Out of sight, out of mind – a phrase suggesting that we forget things when we don’t see or come in contact with them. How about the things we cannot see? Does it mean they don’t exist and we need not care about them?

Above the earth, there’s a veil shrouding our planet known as the ozone layer, invisible to the naked eye. From the beginning of time, this layer has been absorbing the sun’s radiation and ultraviolet rays, so we aren’t as exposed to the detrimental effects of the sun.

However, with the acceleration of human consumption and production of goods and services releasing more ozone-depleting substances, the layer has been thinning. We should be alarmed – we’re becoming more susceptible to a weakened immune system, with higher risks of contracting cataracts and skin cancer.

That sounds bad, but it’s not too late to do something about it. Here are some lifestyle adjustments we can make to restore our ozone layer!

1. Minimising the use of cars

Most petroleum-fuelled vehicles produce gases that wear down the ozone layer when operated. Instead of driving your car out by yourself while running errands, consider public transportation or carpooling with others. 

If you wish to have ‘me’ time, try cycling or walking when distances are short and the load is light. If a car is necessary, consider electric or hybrid cars. While you’re preserving the ozone layer, you’ll help to reduce air pollution too! 

Source: IG@thesocialspace.sg

2. Using natural cleaning products

When exposed to sunlight, solvents found in certain detergents and soaps will react with pollutants found in the air, and release chemicals such as chlorine and bromine. These particles will reach and react with the ozone layer, breaking down the layer further.

Using eco-friendly and natural cleaning products to disinfect and clean is a simple yet effective step to reduce ozone depletion. Moreover, many supermarkets offer toxic-free, natural ingredients that double as cleaning agents! Look no further and check out The Social Space (#01-03) to make the switch to ozone-friendly cleaning products.

3. Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance

Air conditioners contain CFC and HCFC, which serve as cooling agents to function. Although the use of air conditioners does release a portion of these ozone-depleting gases, when they are not regularly maintained, air conditioners will leak even more of these harmful particles into the atmosphere. To prevent the faster erosion of the ozone layer, ensure that air conditioners undergo regular servicing. 

With Singapore’s sweltering weather, it is no surprise that air conditioners are heavily relied on to cool our living and workspaces. It is all the more imperative that our air conditioners are serviced regularly.

By contributing in these little ways, we can reduce the amount of harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere as the ozone layer heals itself. We may forget about the ozone layer from time to time, but if we’re mindful of our actions, we can be assured that our actions are less likely to deplete the earth’s barrier.