Feeling overwhelmed by the climate crisis? Unsure of how to tackle low-waste living? Questions about how to implement your next change? Luckily for you, you are not alone. Transitioning to an eco-friendly lifestyle does not have to be as daunting as it seems. Check out these eco-friendly alternatives, a simple swaps for daily use items to support a more sustainable life.
Bamboo Toothbrush
Did you know that an average person goes through 300 toothbrushes throughout the course of their lives? That is 300 pieces of plastic that get stuck in landfills, oceans, and coastlines. Switch it out for its bamboo counterpart! Simply break off the head (containing bristles) and toss the biodegradable handle into your compost bin. Voilà!
Reusable Water Bottle
Carrying around a reusable water bottle is arguably the easiest change to make these days. With refill stations readily available most places these days – or in the worst case, a bathroom sink – there is little justification in purchasing disposable plastic water bottles.
Related Article: How You Can Change Your Shopping Habits To Become More Eco-Friendly
Biodegradable Garbage Bags
For the average person, it is quite difficult to perfect a zero-waste lifestyle. That means that you still have some trash that needs to be thrown out, but just because we have some junk does not mean we have to generate more waste using a conventional garbage bag! Try a compostable one instead – it is one less piece of plastic in the landfill.
Related Article: Be the Next Zero-Waste Hero!
Reusing Glass Jars
Whether you are a kombucha fan or a pre-made pasta sauce person, you probably have some old glass jars hanging around. Do not let them go to waste! They are a perfect alternative to buying new plastic food storage containers, plus they look quite chic.
Rechargeable Batteries
Like many electronics, batteries require a specific disposal process. So why not just bypass that hassle altogether by opting for rechargeable ones? Not only does it save you a trip to the store, but it also saves the batteries from a trip to the dump. It is a win-win situation.
Cloth Napkins
This one is simpler than you might think. The beauty of low-waste living is that it thrives on creativity. You do not have to hunt for the perfect cloth napkin, you can make it yourself out of some scrap fabric or keep an eye out next time you go thrifting.
Bamboo Cutlery
We have all felt that pang of guilt when we have no choice but to opt for plastic, disposable cutlery. Not only are they rough on the planet, but they are also notoriously flimsy. Why bother using utensils when you can carry your own sustainable set at all times? Your dining experience and Mother Earth will thank you for it.
Related Article: Five Ways To Ease Into a Plant-Based Lifestyle
Reusable Produce Bags
You are probably already bringing your own grocery bags to the store, but your shopping trip might still be wasteful if you are using the thin plastic produce bags provided. Sometimes, it is easy to go bagless, but it is not so simple to just toss a handful of mushrooms in your shopping cart. That is when reusable produce bags make all the difference. Go above and beyond by using these to shop in the bulk section for the ultimate zero-waste experience.