🌲🌎 Earth Day is April 22, 2021 🌍🌄

Earth Day serves as an important reminder to reflect on our choices as consumers and search for areas in which we can be more environmentally conscious. Finding greener alternatives to your daily routine can make a big improvement on your environmental impact, wallet and health.

The Approach to a Greener Routine

You don’t need to overhaul your entire shopping list at once. Simply cutting down on unnecessary purchases is an easy first step to upgrading your green routine, as 40% of plastic waste comes from product packaging. Additionally, start with small, simple product swaps and make those a habit. Once you incorporate a lifestyle swap in one area, others tend to follow.

Finally, there are many eco-alternatives on the market and finding the right one is partly personal preference and we do not endorse any one product or company. That said you should be able to find numerous options by doing a quick internet search for any of these products.

Swap plastic zip-lock bags for stasher bags

Stasher bags are non-toxic silicon bags that come in a spectrum of sizes and are dishwasher and microwave safe. They can be used for food and for organizing all types of things on the go, in the same way that you would use a regular zip-lock bag.

Swap plastic wrap for food savers

Chances are, if you cook you’ve been left with leftover ingredients. Instead of plastic wrap, you could reach for food saver containers that are more sustainable way to keep leftover produce and dairy products fresher longer. Similar to stasher bags, these food savers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and best of all they are reusable.  

Swap paper towels for cotton towels

Reusable paper towels are often made of cotton or a similar fabric and can be used for spills and messes the same way a traditional paper towel would but without the environmental hit. You can go a step further and do-it-yourself with leftover and unwanted fabric pieces.

Swap cleaning wipes for microfiber cloths

In a similar vein, microfiber cloths and unwanted fabrics easily can replace cleaning wipes for dusting and cleaning. Microfiber picks up grime and can be washed and reused — a more sustainable option than disposable paper products.

Swap dryer sheets and fabric softener for wool dryer balls

Everyone loves the feeling of a soft, clean towel or garment, but not everyone likes the thought of harsh chemicals playing a part in making that happen. Chemical-free, wool dryer balls have hit the market and are reusable, unlike many traditional fabric softener sheets, which can significantly reduce the amount of waste you generate. They are also a green and healthy alternative to potentially toxic drying sheets and fabric softener.

Swap disposable sponges for silicone sponges

You can make doing the dishes a more uplifting task but using eco-friendly sponges. Silicone sponges are easy to clean, quick to dry, and a great eco-friendly swap to a more disposable sponge, meaning less waste when it’s all said and done. Now if they could only do the cleaning for you….

Swap plastic produce bags for a mesh alternative

A combination of state laws and promotional freebies have many people switching to reusable, canvas bags. But what about those produce bags that are also plastic and also an environmental concern? Swap them with mesh produce bags. These bags look like nets and can be used for storage as well as produce, and you guessed it, they’re reusable!

Swap bottles of shower products for sustainable bars

Clear out the collection of single-use bottles in your shower and opt for shampoo, conditioner and soap bars instead. With no plastic bulk, shower bars are better for the environment, last long, and best of all, there’s no need to struggle to try and pound the last few drops of shampoo when you’ve neared the end of the bar.

Swap air fresheners for charcoal bags

Bamboo charcoal bagsare a natural alternative to air fresheners and sprays. They work by absorbing unpleasant smells, as opposed to spraying artificial scents (and chemicals) around your home.

Swap disposable cotton pads with reusable rounds

You don’t just want to look good once, but all the time. Avoid having your beauty regiment becoming an environmental threat by opting for reusable products. Incorporating reusable cotton rounds is a seamless way to make beauty and skincare routines more sustainable. The rounds replace traditional makeup pads and can be cleaned in a washing machine for multiple uses.

Swap plastic shopping bags for canvas totes

Keeping canvas and mesh totes in your bag or car is a great practice to ensure you always have a sustainable way of transporting food, shopping purchases and other items.

A Rewarding Journey

There are also several green solutions that are not just budget-friendly, but can save you money. Not to mention, by seeking out these types of alternatives, you’ll be helping to make the environment cleaner, safer and more sustainable for all.

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