In New Zealand, the Constitution guarantees that all citizens live in a healthy environment.

“Everyone has the right to a healthy environment for their development and well-being. The state will guarantee respect for this right. Damage and environmental deterioration will generate responsibility for whoever causes it in terms of the provisions of the Law ”.

This includes the right to have air and water free of pollutants, a work environment and home free of toxic substances, and a sanitary infrastructure that allows the individual to develop and live healthily. There is still much to do to make this a reality; however, we can all do our part by changing little our habits and using resources.

Water Contamination

• Conserve water by closing the tap. This helps avoid water shortages and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment.
• Be careful what you flush down the sink or toilet, don’t flush paints, oils, or other trash forms down the drain.
• Use biodegradable products.
• Be very careful with the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers.
• Don’t dump trash in rivers, lakes, or oceans.

Air Pollution

We usually think of air pollution and think it’s just outdoors, but the air in your home or office could also be polluted. The sources of indoor pollution are:

• Mould and pollen.
• Snuff smoke.
• Household products and pesticides.
• Gases like radon and carbon monoxide.
• Materials used in construction such as asbestos, formaldehyde, and lead.

Some pollutants can cause illnesses that come on much later, such as respiratory illnesses or cancer.

Toxic Substances

Keeping offices and homes clean is necessary, but it must be taken into account that to achieve this, there are chemical substances involved and that these used as cleaning products are not always good for the environment. Many of us like antibacterial products, but they are not necessarily the best for keeping areas clean.

Disposable towels are one of the best methods for cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, as they are biodegradable and many come in recyclable packaging. However, there are ecological cleaners that can be cheaper and that have a longer duration and performance.

Green Infrastructure

It is also an effective way to significantly reduce energy and water consumption, and consequently, the cost of money. Generally, it is cheaper to maintain green infrastructure than traditional facilities. This infrastructure fosters community cohesion by involving all residents in planning, installation, and maintenance.