eco-friendly swaps: why it matters
You may always hear that it is important to make sustainable swaps in your everyday life, however, do you know why? All of our actions had a consequence and while at the moment we may not think about the impact that single-use plastic is having on our environment, the ramifications add up very quickly. While I am fully aware that these small actions are not going to solely solve the ever-growing climate crisis overnight, I do believe that small actions add up and can make a change. The main purpose of this is to share simple swaps that you are able to make during your everyday life that can lead to combating the ever-growing plastic pollution. Super simple swaps that will become the new norm before you know it!
Reusable Straws
Trendy? Yes. Effective? Yes. Replacing single-use plastic straws can eliminate millions of plastic being thrown into our environment each year. On average, one person uses about 600 single-use plastic straws per year which can be at least cut in half with the use of reusable straw. Personally, I enjoy using the reusable metal straws, they come with a brush to effectively clean out the straw and air dry, plus it keeps your drink nice and cool!
Beeswax Paper
One of the simplest swaps to make and it is so versatile! These beeswax-coated canvases form around just about anything, making clean up quick & easy. From leftover bowls of food, awkwardly shaped vegetables, baked goods- it’s limitless! Food storage creates a large percent of plastic waste between saran wrap, zip-lock bags, the plastic bags you buy your spinach in at the store, the list goes on and on. Swapping plastic for these reusable, compostable wraps will not only make an impact on the environment but also make your everyday kitchen clean-up a breeze. You are able to purchase premade beeswax papers or even create them yourself! If you’re feeling adventurous, here’s a couple of links on how to DIY some yourself (:
Reusable Zip-lock Bags
This effortless switch, just like the Beeswax paper, is another great way to eliminate plastic from your pantry. Just like Tupperware, they have various sizes and are super easy to clean! My favorite brand so far is Stasher Bags, having literally not only every size necessary but also every color to keep your food storage fun and eco-friendly! My only regret? Not buying them sooner!
Reusable Shopping/Produce Bags
What is better than an all-purpose bag? Nothing screams plastic more than a shopping trip- plastic bags, plastic produce bags, plastic everywhere. However, that doesn't have to be the case anymore! These inexpensive reusable bags are hands down better than any flimsy single-use plastic bag that is most likely to tear before you even get to the car. Just don’t forget to bring them with you (;
Wool Dryer Balls
Stay goodbye to single-use dry sheets and hello to wool dryer balls! Did you know that dryer sheets contain harmful chemicals that not only stick to our clothes but also linger in the air, and rub off and absorb into our skins? These chemicals are not only linked to triggering asthma but also can cause health issues. Switching to wool dryer balls is not just safer for your health but also for the environment! Making the swap has many benefits such as reducing energy use, made of natural, non-toxic material, reusable, and cost-effective.
Water Bottle + Coffee Mugs
It’s 2021 and you still don’t have a reusable water bottle or coffee tumblr… what’s holding you back?! Reusable water bottles are a great way to cut down on single-use plastic while staying hydrated. Especially with the addition of a Brita Pitcher. Most of us purchase multiple coffees and drinks every day just to throw away the cup afterward, just imagine how much waste can be reduced with just a single cup!
Non-Stick Silicone Baking Sheet
Ditch foil and start using non-stick silicone baking sheets! Not only do these reduce waste, but they also create a more even baking surface allowing for a more even cook.
Reusable Paper Towels
I mean, how cool are these?! These zero-waste paper towels are even more absorbent than regular paper towels, and come in different cute designs! They can be used as paper towels, napkins, and even as a face towel. Super easy to wash and reroll to create a new roll time after time without waste.
Washable Cotton Rounds
These are a MUST buy! Washable cotton rounds are by far one of my favorite swaps. Not only are these cotton rounds reusable but they are also extremely durable and effective! They are amazing for makeup removable, daily skincare, whatever you please! Plus they come in various coarseness so you are able to choose between a soft, smooth round or a grittier round depending on what you are using them for.
Glass Tupperware
Everyone has loose tupperware in their cabinets, it’s time to put it to use! While it is great to use glass tupperware if you already have plastic make sure to put it to good use before ditching plastic for good! Bringing tupperware to restaurants for your leftovers or take-out food is a great way to eliminate the single-use packaging that comes with eating out.
Single-Use Cleaning Bottles
Cleaning is essential, however, the plastic bottle is not. Blueland has created a single-use cleaning bottle that not only eliminates single-use plastic from cleaning but also is effective and affordable. How does it work? As they say “Buy the bottle once, refill forever”. Fill your forever bottle with warm water and drop in your multi-surface, bathroom, glass cleaner, or foaming soap tablet and you’re ready to go! Plus you don’t miss out on that clean aroma as they come in various scents. Check out the link below to see my favorite brand !!!
Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers
I completely understand that this swap may not apply to everyone, however, if you are a gardener please consider swapping some of your normal picks for bee-friendly options! Save the bees!
Compost !
By simply throwing your kitchen waste into a compost bin you are not only creating your own nutrient-rich soil but also reducing landfill waste. Linked below is the compost bin I would suggest!
I hope this inspires you to adapt eco-friendly swaps in your everyday life. It may feel as if you are only one person doing this, however, it is so important that we all individually do our part when it comes to taking care of our earth. Keep in mind, there is no planet b (:
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