Toxic chemicals and single-use plastics are wreaking havoc on the planet and the water system. Many of your household items are created using methods that are not sustainable with synthetic materials, and harmful chemicals. On top of that, the products that people use daily increase their carbon footprint by using up resources and creating massive amounts of waste. The good news is that sustainable options are becoming more accessible, meaning it’s easy to make a change.
Every little bit helps, and even the smallest swap can make a big difference to the planet. Here are four easy lifestyle swaps that will help you reduce your carbon footprint.
1. Eco-friendly bed
From the bedframe to the mattress and the bedding, your bed requires a lot of resources to make. Many of these resources are not sustainable, are man-made and manufactured using toxic chemicals that are bad for your health. There are some fantastic, eco-friendly swaps that not only help you reduce your carbon footprint, but that are natural and look fantastic, too.
Choose an eco-friendly mattress crafted from natural materials and fibers like organic latex, organic cotton, and ethically sourced wool. Non-toxic mattress materials are good for your health and will help you sleep better, knowing you aren’t inhaling toxic chemicals.
2. Shampoo and conditioner bars
Over 552 million shampoo bottles could be making their way into landfills each year in the United States alone. Be part of the solution by switching to a shampoo bar (and a conditioner bar too!) You can easily find shampoo bars from online retailers such as Lush or your local health food store. They use no plastic packaging and work just as effectively as regular liquid shampoo. There are different options available for every hair type, whether curly, oily, fine or dry.
3.Refillable water bottle and coffee cups
Plastic water bottles are one of the most significant contributors to plastic waste on the planet. On top of that, an estimated 25 billion coffee cups are thrown away each year in the United States. A great swap is to purchase your own refillable water bottle and reusable coffee cup. Not only can you help reduce your waste, but it can also save you money. You’ll never have to repurchase another water bottle. Many cafes and coffee shops will give you a discount if you bring in a reusable cup. If you’re a big coffee drinker, those savings can definitely add up!
4. Use containers instead of Ziploc bags
Ziploc sandwich bags and plastic wrap are not widely recyclable, so therefore almost all of it ends up in the landfill. Many use these single-use plastic options daily to wrap up leftovers, pack their lunch for work and cover half-used fruits or vegetables. Instead, use multi-use containers which will do the same job, but will last for years. The best option is to use glass containers that have lids or even repurpose jars. You can also take these with you when you go out to eat in case you need to pack up leftovers.