Say hi on Instagram! Before throwing away an item, ask if theres any part of it that can be reused, repurposed, or fixedeven shoelaces can be upcycled! Not only are these products bad for the environment, they are also absorbed by your clothing, bedding and towels and are transferred to your skin. With all that wonderful soil at the end, you can grow your own food at home. 79. If youre worried about washing them; never fear! Give cloth diapers a go during changing time instead of disposables. Switch to reusable trash bags instead of plastic bags. These dispensers can easily become wrought with disease causing bacteria AND a plastic container that isnt easily recycled. The vast majority of plastic cutlery cannot be recycled. 9. Do your research and honor your part in being a conscious consumer. Thats a bloody lot! You can easily add your name to the no junk mail list. Detailed post! Bring your own jars or containers to fill rather than using the provided plastic packages. Say goodbye to liquid dish soap and containers with bar soap. They also help you cut down on your oil/fats consumption as these mats do not need to be greased. Peoples with periods: switch over to a Diva Cup and/or period undies like Thinx. Ordering takeout or delivery? 2. Where did you buy your wrappas? I liked all your tips and would like to follow it in my daily lifestyle so that I can make my little contribution towards saving the environment. She holds a Master's in Social Entrepreneurship and is a proud Rutgers grad. Choose regular shipping over expedited shipping when shopping online (and opt for fewer boxes when available!). 80. If you celebrate the holidays with a tree, bring it to a local composting center or nursery when youre done. 49. This terrible material cannot be recycled easily, so it is usually sorted out of the recycling and thrown into a landfill. 99. 91. This way you are staying squeaky clean without the plastics. Write an email to your towns leadership advocating for more eco-friendly practices (like more accessible composting), in lieu of scrolling Instagram. 42. our tap water ends up tainted at least once or twice a year. Polystyrene1 is the most common type of plastic that factories use to manufacturer cutlery, and the same compound as Styrofoam. Join a community swap group to sell and find gently used items like furniture, electronics, and sports gear. Skincare doesnt have to be complicated use. For the home, its safe to go for the. Shampoo bottles are out, tooconsider shampoo bars instead. You can carry your own little, Use bar soap in the shower, and to wash your hands instead of pump or liquid soaps and body washes that come with packaging. 64. Everything runs in a cycle and mindless consumption is corrupting that cycle. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Itis a small sacrifice, but a huge step to reducing the amount of plastic we create and waste. Use cloth napkins instead of paper, and handkerchiefs instead of kleenex. 85. 82. Charmin or Scotts? Use cloth napkins instead of paper, and handkerchiefs instead of kleenex. So why not pack yourself 2 hankies, one for a tissue and one for a towel! Use dryer balls instead of fabric softener or dryer sheets. Wrap gifts with newspapers, packaging, or magazines in place of disposable wrapping paper. Its still not commonly known that coffee cups cannot be recycled. (Or, bring reusable produce bags!). So get yourself a stainless steel tea ball or tea strainer and opt for buying loose leaf tea for a toxin free tea. Buy quality items while they do tend to be more expensive they also last much longer than cheaper items. Candles Can be Toxic], Piri Piri Chicken Bowls with Spicy Green Sauce. No, thanksopt for reusable towels. Store your prepped meals and leftovers with beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap. Buy in bulk try to buy nuts, grains and seeds in bulk. This is because the composition of silicone remains contained when it is heated and cooled. The truth is there are easy and affordable swaps you can make. First of all, a lot of parchment paper is bleached and also contains dioxin. If you do not have a bulk food store in your area, then simply try to buy the largest size of whatever youre shopping for. J-Cloths may be marked as biodegradable, but unfortunately, Municipalities regulate what gets accepted as green bin items, and the J-Cloth does not often qualify. Dont feel like you need to purchase brand new frames for your home; consider thrifting frames and giving them a DIY paint job to match the space. Ditch the single-serve coffee or espresso machines and use a. Mix this stuff with hot water, and youve got yourself a toxic soup that can take a serious toll on your immune system. so its important to try to reduce water and energy usage when washing & drying. If you havent already watched the documentary True Cost on Netflix, I urge you to do so. Diffuse essential oils instead of using Febreeze or other air fresheners. Buy second hand check out thrift stores and online second hand stores (like Poshmark!) Borrow & swap at the library instead of purchasing books you may not even read. Shop local by signing up with a CSA for nearby produce. 30. So many packed foods are filled with air and contain chemicals and preservatives that are not healthy AND these packages cost more! BONUS! Use power strips and turn them off when youre not using appliances. 7. Let clothing air dry outside or on a drying rack instead of using the dryer. Because of the wax coating, your coffee cup cannot be recycled despite being made of paper. Try eating plant-based each week, like Meatless Mondays. 34. 25. When you put several in the dryer theyre supposed to speed up the drying process, soften clothes and reduce static. Share baked goods with friends and package them in upcycled fruit and veggie containers. 47. Unsubscribe from store catalogs and opt out of other forms of junk mail. With all that wonderful soil at the end, you can grow your own food at home. Experiences are more fun anyway! Not to mention, many tea bags are chlorine bleached and made of non-biodegradable materials! Pick up a reusable water bottle that works for your lifestyletaking into account sizes, materials, and whether or not you prefer a straw. Thats about 1.4 million kilograms of plastic sent to landfills and into the oceans every day! 92. Make your own home cleaning products with, Buy more items in bulk and bring your own jars or. 67. Did you order them online or is there somewhere that sells them near you? 84. 46. 10. Bring worn down clothes to a textile donation center to avoid landfills. 94. 97. They can also be reused thousands are times. This is an alarming amount of garbage, and multiply that by the entire American population, yet alone the rest of the World, and weve got a recipe for catastrophic environmental disaster. Skip the one time use sticky chemicals that dont biodegrade for these items that can be reused several times. Plus they do not biodegrade. What we throw out goes back into our food supply. Seek out packaging-free shops or groceries near you and bring reusable containers. Look for toothpaste that comes in an aluminum tube, like Davids. These dispensers can easily become wrought with disease causing bacteria AND a plastic container that isnt easily recycled. 69. Be mindful of your water use take quick showers, turn off the water while brushing your teeth and doing the dishes. Need to buy a new car soon? 500 million single-use straws are thrown out each day. be careful of your tap water, and have it tested. I never leave home without at least one in my purse. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Consider eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning suppliesif you have a cleaning company you work with, ask if they can make the switch, too! Shop in-season hit your nearby farmers market to support local farmers but also to buy food thats in-season and hasnt had to travel far, reducing your eco footprint. 26. All you need to do is commit, and set yourself up for success. Required fields are marked *. Turn an old sweater into your pets next modeling outfit. You can buy both scented and unscented. Repurpose takeout containers for seed sproutingthey make a great mini greenhouse! I use. I hope this list inspires you to make some crucial swaps. Make your own home cleaning products with vinegar, baking soda, lemon and essential oils instead of cleaning with chemicals that come in containers. Try fixing it before tossing it. 16. Sadly, they just get tossed in the landfill where NOTHING decomposes, even if it is marked biodegradable. Use a metal straw for drinks when you can. 37. You can also pack homemade soups, parfaits, and essentially entire recipes in a jar for a packable meal. This terrible material cannot be recycled easily, so it is usually sorted out of the recycling and thrown into a landfill. 83. Stop using single-use coffee cups and bring your own thermos, or reusable coffee cup. Purchase eco-friendly furniture that is manufactured without using formaldehyde or other chemicals. If a washed up whale stomaching 64 pounds of plastic they had digested doesnt make you sick, I really dont know what else to say. Take a reusable tote to the grocery store or farmer's market instead of wondering paper or plastic?, 4. Avoid fast fashion avoid fast fashion and seek out. If you love baking, invest in a silicone mat and youll no longer need parchment paper or aerosol non-stick sprays. If you havent already watched the documentary. All in all, it comes down to. The first step we can take to be more sustainable is to examine our daily choices and see where to make a change; try bullet journaling, dumpster diaries, or ongoing conversations in your household to track habits to start and then see which switches will be most effective! Repair items how many times do you just throw something out when its broken? It is a common misconception that refillable liquid soap dispensers are more sanitary. 9 Thought-Provoking Podcasts To Inspire Sustainable Living, 99 Free (Or Affordable) Self-Care Ideas For Your Wellness Routine. 21. Try a plastic-free safety razor for a close shave, without the excessive waste. Compost most cities have compost programs that pick up your bin like garbage and recycling does. that work well in your life. Skip the bottle of makeup remover and use coconut, olive, or jojoba oil depending on your skin type. Opt for classic items you know youll use, over collecting new or mini samples. Lets all save the planet for the next generations to come. Shop with businesses who prioritize low-waste or made-to-order practices. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my, STOP BUYING BOTTLED WATER. Wax paper also consists of paraffin and is derived from petroleum, which is terrible to ingest. Thats a bloody lot! Keep windows open (or closed) depending on the temperature in order to use less electricity. They are easily found naked without a wrapper (bonus for no packaging). 68. 75. Swap plastic water bottles for a reusable option. Eaten your bananas already? They are virtually a chemical soup, laced with polyester, adhesives and propylene glycol (PEG), and bleach, all linked to hormone disruption, cancer, birth defects, dryness and infertility. If buying a gift- reuse wrapping paper or gift bags, use cloth wrapping paper or use newspaper you have lying around. The skys the limit for how you can use your jars, you just need to apply some creativity. 90. 74. It is NOT difficult or expensive to be eco friendly. Limit how long you let the shower or sprinkler run, especially in water-drought areas. The average American is expected to throw away 90,000 tons of trash in their lifetime. Like my momma always said dont put anything on your body (or in, in this case) that you wouldnt eat. Introducing The Edgy Veg Easy Eats by Candice Hutchings. 57. Were told so little about the materials in feminine products. The truth is, there is no one really policing the labeling of toxin-free cleaners, so these labels should not be trusted. transition your makeup to cleaner, more environmentally-friendly products, The Best Non-Toxic Candles [Yes! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The warmth from your hands softens the wraps just enough to allow them to stick. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Paper towels often account for a quarter (or more) of the total waste produced by public buildings like schools and office buildings. Make the switch to reusable baggies. 38. With the simple switch to a menstrual cup along with period panties, you can not only cut back on your environmental impact but save money and your body in the process. Compost, Compost Compost! There you have it. Some coffee shops even give you a small discount if you bring your own cup! Your email address will not be published. Paper tea bags are full of toxins, pesticides and dioxins. Buy second hand or vintage clothing, jewelry and home decor instead of new from fast fashion stores. 70. Try laundry detergent tablets or powder for a plastic-free clean. They are virtually a chemical soup, laced with polyester, adhesives and propylene glycol (PEG), and bleach, all linked to hormone disruption, cancer, birth defects, dryness and infertility. If it came from nature, put it back in nature. I love my stainless steel water bottle. Buying the largest size means you will have to buy the item less frequently, and therefore will use less packaging in the long run. Replace single use tea bags with a tea ball or tea strainerand start using loose leaf tea. Itis a small sacrifice, but a huge step to reducing the amount of plastic we create and waste. Society needs this now. Its pretty simple to create your own compose if you so desire. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Did you know that the production of cotton for fast fashion is the second worst industry in the World for damaging the planet next to oil mining? All in all, it comes down to Needs vs Wants, so its important to only buy what you need and make a considerate choice when purchasing products. It keeps cold things cold and hot things hot. Sign up for an organic meal delivery service or an organic produce delivery boxthese can help you limit your food waste when cooking! Try plastic-free floss instead of the traditional nylon; your pearly whites and the environment will thank you. Buy second hand or vintage clothing, jewelry and home decor instead of new from fast fashion stores. Keep wilting herbs from going bad by turning them into long-lasting ice cubes. Aside from the environmental issues associated with creating these plastics, burning of materials such as nylon can produce toxic smoke. Some companies even make shampoo and conditioning bars for your hair! Get involved with your local community gardenalong the way, youll learn more about composting, plants, and other sustainable initiatives. Bring new life into old clothes by using natural dyes. The benefits to opting out of chemical cleaners is two-fold, you lose the plastic AND the toxic chemicals. 29. 11. Brew loose-leaf tea to avoid wasting tea bags. Most microfiber cloths are made of polyester, polyamide or other polymers such as nylon. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Almost all of them are incinerated, exported or sent to landfill because their plastic lining makes them costly to recycle; if your city recycles them at all. It may feel a little strange to pack your own cutlery on a regular basis, but the cost of the one time use plastic option will cost us so much more in the long run. Learn which sustainable fabrics work best for your preferred style and shift away from virgin polyester or rayon. Make laundry low-waste with dryer balls over single-use sheets. HAPPY EARTH DAY! There are many recipes online for clean DIY cleaning solutions that you can make in 2 mins. 72. . 55. They are one of the main sources of pollution and pose a serious threat to our environment. Its pretty clear now that single use options are not a great solution as they create a greater waste problem. Everyone has a role they can play for a more sustainable world, whether thats reaching out to businesses with the highest carbon footprints to hosting local swap meets with friends. Borrow tools from neighbors (and vice versa) so you dont all have to purchase the same products. When ordering drinks ask for it without a straw. They also make an excellent to go drink cup for your smoothie, water or coffee. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. They are inherently non-stick! Once you get in the habit of buying bulk, you wont look back. Besides, 280,000% markup on bottled water compared to tap water is absurd! 65. Transform minis and sample containers into on-the-go pill packs, instead of buying travel size accessories. I feel like you went into so much more detail about why the common products are harmful in comparison to other posts like this Ive read, and it didnt feel overwhelming either. Alright Earth lovers! They are easily found naked without a wrapper (bonus for no packaging). Alright Earth lovers! Did you know that roughly 2,480,000 tons of plastic bottles and other containers are tossed out (and not recycled) every year? If you miss the straw experience, you can replace the plastic one with reusable straws that are glass, stainless steel or bamboo. Open windows on a cooler day instead of turning on the air. (They have a bees wax version as well, so make sure that youre buying the right ones) You can wrap your fruits and veggies, but also use them the exact same way youd use cling-wrap over bowls or plates, and wrap up sandwiches. Say goodbye to traditional mouthwash bottles by using mouthwash tablets, which dissolve in water. Call your citys sanitation center to understand what they do or dont accept for plastic recycling. Clear up a window sill and turn it into a mini-herb garden rather than buying new every few weeks. According to the Huffington Post, in the U.S. alone, people discard 500 million straws every day, or more than 180 billion a year. DIY it into a candle holder! 1. Repurpose shipping or storage boxes into containers for your space. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is a common misconception that refillable liquid soap dispensers are more sanitary. Keep dressing and condiment bottles for homemade versions. This is why I am all for repurposing that old shirt or single sock, instead of tossing it. . You can keep them in your purse. You get so much more bang for your buck here because you can actually see the portions you are buying. Happy you mentioned vegan food wraps, I keep seeing beeswax ones everywhere. STOP BUYING BOTTLED WATER. Many trendy shops have also started to use a black plastic for their lids that is not recyclable. Yuck! 78. The average woman uses 240 tampons in a year, and about 16,800 tampons in her lifetime. Choose energy-efficient appliances when its time to upgrade. 23. Save the peels and soak them overnight in water for a nutrient-rich water to use on plants! Awesome post. 36. Cutting down on plastic is imperative to insuring our wildlife and food supply does not become completely wiped out for future generations. Usebeeswax wrapsinstead of plastic wrap. Use reusable food wraps instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil! 48. This is not just an environmental issue, its a YOU issue. You may think you are just one person, but it is so important that we all individually do our part in protecting the environment and lessening the impact of toxic waste. Essential oils dont just smell wonderful, many also offer antibacterial properties, like cinnamon, tea tree or lavender. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Dryer Balls are undoubtedly better than dryer sheets or fabric softener, but surely we need to mention washing in careful loads, spinning as dry as possible and drying naturally (modern weather forecasting is really useful too Re-use tends to mean more washing (of re-usable napkins, cleaning cloths, make-up wipes etc.) I have 2 reusable bags that fold into a cute little pouch in my purse at all time for those times, I just need to grab something quick at the store. 18. Part with moldy, smelly sponges and switch to an eco-friendly dish brush. Go secondhand via thrift shops, garage sales, and estate sales for home decor and trinkets like plant pots, vases, and more. Buh-bye, Ziplocs! You can keep them in your purse. These compounds are derived mainly from crude oil or coal. I do! Sign up for digital magazine or newspaper subscriptions over hard copies. With the simple switch to a menstrual cup along with period panties, you can not only cut back on your environmental impact but save money and your body in the process. While I do find that they help with static and softening clothes, I dont find that they speed up drying time. There you have it. You can carry your own little cutlery kit in your bag. Even though an item at a fast fashion chain like H&M are cheap and make us feel rich to be able to buy a bunch of things, the end result is actually impoverishing us with products that fall apart and end up thrown out; and entire villages and factory workers suffering the consequences of delivering a cheap product. Many trendy shops have also started to use a black plastic for their lids that is not recyclable. It can be more cost-effective and eco-friendly than tampons and pads. They often come with a cleaning brush too keep your straws squeaky clean. Walk, bike, skate, or public-transport it to workif a car is a must, give carpooling a go. 28. I love my. DIY natural scrubs or masks with ingredients you already have for when you need a little spa time. Twist ties are actually super functional for multiple uses too, from crafts to organizing your wires, labeling your keys, temporary fixes, they come in super handy. Shopping at second hand stores, or vintage shops, or attending/hosting a clothing swap is a great solution for getting your hands on some new threads without contributing to the corruption of fast fashion. 20. Bring your own cup to help cut down on this needless waste. The truth is there are easy and affordable swaps you can make. Plus feminine hygiene products or effing expensive, AND TAXED!! 6. Everything from foods scraps to yard waste, giving back your natural waste will help in the creation of nutrient rich soil for future plant growth. 76. . 98. Keep posting such helpful articles. Making eco-friendly habits does not happen over-night. 77. Henah Velez (she/her) is an Editor at The Good Trade. These cookies do not store any personal information. Sustainability Certifications: What Do They Actually Mean? 32. Recycle yep, this one is easy peasy. Ferment, pickle, or store ingredients in empty sauce containers. If you have an outdoor space, you can also start your own compost pile or. 71. Use dryer balls instead of fabric softener or dryer sheets. Its still not commonly known that coffee cups cannot be recycled. Use silicone mats for baking instead of parchment paper. Swap plastic water bottles for a reusable option. 33. A lot of people dont go out of their way to be green because they think that the changes are expensive and require specialty products. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Do laundry with washing bags, like the GuppyFriend, to catch microplastic pollutants. If you forgot yours, ask for paper bags instead of plastic. Save the environment AND save water. Some coffee shops even give you a small discount if you bring your own cup! 81. Were told so little about the materials in feminine products. Screw in energy-efficient light bulbs around the house. It is such an easy and economical swap to make. Make sure your green is clean, too : Look at green banking options for sustainable saving and investing. I have a KeepCup that I love! 27. I keep it in my bag and refill it in the bathroom, or ask my flight attendant or cashier at my fav fast food joint to fill it instead of buying water in plastic. Use mason and tin jars as they are great to use as food containers and storage. Originally from NJ, Henahs now in Santa Barbara, CA, where she loves shopping small, hanging with her pets, or traveling. These 20 sustainable swaps are cheap and easy to implement. Bring your own reusable shopping bags when you go grocery shopping. Buy more items in bulk and bring your own jars or nut bags, or produce bags instead of buying items with lots of packaging. Use silicone mats for baking instead of parchment paper. Get a library card instead of buying books or invest in a kindle. 35. 87. Use energy efficient lightbulbs next time a bulb burns out, purchase CFL and LED energy efficient ones instead. 8. Do your research and honor your part in being a conscious consumer. Even though an item at a fast fashion chain like H&M are cheap and make us feel rich to be able to buy a bunch of things, the end result is actually impoverishing us with products that fall apart and end up thrown out; and entire villages and factory workers suffering the consequences of delivering a cheap product. I love this post! The impact that the growth of genetically modified cotton seeds and the use of toxic pesticides has resulted in entire villages being poisoned through their water supply, resulting in alarming birth defects, and the highest suicide rate of an industry among the cotton farmers. Hopefully those are enough reasons for you to care, now lets get into the swaps. Gift experiences everyone has enough stuff right?! Buy in bulk for items you know youll buy again and again to avoid excess packaging. Reach out to brands and businesses you admire and advocate for social, environmental, and ethical responsibility, like minimizing their carbon footprint. 50. Open blinds on a nice day instead of turning on the heat (and vice versa if its a hot day). Better yet, grab Castile soap as an all-in-one product for hand and dish soap, household cleaner, and more. Or use those coffee grounds as an easy DIY plant fertilizer! 5. Switch to an energy efficient vehicle (if you can) or try walking or biking instead. Stop using single-use coffee cups and bring your own thermos, or reusable coffee cup. When ordering takeout, ask for them not to include plastic cutlery, napkins or any other single use items. one of those times i had e-coli in my system, and ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks, with a very deadly care of e-coli. 66. The average woman uses 240 tampons in a year, and about 16,800 tampons in her lifetime. 15. If you miss the straw experience, you can replace the plastic one with reusable straws that are glass, stainless steel or bamboo. When ordering takeout, ask for them not to include plastic cutlery, napkins or any other single use items. Join 10,000+ members of the THM Communityand get my free 10 day stress relief workbook. 43. Or, save the scraps for a DIY & zero-waste veggie broth. For more everyday encouragement, subscribe to The Daily Gooda 30-second newsletter delivered to your inbox each morning with tips for self-care and sustainable living. When its that time of the month, try period underwear or a menstrual cup. 54. BUT they are a safer option to toxin rich fabric softener and wasteful, one-time use dryer sheets. First of all, a lot of parchment paper is bleached and also contains dioxin. Unsubscribe from junk mail and newsletters you no longer read both online and in real life; both require a carbon footprint. 17. If Castile soap isnt your thing, distilled vinegar works for almost all your cleaning needs. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Cloth napkins and Handkerchiefs are multipurpose, theyre a tissue, hand towel, napkin and snack saver all in one. 53. 59. 96. Please note: that black plastic is NOT recyclable, so avoid it entirely. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 39. Hear ye, hear ye: Swap your Q-Tips for a reusable ear swab. Turn empty candle containers into jars for sauce, drinks, or plants. 62. Dryer balls are typically made of rubber or fabric. Paper towels and kleenex are more often than not, mixed in with the rest of the garbage, and are usually in such a soggy state, that they arent solid enough to recycle. Learn how to mend, sew, or darn clothesits a calming exercise and doesnt leave you wondering what to do with hole-y socks. In the words of Arthur, having fun isnt hard when you have a library card. Its pretty simple to create your own compose if you so desire. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA FOOD PUBLISHER | SITE DESIGN BY SAEVIL ROW. Plastic bags are made using oil, which is already such a limited resource, and for something that is used for only 20 minutes on average, it takes hundreds of years to decompose and poisons and kills countless wildlife.
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