Published on: 11 February 2021
Last Updated on: 26 December 2024
For a number of years now, businesses around the world have been aligning themselves with a common goal: to minimize their contribution to the devastating levels of single-use plastics being sent out into the environment.
While it remains the case that many of the world’s leading culprits for plastic waste are not yet doing as much as they could in order to reduce the levels they contribute to landfill and oceans each year, the path forward is not quite as simple as it may seem to those on the outside. Read more below.
Marrying Sustainability with What is Sustainable is its Own Challenge:
Sustainable practices must prioritize the environment, but that is only half the story. By definition, pursuing sustainability means pursuing practices that can feasibly become the norm. It would be futile to pursue practices that are, on the face of it, ‘sustainable’, but which cannot last us for the next year, decade, century, etc.
In other words, we need to be selective about where we focus our efforts.
One prime example of this lies in the medical world – in particular, in the field of surgery, where single-use plastic and unrecyclable by-products are par for the course on any given day. Metal cannot replace the strong and flexible medical grade plastic used in the indispensable surgical retractor, just as eco-friendly fabrics will prove costly – and inefficient – replacements for disposable PPE.
The same goes for any other sector, although the medical world represents one of the most extreme examples, where sustainability cannot be achieved at the expense of patient safety, or individual hospital budgets.
Identifying Areas Where Progress is Possible – and Maintaining Focus on Them:
For many industries, identifying areas where progress is possible – and ensuring that progress is being made – is proving to be far more difficult than it may at first seem.
Take, for instance, the food distribution industry. In the fight against single-use plastic, much of our attention continues to be brought to plastic packaging on perishable foods, such as vegetables, meat, and fish – whereas, just a few years ago, we were hellbent upon ridding our routines of single-use plastic bags.
While it would make a considerable impact, ridding the supermarket of single-use plastic packaging is much less feasible than it may at first seem, and our distraction has derailed the initial effort against single-use plastic bags. In the UK, for instance, the leading supermarket chains sold 1.58 billion reusable plastic bags in 2019 – which equates to nigh-on sixty bags per household, and far more than the average family requires if they are reusing these bags indefinitely.
While much more needs to be done in order to mitigate the impact single-use plastics are having on the environment, a distinction is made in order to ensure that our efforts are focused in the right direction. A wholesale approach to plastic reduction will only prove unsustainable, and the only way to ensure lasting change is to be a little more selective about the areas in which we attempt to instigate mass change.
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You must have heard of names like Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, and Emma Gonzalez. All of them have strived hard to address issues surrounding the social, economic, environmental, and political world.
In recent years, everyone from governments to international organizations has stated how important it is to educate the girl child. Women in positions of importance have demonstrated exemplary levels of skill and expertise.
Nancy Etz, a leading name in promoting scholarships for women in educational institutions, has been at the forefront of the issue. In this resource article, we look at how educating a girl can help change the world for the better.
Educating A Girl Is Important In Developing Countries Of The World:
Population control is an area that is often discussed without much result. Studies have shown that educating women in society helps in increasing the marriageable age and leads to the creation of smaller families.
Countries in the Asian and African continents that are struggling when it comes to resources can benefit deeply from measures of population control. This positively affects the health of both the woman and the child and leads to the nation’s economic prosperity.
Education paves the way to understanding exploitation and leads to overall emotional development. This can help bring down rates of crime against women and help improve society for the better. Education leads to issues of gender equality being discussed in the public domain.
Women’s Education Can Help Improve The Economic Condition And Break The Poverty Cycle:
Many data and statistics put out by the UN state that an average year of education helps increase the wage-earning potential of women by over 20%. As compared to men, women who are earning invest more in their households and the upbringing of their children.
This also ensures that the economic and financial pressures that are common in households are divided equally. This helps elevate the standard of living, investing in savings and ensuring access to better healthcare facilities.
Children born in families with working mothers are likely to benefit from the twin-earning potential of their parents. They can be given a better life, access to high-quality education, and grow up with a family with better values and gender equality.
At the end of the day, earning women can play a major role in breaking the cycle of poverty in developing and underdeveloped nations of the world.
Educating A Girl Can Contribute To The Overall Economic Prosperity Of A Country:
Educated women not only contribute towards their families but also add to the wealth of a nation. Studies show how nations with more working women have a healthier GDP as compared to nations that do not.
In simple words, the more women earn, the more they are likely to reinvest their earnings into the nation. This means they will buy things, pay taxes, and invest in saving schemes. All this means that the earning potential of a nation increases.
This can lead to the government of the nation spending more on social services, transportation, healthcare, and education. It all makes the nation enjoy a superior position as compared to others in the world of international diplomacy.
It also throws up issues like Climate Change, Violence, and Gender Equality into the discussions surrounding a nation. With more active participation from women, these issues become a part of mainstream discourse, and steps can be taken to address them.
You Can't Ignore What They Are Saying!
While many surveys and research are suggesting the importance of girls’ education, it’s not just them who are loud. Many famous celebrities and global faces have raised their voices in support of educating women. Here are a few examples –
There is no greater pillar of stability than a strong, free, and educated woman.
– Angelina Jolie
If we are going to see real development in the world, then our best investment is WOMEN!
– Desmond Tutu
As a tribute to the legions of women who navigated the path of fighting for justice before us, we ought to imprint in the supreme law of the land firm principles upholding the rights of women.
–Nelson Mandela
Young women who want an education will not be stopped.
–-Freida Pinto
You know, we’re in a sports center. Imagine if you have a team and you don’t let half of the team play. That’s stupid. That makes no sense. And the evidence shows that communities that give their daughters the same opportunities as their sons, they are more peaceful, they are more prosperous, they develop faster, they are more likely to succeed.
– Barack Obama
Global Initiatives For Women's Education
Not just the leaders; it’s a collective global movement, and many initiatives taken at national and global levels are shaping the world of women-education.
Here are some worth mentioning initiatives to talk about –
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
This is one of the programs in India allowing girls to stop dropping out of school. It’s also for preventing underage marriage of Indian girls.
UNICEF
This is an international organization working on different campaigns to raise awareness around women's education in India. They are making sure that every girl has the opportunity to learn and go to school.
International Day of Girl Child
Here’s another awareness campaign that teaches women about their right to education. It aims to make girls aware of their rights and inspires them to be educated.
Right to Education Initiative
This initiative is to recognize and spread the word about everyone’s equal rights to get an education.
The Final Word:
No matter where you look, women are rising to positions of prominence. From the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden to corporate honchos like Sheryl Sandberg, women are redefining the world’s political, economic, social, and environmental.
Can educating a girl child change the world for the better? A start has been made in the right direction. According to Nancy Etz, a lot still needs to be done and the initiative needs to be taken by parents, partners, and governments the world over.
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If you work in a nice, cool, and modern office, you spend most of your day sitting at your desk and walking on a carpeted floor. Indeed, carpeted floors feel so much better to walk on; they are pretty to look at, absorb sound and reduce noise, help insulate the room, provide a non-slip and safer surface, and are just a lot more comfortable. However, there is also a good chance that the very carpet you love could be hiding some serious dangers.
As we all know, carpets are excellent dirt magnets. Foreign particles ranging from allergens, and bacteria to toxic chemicals could get trapped in between the fibres of the carpet; these things can pose potential health hazards. This is what commercial cleaning, particularly office cleaning and carpet deep cleaning, is about.
Allergens
One of the most common, and probably the biggest, danger hiding in between the fibres of your office carpets are allergens.
Allergens come in various forms, from dirt, dust, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, etc., which are all practically invisible to the naked eye. These particles get trapped on the carpet but can become airborne when someone walks on the carpet. People with hypersensitivity to these allergens can easily feel allergic reactions from these particles, such as sneezing, coughing, stuffy or runny nose, red, watery and itchy eyes, headaches, etc. Those with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or similar respiratory conditions will feel the worst of the symptoms.
If you often suffer from allergies, you may notice that your symptoms are usually worse t work. And if you work in a carpeted environment, there is a good chance it is caused by dirty office carpet.
To reduce your exposure to harmful allergens, make sure to invest in a vacuum cleaner that comes with a HEPA filter. HEPA is a special type of filter that traps extremely small particles. The good thing about hiring good commercial cleaning companies is that they use HEPA vacuums for their office cleaning.
Bacteria
Another common danger that could be lurking in your office caret is bacteria.
As said earlier, carpets are practically dirt traps. It traps anything and everything, including moisture. Beverage spills, wet food, or various liquids dropped on the carpet turn the carpet into a breeding ground for bacteria.
Bacteria, as we all know, can cause a long list of serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, meningitis, etc. To reduce your risk of these health problems, it is important to have your office carpet professionally cleaned.
Commercial office cleaners use HEPA filter vacuums, special cleaning equipment and commercial-grade cleaning agents to effectively clean and disinfect carpets. They can safely clean bacteria lurking between the fibres and deep into the carpet without damaging the fabric.
Toxic Chemicals
Another danger that is often overlooked in the office setting is toxic chemicals.
Often, office chemicals are treated with special chemicals to make them flame-retardant and stain-resistant. You will often see this in carpets placed in high-traffic areas, as they are incredibly convenient in terms of care and safety. However, over time, as the carpet ages, these special chemicals can off-gas, releasing toxic fumes into the air.
Some of the most common chemicals used in treating carpets are benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. These chemicals have been linked to a variety of health problems, such as respiratory issues, dizziness, and headaches.
To reduce your chances of exposure to these chemicals, make sure to choose office carpets that are certified as low-emitting or free from harmful chemicals. If your office has already installed carpets with these chemical treatments, consider testing them for chemical emissions.
Mould
Mould is another common danger that is often overlooked in work settings like offices. Since carpets can trap moisture, they become damp. Hence, they become an ideal environment for mould growth. Mould can release spores into the air, and like allergens, they can cause respiratory and health problems.
To reduce your risk of exposure to mould, it is crucial to have your pipes checked for possible leaks, improve office ventilation, and use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels. Also, make sure to have your carpets cleaned by professional commercial cleaners.
Tips For Keeping Your Office's Carpet Clean And Safe
Now that you know the dangers that could be lurking in your office carpet, it is important to take the necessary steps to keep your carpets clean and safe. Here are some tips for that:
Vacuum Regularly
Office carpets must be thoroughly vacuumed at least once a week to remove dust, dirt, and another allergen buildup.
Use HEPA Filter
Make sure to invest in a HEPA filter to effectively remove all small particles that have settled deep into the carpet.
Clean Up Spills As Soon As Possible
Prevent moisture from seeping deep into the carpet fibres by cleaning up spills promptly.
Invest In Safe Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are the same. Many may be effective in cleaning and killing bacteria, but they can be made from harmful chemicals. People hypersensitive to these strong cleaning solutions may be at risk of experiencing health problems such as allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms.
Have Your Office Carpets Professionally Cleaned
You can save yourself from all the hassles of cleaning and buying special cleaning equipment and cleaning solutions or hiring and training office cleaners by simply getting the services of professional office cleaners.
Professional commercial cleaning services include deep cleaning, which is exactly what office carpets need. Health experts recommend that office carpets must be deep cleaned at least once a year (twice for offices with heavy foot traffic) to remove deep-seater allergens and dirt and keep them clean and safe for everyone.
Takeaway
Your office's carpet may seem innocuous, but it could be hiding some serious dangers. Save yourself from the stress of guesswork and hire professional commercial cleaning services to take care of your carpet cleaning needs.
Commercial cleaning services provide customized cleaning plans to give you the exact, comprehensive, and quality service you need. Also, these office cleaning services companies hire professional cleaners, train them, and equip them with advanced cleaning techniques and equipment to ensure safe and thorough cleaning of your office. Their experienced cleaners are fully trained and well-versed in handling various cleaning and building maintenance tasks, including deep cleaning.
Lastly, hiring professional cleaning services from legit professional commercial cleaning companies can help you save precious time and money in the long run. Not only that they have the manpower and special equipment to provide the highest quality cleaning, but they are also extremely efficient. They can work around your schedule, reduce downtime, and improve the productivity of your workplace.
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Social work is a profession that is growing by leaps and bounds, but the public does not always recognize the contributions of the many social workers who keep society running. Social work deserves more praise for its wide scope of services and achievements.
However, it seems that it is not getting the recognition it deserves. This is not mere observation; it is a fact, as according to a 2020 survey by Social Work England, 76% of the people involved do not think that social work is respected by society.
Social work encompasses a broad range of services with an emphasis on prevention; these include assistance with children in care, assisting with homelessness and poverty issues, developing policies that support individual rights, advocating for improved conditions in prisons, or addressing addiction problems, among many others.
There are many issues that social workers face that are possibly a foundation for the lack of praise for their field. Let us take a look at them.
Social Work Education
The fact that many qualified social workers and practitioners find it difficult to move from the sector to other sectors is telling of social work education. A lot of people who were educated in the field ended up working in various aspects of this field, such as clinical, developmental, and health social work.
These are all aspects within the same field, and that should not be a problem. The good thing is that due to the rise in awareness regarding social work, getting a degree in the field has become more accessible now. In fact, many people with bachelor’s degrees went on to pursue social work masters programs online to find places of even more influence in their fields.
The issue is that society, in general, does not consider social work to be a “competent” or “competitive” degree. Social work degrees suffer the same stigma as gender studies and other social sciences degrees that people who pursue these degrees will not end up with stable jobs.
In reality, social workers can find jobs in HR unions, public relations, and even in education as professors or counselors, among many other fields of work.
Negative Media Coverage
With the increase of negative media coverage and social problems, it makes sense that people are not respecting the field of social work.
Many believe that the reason for this is due to a barrage of negative media articles. The fact is that there are hardworking social workers in all areas of the field, and they are making strides for humanity every day. However, many do not hear about these inspirational deeds. They only hear about when things go wrong, which is far too common.
Most of the media coverage that social workers get is when a group, community, or NGO is found to be involved in negative areas such as bribery, corruption, spreading lies, and other matters of the ilk. In a survey by YouGov, it was revealed that 82% of the masses involved believed that the media was responsible for the negative image of social workers.
Whenever the authorities instigate any action against negative matters, it becomes the most publicized headline on the news bulletin and ends up making the front page of newspapers.
Disregard For The Vulnerable
Although social workers toil away for everyone, they are considered a godsend for those susceptible to harm. Whether we’re talking about religious minorities, sexual minorities, marginalized communities, or victims of assault and violence, there are branches of social work readily available to help everyone.
The issue arises that the general majority does not pay much attention to the issues of minorities. Unless people are activists, they do not actively take part in bringing light to the issues of marginalized communities.
Since social workers are associated with minorities and marginalized communities, when the aforementioned get sidelined, so do those who work for them.
Lack Of Funds
The lack of adequate funding and resources is a major problem that persists in the social work field. Since social workers often belong to private organizations, their requirements to put their plans into action often go unfulfilled.
Social workers have a wide range of issues that they deal with in society, and these issues cost them a lot of money to deal with. The fact that many state and local governments are cutting down on social work budgets is disheartening for the many who work hard every day to serve their communities well.
Unrealistic Expectations
The general public has set unrealistic expectations in the field of social work. These general expectations are the reason why social workers feel like they shouldn’t be satisfied with their jobs. The more demanding a job seems to be, the more dissatisfied they become, feeling as if they should do more and more. Often, many social workers do work for organizations, but they do so at a very low cost.
Many of the causes for the lack of respect given to the field of social work lie in the history of the field. Social work is officially a recent profession despite the fact that many have unknowingly served under its banner, so its history has not been as long and glorious as other professions. But with time, society will come to realize how much social workers do and how important they truly are for their stability and betterment.
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For many industries, identifying areas where progress is possible – and ensuring that progress is being made – is proving to be far more difficult than it may at first seem.
Take, for instance, the food distribution industry. In the fight against single-use plastic, much of our attention continues to be brought to plastic packaging on perishable foods, such as vegetables, meat, and fish – whereas, just a few years ago, we were hellbent upon ridding our routines of single-use plastic bags.
While it would make a considerable impact, ridding the supermarket of single-use plastic packaging is much less feasible than it may at first seem, and our distraction has derailed the initial effort against single-use plastic bags. In the UK, for instance, the leading supermarket chains sold 1.58 billion reusable plastic bags in 2019 – which equates to nigh-on sixty bags per household, and far more than the average family requires if they are reusing these bags indefinitely.
While much more needs to be done in order to mitigate the impact single-use plastics are having on the environment, a distinction is made in order to ensure that our efforts are focused in the right direction. A wholesale approach to plastic reduction will only prove unsustainable, and the only way to ensure lasting change is to be a little more selective about the areas in which we attempt to instigate mass change.
Read Also:
