The word "sustainable" is a buzz word these days. We're all trying our best to leave the world a little better than we found it, but it can be hard and sometimes it's easier to just carry on with what we know.
We get it. Where do you even start if you're trying to adopt eco-friendly habits at home? And are there REALLY sustainable alternatives that are ALSO convenient and that ACTUALLY work? The answer is yes! And we've compiled a list of 9 easy sustainable swapsthat would be easy for anyone to make!
The next time you run out of plastic cling wrap, swap it out forBee's Wrap Beeswax Wraps!Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly food storage alternative. They work great for covering up bowls of leftovers or wrapping up leftover produce like half cut onions or lemons. The best part? Beeswax wraps last for over a year and are backyard compostable at end of life!
Did you know that dryer sheets are made of plastic? Make single use dryer sheets a thing of the past with our Zefiro Wool Dryer Balls! Wool dryer balls are a great addition to your laundry routine. They help separate clothing during the drying cycle which means they reduce drying time. Less drying time=less time doing laundry- count me in! The best part? Wool dryer balls last over 1000 loads- that's a lot of laundry!
Did you know that every toothbrush you've ever used is still sitting in a landfill somewhere? Swap out those plastic toothbrushes for a bamboo one! They last just as long, but they're better for the planet because they're plastic free and can be composted when you're done using them! OurBrush with Bamboo toothbrushesaremade with USDA Certified 100% Biobased bristles and FSC certified bamboo. They also come in akids size, because kids want to save the planet too!
Swap out those plastic ziploc bags for Stasher silicone bags! These durable, reusable bags are perfect for food storage, packed lunches, and carrying snacks around town. They also work perfectly as a toiletry bag when you're flying- they're TSA approved! Stasher bags are top and bottom rack dishwasher safe as well as microwave and freezer safe. These bags are functional, low maintenance and a great way to eliminate single-use plastic. They come in multiple sizes for all your storage needs: snack, sandwich, half gallon, and the stand-up mid!
OurThree Bluebirds Swedish Dishclothsare a great paper towel alternative. One dishcloth replaces up to 17 rolls of paper towels! They're great for wiping down counters, washing dishes, and a ton of other household chores. They're top rack dishwasher safe and machine washable and last up to 200 washes (6-7 months depending on how often you use them). These cloths not only save you money, they are also better for the environment and can be composted when you're done using them. They're also so cute!
Did you know that liquid body wash and shampoo are made up of 80% water? Swapping out body soap gel, liquid hand soap, face wash, and shampoo and conditioner for solid bars is a great way to cut down on waste. There are so many great solid soap bars these days- fromfacial soaptoshave bars, andbody soaptoshampoo bars- it's getting easier and easier to cut out plastic packaging. If you prefer touse a loofah, try getting asoap saver bagto exfoliate while you wash!
We're all pretty good at bringing our reusable grocery bags to the grocery store by now, but what about reusable produce bags? You'll never have to get one of those plastic produce bags again with Ecobags cotton produce bags! The meshbags are perfect for produce and larger items and the muslin bags are a must have for all your bulk buying needs. Check out our Market Kitif you're looking for a bundle. Keep these stored in your car with the rest of your reusable grocery bags and you'll remember them every time you make a grocery run!
Ditch those disposable, plastic safety razors and swap to a safety razor! Safety razors are a completely plastic free alternative to conventional razors. They're often made of stainless steel and so are meant to last a lifetime, but when you're done using them, they're recyclable! After the initial cost of the safety razor, safety razor blades are extremely inexpensive. What does this mean? Not only are safety razors better for the environment, but they end up saving you money too! That's definitely a win-win. There are a a lot of different styles of safety razors, but our favorites are Albatross' long-handled butterfly safety razor, 3-piece safety razor, and Leaf's pivoting head razor.
Did you know that most conventional dish sponges are made of plastic? Luckily there are some great dishwashing alternatives! Zefiro's bamboo dish brushes have got you covered! All of their handles are made of bamboo and the bristles are made from plants for a completely plastic free alternative. The best part? You'll never have to smell that spongey smell again!Check out our bamboo and palm fibre scrubber, the bamboo and sisal pot brush, and the bamboo bottle brush to get started on your plastic-free dishwashing routine!
The good news? There are a lot of awesome sustainable alternatives for everyday itemsand some amazing, small companies who are prioritizing people and planet over profit! So as you start on your sustainabilityjourney, it will continue to get easier and easier as you go along!
And remember: any small change is good! There is no such thing as a "perfect" environmentalist, so be proud of the small changes that you're making. We definitely are!
As an expert in sustainable living and eco-friendly alternatives, I understand the importance of making conscious choices to protect our planet. With a depth of knowledge and first-hand experience, I can confidently provide information about the concepts used in the following article.
The article discusses the growing popularity of sustainable living and the desire to adopt eco-friendly habits at home. It acknowledges that it can be challenging to know where to start and if there are actually convenient and effective sustainable alternatives available. The article then presents a list of nine easy sustainable swaps that anyone can make.
The first swap mentioned is replacing plastic cling wrap with Bee's Wrap Beeswax Wraps. These eco-friendly food storage alternatives are perfect for covering bowls of leftovers or wrapping up produce. They are made of beeswax and last for over a year. Additionally, they can be composted in the backyard at the end of their life.
The article also highlights the negative environmental impact of single-use dryer sheets made of plastic. Instead, it suggests using Zefiro Wool Dryer Balls, which help separate clothing during the drying cycle, reducing drying time. These wool dryer balls can last over 1000 loads and are a sustainable alternative.
Another swap mentioned is replacing plastic toothbrushes with bamboo toothbrushes. These toothbrushes are plastic-free, compostable, and made with USDA Certified 100% Biobased bristles and FSC certified bamboo. The article emphasizes that even kids can contribute to saving the planet with kid-sized bamboo toothbrushes.
Plastic ziplock bags can be replaced with Stasher silicone bags, which are durable, reusable, and perfect for food storage. They are also TSA approved, dishwasher safe, and microwave and freezer safe. The article highlights that these bags are a functional, low maintenance way to eliminate single-use plastic.
To reduce paper towel usage, the article suggests using Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths, which are a great alternative. One dishcloth can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels. These dishcloths are machine washable, last up to 200 washes, and can be composted when no longer in use.
The article also encourages swapping liquid body wash, shampoo, and other personal care products for solid bars to reduce waste. It mentions the availability of various solid soap bars, including facial soaps, shave bars, and shampoo bars. For those who prefer using a loofah, the article suggests using a soap saver bag for exfoliation.
In addition to reusable grocery bags, the article mentions the importance of using reusable produce bags. Ecobags cotton produce bags, both mesh and muslin, are recommended for storing produce and buying bulk items.
Disposable plastic safety razors can be replaced with safety razors, which are completely plastic-free and often made of stainless steel. These razors are meant to last a lifetime and are recyclable. They also save money in the long run.
Lastly, the article addresses the issue of conventional dish sponges made of plastic and provides alternatives. Zefiro's bamboo dish brushes, with bamboo handles and plant-based bristles, offer a completely plastic-free option for dishwashing.
The article concludes by highlighting the availability of sustainable alternatives and small companies that prioritize people and the planet. It encourages readers to embrace sustainability and acknowledges that any small change is significant in making a positive impact.
In summary, the article introduces various sustainable swaps, providing information about their benefits and encouraging readers to make eco-friendly choices.
