Green Living Ideas
EnergyEnvironmentally Responsible Use of Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans are widespread among beauty products because of their unique ability not to leak or evaporate, and to dispense consistently and conveniently. It has long been believed that aerosol cans are at direct odds with the concept of green living, but is that still true? And if not, what relation must we have with aerosol cans if we are to practice green living?
- Fiction
- Aerosol cans contain CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) which deplete the ozone layer. No one who supports green living would choose to use them.
- Truth
- While it is true that CFCs are not at all good for green living and the ozone layer, since the late seventies CFCs have almost entirely disappeared in their use as propellants for aerosol cans. They were outlawed by the EPA in all beauty products and only now exist in a few medical devices. So if aerosol cans don't contain CFCs, are they okay for green living?
- Fiction
- Maybe aerosol cans no longer contain harmful CFCs, but they still use VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which cause smog.
- Truth
- It is true that aerosol cans contain VOCs and VOCs do contribute to smog, not ideal for green living. To put the VOCs in aerosol cans in perspective, consumer (mostly beauty) products only account for about five percent of VOCs produced according to the EPA. The worse anti-green living foes are vehicle emissions and industry. As supporters of green living, it is therefore better to start by driving less and choosing more gas efficient cars. On the other hand, there are some green living alternatives to aerosol cans.
Aerosol Can Alternatives for Better Green Living
There are refillable spray bottles of two types which are easy alternatives to aerosol cans. For better green living, why not try hand pump spray bottles which are also great when they are refillable and don't create so much waste? Or you could choose compressed air spray bottles which work excellently for beauty and green living. Look for these alternatives to aerosol cans when shopping for beauty products like hair spray.
The most important thing to remember for green living is to recycle.
If you do use aerosol cans or already have some on hand, be sure to reduce the amount of solid waste produced and keep everyone safe by disposing of them properly. The first thing to remember for green living is to use all of the product in the aerosol can. Aerosol cans keep the contents airtight for extended periods of time. If you're using the aerosol can it doesn't help green living to waste the contents by throwing it out before they're used up. Beyond that, more and more recycling centers are starting to accept steel and aluminum aerosol cans. If yours doesn't accept aerosol cans yet, try to foster green living by suggesting that they do!
