1. Use natural fabrics - synthetic fabrics release microfibers into the water during the washing
process and often due to their size this material is not retained by the filter of the machines.
2. Preferably for fabrics with raw colors - during the washing process part of the dyes used in
the dyeing end up being carried away by water. In addition the dyeing process often requires
the use of heavy metals (mordant) to fix the ink on the fabric.
3. Use a dry toilet* - human feces can be composted in a thermophilic process, where
pathogenic microorganisms that transmit diseases are eliminated. After this process the
compost generated can be used safely for planting fruit and wood tree species.
4. Collect your urine* - the liquid is an excellent source of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium, etc.) and can be used as a natural fertilizer in agriculture. For this the urine must
be stored in a closed container and kept for approximately 15 days in a shaded place. The
application on the plants must be done during twilight using a sprayer (ratio 1:20 -
urine:water).
5. Use natural hygiene products - soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, among other personal
hygiene products contain several toxic substances that cause water contamination. When we
opt for handmade natural products, in addition to reducing this environmental problem, we
may be benefiting local producers.
6. Use natural cleaning products - in addition to contaminating water with chemicals,
conventional cleaning products destroy microscopic life forms responsible for the
degradation of organic material.
7. Compost your organic waste - when disposed of in landfills or inappropriate places, organic
waste produces slurry which by infiltrating the soil can contaminate groundwater.
Composting is a simple process which can be done in urban or rural environment. When
handled correctly it does not produce odors and does not attract animals or insects.
8. Classify your dry garbage and donate it to associations or cooperatives of scavengers - when
we stop disposing of our garbage correctly, it ends up being dragged by rainwater to streams
and rivers, and later ends up stopping at sea. In the process of decomposition of plastic by the
action of weathering, secondary microplastics are generated, which cause water pollution.
9. Buy organic foods - foods produced by the conventional system are highly dependent on
pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and high solubility fertilizers. These chemicals are carried
by rain and cause water contamination.
10. Install a grease trap in the pipe - its use prevents oil residues generated by washing cutlery,
plates and pans from contaminating streams or rivers. When the system is saturated the
retained material can be removed and composted.
11. Use herbal medicines - when we use conventional medicines, only a part of the active
principle is metabolized and the rest is eliminated by the human body in the water, through
feces and urine. In addition, tablets or capsules with expired dates are often discarded in the
toilet.
12. Dispose of cooking oil correctly - saturated oil can be reused for the production of solid or
liquid soaps and also for the production of glycerin and biodiesel, thus reducing the risk of
water contamination.
* - If you choose to use the dry toilet and urine collection, avoid consumption of medicines,
licit/illicit drugs and have a natural diet.