Mexican burrito or Pashmeena shaul or low cost product from China. Not debating about its advantages or ill effects on environment and local markets, but have we realized that even SUN doesn’t have same intensity and time of sunshine’s all over the earth, so how one solution can work everywhere. Glass buildings works better for cold places but not in hot places! Coffee: millions of people across globe consume coffee on daily basis, whether it is summer or winter; but have you realized what every single cup of coffee is doing to our body? Caffeine increase blood pressure, body temperature and heart rate! Irony is we enjoy coffee sitting in air-condition and then complaint about hot temperature outside.

So, whether you drink caffeinated beverages, or enjoy the air condition, talking or reading about go green initiatives, consider about the environment, keep in mind about our dependency on the environment, the harmonic relationship we have with this mother nature. Each one of us can play our part every moment we are alive to ensure and maintain balance. For sure we can’t be ever independent from nature, but by living this at least we will ensure the natural resources and ecosystems shall be preserved, thereby sustaining and keeping the sufficient balance to meet the needs of future generations.

#BBT #sustainableliving 

Ref.1  https://www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/how-many-trees-does-it-take-to-produce-oxygen-for-one-person/

Steps on the route of Sustainable Living

Thank you for being a Change Maker and leading the way to a greener life, the right and presently utmost important thing for environment.

You are reading this blog, which means you are already on the way of leading a Sustainable - Go Green life.

Below are some easy ways or "Life-hacks" if you want to help our mother nature. You may already be practicing many from the list below, which is great! 👍😎

Hopefully, you will get some new ideas here. I do not claim this list is exhaustive in any way, so if you find anything missing please leave them in the comment section.

1. Practice minimization where ever you can, make it as your style of living : be it clothes, foot wears, electronics, food etc.
      If it looks difficult to start, try donating clothes, toys, mobile phone, headphones, electronics which is not used for more than one year.
      Make it as a Zero Waste Lifestyle ! Utilize the most of what ever you have now or purchase in future.


2. Choose your mode of travel wisely :
Prefer bus#11 🚶(walking / running) or basic mechanical bicycle 🚴. In case distance is too long, use public transport. When public transport is not possible use shared transport like shared taxi, car pool etc. and avoid personal cars / taxis/ 2 wheeler's  specially if you are a single rider. Opt for electric cycles, cars or bio-fuels options for vehicles.

3. Relish local : use local products, eat what is grown locally, wear local brands.
       Will not only boost the local economy , but will also significantly reduce our carbon footprint as products need not to travel across the globe.

4. Avoid aircon - you may also take this as a challenge that how many minutes to hours you can stay in natural air or in fan in summer.

5. Spend time on real games / sports rather than video games; running in garden/road rather than in gym.

6. Take your own water bottle - do not purchase packed water. Opt for carrying water from home or leverage public water outlets

7. Carry your own bag for shopping

8. Reduce food waste (cooked and uncooked both)

9. Segregate the waste and recycle the most. Give your litter also the right place it deserves by choosing the right bin.

10. Say no to cosmetics even to ayurvedic and organic ones - trust me you are naturally beautiful.
      Seems impossible , try makeup free once a week if not at least try one day in a month.

11. Say no nail paint, actually most of men stays do not use it.

12. Practice and follow 3Rs - Rethink, Refuse and Reduce

13. Save Electricity - turn off lights, internet, appliances when not in use. Use of LED lights, more efficient / high star rated electrical appliances.
Use natural sun light when ever possible, rather than artificial lights. Sunlight also brings its all benefits

14. Save Electricity : Use natural sun - air to dry clothes, rather then using clothes dryer

15. Save Water & Electricity : Enhance your  laundry washing habits - use washing machine with full loads only, use normal /cold water for daily clothes wash. Use hand washing when clothes are not enough for a full load.

16. Save Water : Enhance bathing style - use bucket and mug for taking bath; if using shower try reducing it by a few seconds first.

17. Stop unwanted paper mails - bills, bank statements, pamphlets

18. Use natural cleaners : enzymes from fruit peels, can be made easily at home itself; natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are good to start with.

19. Stop buying Single-use items - like use-and-throw tooth brushes, razor etc.

20. Wash not wipe : switch to bathroom bidets and avoid use of toilet paper. You will contribute not only in saving trees but also will also help in saving water as manufacturing of toilet paper consumes a lot of water.

21. Use cloth napkins and avoid paper napkins.
 
22. Stop accepting napkins and disposable cutlery.

23. Carry your own hanker-chief instead of using paper tissues.

24. Pet poo collection : use newspaper or scrap papers to collect pet poo. It will also help in 100% decompose!

25. Be creative and personalized by opting a different packing material : Newspaper, books, magazines, used clothes.

26. Try for eco-friendly gifts : plants, hand-written notes on recycled material etc.

27. Buy products with less packaging - prefer to buy in bulk/ bigger size packs. Sooner you will also realize big savings also!

28. Support organizations who are working for sustainability - even if you do not sign up as a volunteer or donate money to such organizations, you may also contribute by promoting their initiatives.

29. Switch to cloth diapers.

30. Use reusable sanitary pads or menstrual cups.

31. Use cloth made or eco-friendly bibs.

32. Toy and game sharing - either can purchase a second hand toys / games. If you really love kids can start toy/games library in your area; at present a naive idea found only at few places.

33. Use rechargeable battery where ever possible.

34. Use solar chargers where ever possible - mobile, tablets etc.

35. Go for home-made foods. If you don't like your cooking then choose going out and eating at restaurant and avoid take-away's or home delivery.
Not finding your space 😑, and want to have food at home then take your containers for the take-away.

 36. Carry your own reusable cutlery when go out. Metal straws or drink directly from glass/bottle -avoid plastic straws.

37. Carry your own tooth brush when going on vacation. Avoid using single use brush given as complimentary in hotels.

38. Opt to be a Vegan , if not then at least a Vegetarian; avoid processed ones.
       If its hard taking this route try starting by at least 1 vegetarian meal in a week, I am sure you will start enjoying it.

Means to step forward for Green and Sustainable Transportation

Most Greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced from transportation, ground transportation contributes to more than 76% wikipedia, where in 2 wheelers and cars, followed by trucks holds the maximum share. Study shows that average motorcycle is 10 times more pollution per mile than a passenger car, light truck or SUV, even though they are very fuel-efficient as compared to cars and emit a lot less CO2 (reference1 , reference 2)

The numbers below are for grams of CO2 emissions, per passenger kilometre, and should only be taken as a rough guide (reference) :

•    Trains (carrying a 156 passenger average) – produces 14 gCO2

•    Small Car (carrying 4) – 42 gCO2

•    Big Car (carrying 4) – 55 gCO2

•    Bus (carrying 12.7) – 68 gCO2

•    Motorbike (carrying 1.2) – 72 gCO2

•    Small Car (carrying 1.5) – 104 gCO2

•    Big Car (carrying 1.5) – 158 gCO2

•    Plane (carrying 88) – 285 gCO2

•    Ship – 245 gCO2

When green and sustainable transportation is considered it means reducing overall impact on environment, i.e. not only reducing the emissions, but also lowering down the use of natural resources be it fuels (Efficient). Many sees Electric vehicles as good solution, however it serves only few parameters at the same time will create grey spots in quite others like – battery disposal, impact caused by all new infrastructure required for charging etc.

Probable solution is optimization techniques and sharing economy be it in infrastructure utilization, already produced vehicles, fuel usage. Below are mentioned some

1.   Reduce empty trips and number of vehicles on road, ensuring an optimal level of vehicle availability and use

*#* Use of all cars, 2-3 wheelers, which are already on road open for public, promoting vehicle sharing. How many single riders are on road – can it be reduced.

Can government make it default for all registered vehicles to be a part of SharingRide, and charge high premium to those who still wants to enjoy single passenger ride ?

Transportation network and cab companies like Ola, Grab, Uber etc. have shareride option, which ascertain that technology is already available, we just have to use it more.

*#* Shareride on trucks – after unloading, same truck can be leveraged with other transport company for the trip back

*#* School and Office Buses – as public transport. Delhi itself has 2,468 school buses and around 500 vans, according to government data. Can this be used as public transport buses when school shifts are not there?

*#* Buses for commercial hubs like SEZ offices – shared company buses, or special government buses for these locations to avoid use of personal vehicles.

*#* Provide Incentives to Increase Car Occupancy

*#* Limit the number of new license plates for new vehicles and import of used vehicles

2.     Reduce traffic jams 

      Traffic congestion on roads not only increases the fuel consumption but consequently leads to increase in carbon dioxide emissions. In addition to the re-enforcement of the traffic rules and regulations, some means to improve traffic congestion and its impact on pollution are here:

*#* Freight delivery hours in urban areas – special hours for freight delivery for heavy machines like trucks and even including the home delivery for all kind of on-line shopping items, groceries, fashion, household stuff etc.

*#* Promote fuel-efficient driving techniques : 

 (1) accelerate gently, (2) maintain a steady speed, (3) anticipate traffic, (4) avoid high speeds, and (5) coast to decelerate.

Study shows these can reduce fuel consumption by 25%. The NGO Green Communities Canada also provides a website on fuel efficient driving, The Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) initiative of the EU (now closed) prepared a summary of eco-driving.

*#* Congestion charge or pay-as-you drive: introduce a fee charged on private vehicles and taxis operating in the most congested areas during the most traffic time

*#* Scheduling of operating hours of offices as per the location areas – some offices can start at 7 AM, or some at 11 AM. Distributing over time will balance the traffic.

3.     Improve fuel economy and emission norms:

*#* Stringent fuel economy and noise level standards for all kind of vehicles

*#* Rules and regulations for use of old vehicles

*#* Promotion of regular maintenance of vehicles and may be not following emission norms as a civil offense.

Above all proposals, ensuring access to transport services in unserved areas is needed.

Walking and cycling are THE cleanest way, and also have huge benefit for health. Cities as diverse as Bogota, Copenhagen, Montreal and Barcelona are leading the way here, cities like Sevilla shows that this transition can be rapid.

Building infrastructure for them is not the only way to promote, however there are quite many other incentives and promotion activities which can help here. Organizations like 42race who recognise and reward in virtual runs;  Mobike, PEDL who opened door for rental cycle options definitely making the future.

*** Data analytics will be a game changer here for optimization and sharing *** 

I have just mentioned single liners proposals, each needs to be personalized for the region and further study to implement in reality. But this is ensured, all these have huge potential in bringing positive impact and drive the path of #livingforfuture.

Share your thoughts in the comments sections below, or can tweet or leave comments Facebook, that could help to accelerate the transition toward green and sustainable mobility. I am happy to discuss and build these proposals to reality.

Other good relevant reads:

How other cities are tackling air pollution caused by transportation – Gaurdian report

Sustainable Transport blogs, a repository of global policies for transport – Worldbank blogs

What will happen if you Overuse ToothBrush ?

Have you ever question why you need to replace your toothbrush every three months ?

If you are thinking - its a scheme by toothbrush makers to sell their products more, its wrong. This is a recommendation from Dentists all across the globe and they have valid rational for the same.
Main reason is Bacteria - Toothbrush actually removes bacteria from your teeth and mouth, after brushing may be some bacteria are stays in brush. If brush stays in warm-damp environment these bacteria will breed and after few days toothbrush will become source of bacteria rather than a cleaning tool. Secondly, Bristles may become hard overtime and could be tough on your enamel.

However, even knowing above I wanted to explore the way how life of toothbrush can be increased. I don't want to even estimate, the impact of toothbrush all over the globe has on the environment, 7.7 billion people changing toothbrush 4 times a year! Even I don't remember how many toothbrushes I have used in my life, and all of them must be lying somewhere or the other landfill. There are many blogs describing the impact of toothbrush on environment, if interested can read here 

Photo by courtesy of www.foreo.com/mysa

This curiosity of how badly it can impact, I started an experiment about 3 years ago, where I continued using my toothbrush, which I am still using it. Now the name of company is also gone, I guess it was Coalgate if not Peposodent.

 The only change I did was taking a bit care of it, making sure it is always kept in the upright position so it can dry properly. Ensure the toothbrush, mainly the bristles don't touch anywhere, not even any other toothbrush.

Keep it in direct sun every few weeks to sterilize it. Sun is natural sterilizer, learned from my mom, when she use to dry clothes in direct sun, and at least once a year she will keep all warm clothes, pillows, mattress in direct sun for 3-4 hours.

By placing directly in sun, UV light actually damage the DNA of bacteria and microorganism, and it can kill and stop their reproduction.

Initially after 6-7 months I asked my family members, "is this brush needs a change or can be used more", and I kept doing for another 1 year. Surprisingly, they didn't realize why I kept asking, its the same brush.

I have carried this brush in all my travels, from multiple cities in India, to  and some other countries too and it is still going good. People can be used for some few weeks, However, what I can share is this is the state of bristles about an year ago also. Another advise, while travelling pack the brush in a separate bag and never wrap it when it is wet.

Since the blog-series is about #Livingforfuture I would like to introduce to all available options.

Electric brushes are better than the normal ones, considering only bristles need to be changed, so amount of plastic waste generation in less. However, at the same time these brushes uses battery - which if not disposed properly will generate green house gases as they decompose in landfills. I wonder why no one has come up with a solution of normal toothbrush with replaceable heads.

There are couple of Eco-friendly brushes available in market now, Recycle from yogurt cups, bamboo sticks ; aluminum toothbrush with replaceable heads, silicon toothbrush etc. At least they will help to reduce some impact on the environment.

The best one off-course is the Neem sticks (Azadirachta indica) - best because it has anti-microbial content which prevents plaque formation, and it also whitens teeth. This comes with additional benefit that these sticks doesn't need any toothpaste..all in one!!

Now you know all possible options, choose the one depending on how much you really care about environment! After all,  Choice is Yours!! 

Be wise, Be aware and Be a part in a better tomorrow.

When less in quantity its always values more and satisfies most!!

Life is like Traffic full of surprises, noises, ups and ramps.   The more is noise the more it is difficult to concentrate! Concentration is actually one of the coolest gift, it helps to work faster, and gives time for additional activities. Focusing on the priorities helps to achieve the feeling of satisfaction so more happiness in life.

Have you ever thought, " if the road was clear having no traffic, I would have simply drive through it and enjoyed the ride". Or at time when you need to purchase just a small thing but not getting a parking space, have you ever though "What if I was walking would have simply completed the work?"

With more traffic, life gets cloudy, which makes it harder to stay and enjoy in present, get quality work done, and cultivate a peaceful mind. If we have only few handful, we not only take extra care for them, but also relish the moment and feel much happy and satisfied when we use them.

Be it the delicious dish, which taste The Best in the last few bites ..

Be it the special Pen, which is lucky to clear all exams and win all business deals !!

Be it the glass dinner set in mom's closet, which comes out only when someone special comes at home !!

This concept on Minimalist is quite old, our parents and grandparents were using it and many people across the world are following this today. The only thing new in this concept is the theory applies to all physical goods be it clothes, shoes, cosmetics, utensils etc.

I feel this theory is more a name given to practice the first three R's of 5R's principle of sustainability which asks for  Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycle. And, if you value its hard to loose easily, it so its natural that person will find a way to other 2 R's - Repair and Recycle.

It's looks very simple theory, but  during start in execution it is difficult. The question you may be having is "Is this post saying and blaming you , that you waste Money and buy unnecessary things ?"  Before going there, ask yourself the following questions :
        Do you take time to decide what you want to wear today ?
        Is your store room or garage is full of some important stuff ?
        Do you purchase item, which is not in your list but just because you found a good deal?
        Do you like to be a part of Gang ? All your friends and cousin have buy a car so you should buy one.
         Is there anything which you have not used in last 6 months ? If you haven’t, will you use it in the next 6 months

If not, then it’s okay to let go. May be sell it you will get some extra money 😊 or gift it to someone needy they will become happy😃. Owning fewer possessions is quite uncommon, its opposite to our natural behavior pattern. Attraction to new things, end up in acquiring them and hold onto it for years and years.

I can share from my experience, once you have limited things the ones you relish the most - your every day becomes a special day. As you wear the special dress that day, eat in the special dish and this helps you to be happy which in turn helps to improve concentration.  And you will get more time to spend in your passion and hobbies. Its about getting happiness through life itself, not letting it up to gadgets or things.

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, have helped minimalism grow via their documentary "The Minimalists" (available at Netflix and also some videos on Youtube), in their nationwide tour.

Whether or not you become any form of minimalist is entirely your Choice, but living by a few things will certainly do wonders in getting you extra time and may be with your finances.

Have you ever thought about Nail Paints this way !!!

Nail polish is a fashion statement these days, and for most it has become a necessary part of their outfit. And with creativity of the nail arts it is gaining it popularity more and more.

Global Nail Polish market size will increase to 17600 Million US$ by 2025, from 9190 Million US$ in 2018, which is ~ 1760 Million bottles per year. An average user keeps at least 8-10 shades and lovers probably do 2-3 times in a week, which means additional usage of Nail Polish Remover also.

Have you ever thought of how these nail polish are made and in the process how it is impacting the environment. Starting from the glass bottles; where sand is converted to glass releasing tonnes of Carbon-di-Oxide and then printing the labels using liquid carbon link by machine stamping process a lot of nitrogen gases are released.

Cap and brush is not a surprise yes they are made of polyethylene. Brush bristles are actually made from nylon, taklon and/or filament and the process of making these involves releasing many green house gases.

The Liquid is actually with some variety and options to choose in addition to the color and finish. Several nail polishes are like  synthetic chemical cocktails, often petro-chemical based (crude oil), butyl acetate or ethyl acetate, tosylamide-formaldehyde (carcinogen)  resin, Toulene (volatile organic compound) , benozophenone-1, Nitrocellulose etc. Some of the less expensive ones even use industrial grade of Nitrocellulose. Nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate) cotton, is a flammable and explosive ingredient also used in making dynamite. Formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate – known as the “toxic trio” for their potential impact on human health.
Consider its impact on the environment, after removed from nails, these has to end up somewhere!! 

Choice comes here with the Eco-friendly nail polishes and some with water based nail polishes also.

Each stage from raw material to process to final goods to retail needs its own packaging and transportation leading to additional emissions.

Source : The European Organization for Packaging and The Environment

I personally prefer natural nails with no cover, with regular trimming as this is the simplest and greenest way to ensure nail health.  Rubbing the nails to each other for 2-4 minutes adds shine to nails and also promotes hair growth. Rubbing vegetable oils helps to strengthen them, but to be true a healthy meal is sufficient enough for the nails.

Choose your Option, its your Choice !!!