Simple Eco-Conscious Swaps For Living More Sustainably
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Living a greener, more sustainable life isn’t as hard as it may seem. A lot of people have this impression that it means you have to take five minute showers, bike everywhere, go vegan, and give up all of your favorite things. While it is pretty difficult to transition to a completely waste free lifestyle, there are many simple swaps you can make that will not only lower your environmental impact, but will also save you a little bit of money in the long run.
I’ve made these swaps over the last couple of years, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t go back.
1. Solid soaps
There are many companies making hair care bars these days. I initially tried Lush products, but unfortunately, the conditioner bar really didn’t work well for my hair type. Then I tried Ethique, and I currently use their Guardian conditioner bar and their Sweet & Spicy shampoo bar. They have options for all different hair types, so I’m sure you can find the right one for you. They also have facial cleansing bars, but unfortunately they didn’t keep my breakouts at bay. I use a classic Neutrogena facial bar and that keeps my skin clear.
2. Reusable produce bags
You may already bring your own shopping bag with you to the grocery store, but have you thought about bringing reusable produce bags? Those thin plastic bags you put your fruits and veggies in are definitely not recyclable and they often blow out of the garbage and into the environment. I bought these bags several months ago and I love them. They’ve held up quite well, and they have a tag with their weight on them for the store clerk to zero out.
3. Waxed sandwich wraps
There are many tutorials online to help you make your own, or you can buy some like these cute ones I got from Amazon. They are durable, keep your food fresh, and they can be reused over and over for a couple of years. No more need for plastic sandwich bags!
4. Reusable straws
It is estimated that 500 million plastic straws are used in the United States each day. That is a mind boggling number. You can do your part to reduce this number by saying “no thank you” and using your own reusable straw. In my household, we use these metal straws. They are easy to clean, and even came with a straw brush. I was a little concerned they may add a metallic taste to my beverage, but they actually don’t affect the taste at all.
Bamboo straws, like these from theotherstraw, are also a good alternative. They’re generously gifting me a sample pack to try. On their website you’ll find a lot of information on why bamboo is such a great, eco friendly alternative. Bamboo is extremely fast growing, and requires little intervention in the way of chemicals and pesticides. It can be utilized for more than just making straws, bamboo can also be substituted for other woods in household items like furniture, flooring, and mulch. That means bamboo can be a huge player in the fight to end deforestation.
5. Reusable mug
There really is no need to get your coffee in a paper cup with a plastic lid. Most coffee shops will gladly fill your reusable mug. I love this one. It keeps my coffee hot literally all day. And when I use it as a water bottle, my water is still cold inside over 24 hours later.
6. Reusable food storage containers
We keep our leftovers in reusable containers, not single use plastic baggies. You can even reuse more durable takeout containers. We have a collection of jars, including old jam and peanut butter jars. There are so many alternatives to plastic bags, and you probably already have some in your own home.
Do you have other sustainable living tips you’d like to share? Leave them in the comments!
