Have you ever heard the phrase “vote with your wallet”? By choosing to spend our money on brands that align with our values, we cast a vote for the kinds of businesses we want in the world! The more intentional we are about making eco-friendly swaps, the more we see products emerging that both make our lives easier and are better for our health and the planet. Companies are catching on that we consumers want safer, less toxic products!
Making swaps to eco-friendly products is a big part of the minimalist lifestyle, which is beneficial both to our budgets and mental health. It is a lifestyle that aims for the betterment of our mental and physical health along with that of the environment. When we realize that so much of our money is wasted on frivolous spending, it makes swaps that much more enticing.
Let’s take a look at ten simple, eco-friendly swaps that you can make today for your kitchen, all from the convenience of your home!
1. Swap out your plastic containers
Although using reusable containers is a step in the right direction, the best step you can take is to switch to glass containers. Not only are they more durable and long-lasting, but they resist staining and don’t contain the cancer-causing chemical BPA which is found in plastic. They’re also way more aesthetically pleasing! We shouldn’t be using microwaves in general since they denature the proteins in our food, but if you’re going to succumb to the modern convenience, definitely never microwave a plastic container. Of all our ten swaps, this one might be the most important!
2. Choose loose tea over tea bags.
Not everyone knows this, but most tea bags are made from plastic. If you’re using conventional tea bags, you could be pouring microplastics and nanoplastics into your mug! Researchers at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, report that a single plastic tea bag releases 11 billion micro-sized plastic particles and 3 billion nano-sized plastic particles into 95-degree water. Not good! Consider choosing loose leaf tea instead and steeping with a metal infuser. It’s the same taste, but without the icky chemicals! Check out my favorite tea brand here.
3. Swap out plastic straws for reusable
Over the last few years, many restaurants made a big push to limit their plastic straw use. Because of this, finding reusable straws in the store is almost easier than finding plastic ones! Not only is the swap to reusable straws better for the environment, it’s also better for our health since we aren’t putting extra plastic in our mouths (or, in the case of my child, chewing on it!). Reusable straws also lend a more elegant feel, especially with glass straw or stainless steel! Just make sure you also get the cleaning brush (and actually use it) because gunk can get caught inside the straw and grow harmful bacteria or even mold.
4. DIY cleaning products
Although it may seem convenient to purchase cleaning products off-the-shelf, these are almost always highly toxic. Even the ones claiming to be “green” or “eco-friendly” are usually just greenwashed, unfortunately. They are really no better for the environment or our health than the conventional ones. Instead, swap the toxins and create your own products! Simply fill up your glass spray bottles with essential oils, distilled vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide for an easy and effective cleanup. These are just as effective as the chemical laden ones, but infinitely safer for your family.
5. Switch to beeswax wrap
Instead of wasting one-time-use aluminum foil or plastic cling wrap, swap them out for beeswax paper! This option is much more durable and non-toxic. Although not as malleable, it is still a fantastic alternative that doesn’t cause harm to our health or the environment environment. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make your own at home with some beeswax and fabric!
6. Swap paper bags for cloth bags
We all know this by now: plastic grocery bags are horrrrible for the environment! Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store instead, or at a minimum opt for brown paper bags. These can then be recycled, or even used for compost and weed deterrents in your garden. Mesh produce bags are also super handy, both for purchasing fresh produce at the store and for storing it at home!
7. Stop using paper towels
Although convenient, paper towels are very wasteful as they can only be used once and are usually discarded right after. Instead, opt for reusable bamboo cloths which can absorb up to seven times their size! Save old towels or spit-up cloths to cut up for rags and recycle/reuse/reduce at the same time.
The same goes for paper napkins. Our grandmothers definitely had the right idea with cloth napkins at the dinner table. If your kids are hesitant about the notion, involve them and offer them the choice to pick out their own special napkin ring!
8. Opt for reusable sponges
Instead of using sponges made of synthetic materials, or those containing plastic that need to be thrown out every few weeks or so, opt for a more eco-friendly, reusable version. For example, microfiber scrubs can be a great swap!
9. Shop at bulk-buy stores
Instead of shopping in places where all food products come in plastic packaging, try to find a zero-waste store near you. In these stores, you can either bring your own containers or can purchase containers on-site. Instead of having to throw away plastic packaging each time, you can start enjoying the package-free life! Here are a few glass containers you can use for your next shopping spree.
10. Stop buying Ziplock bags
Similar to other swaps mentioned above, you can easily switch out ziplock bags for silicon bags that can be washed and reused tons of times! Not only will this limit the plastic touching your food, it will also reduce your daily waste.
At the end of the day, keep in mind that you don’t have to aim for perfection. Even just making one or two swaps can make a great difference. So, try some of these out today and let us know how they have changed your view on sustainable living!
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