“We don’t need a handlful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
– Anne Marie Bonneau
Over the last year or so I really focused on making our home more environmentally friendly. Which is why I want to share my zero waste swaps I’ve made in my home. It’s so easy to let convenience and easiness take over our lives when it comes to creating waste on this planet. After evaluating my day to day routines, I realized how much controlled waste I create. So I’m on a mission to gradually become more sustainable and environmentally sound when it comes to our home.
I’m by no means perfect and at times it can be tough when a partner you share a home with isn’t fully on board. Read this article to learn about sharing a sustainable lifestyle with your partner. However, small changes go a long way! Anyways…. let’s get into the zero waste items:
1. Plastic bags for reusable bags and glass containers
Instead of using the typical plastic sandwich bag, use glass containers or those mason jars you have lying around from an unfinished DIY project. This switch took some getting used to but once we stopped buying them, we really didn’t need it. And instead of using a plastic bag while shopping, keep an extra bag in your car so you don’t forget. This has saved me many times!
2. Sponges for a wooden brushes
I was happy to make this switch because I honestly hate how wet and smelly my hands get when washing a sponge. Not only does my wash items look nicer, I enjoy washing my dishes a bit more (I mean a tiny bit more because it’s dishes…..).
3. A to-go cup for a reusable one
This swap is a classic one, but it really made a difference when I brought my Package Free Keep Cup to work instead of getting a new cup when I got my 3rd cup of tea for the day. It’s an easy switch, trust me!
4. Plastic toothbrush for a bamboo recyclable brush
I never thought about how toothbrushes easily add to the mix of disposable plastics but while on this journey of zero waste, it’s on the list. I’m not super picky about the type of toothbrush I use, so I was easily on board. And I will say after the switch, I got a compliment from my dentist about my teeth and she asked what toothbrush I use :). The bamboo brush can be effective!
5. Paper towels for linen cloths
I haven’t completely stopped using paper towels, but I’ve decreased my usage significantly. I now use linen napkins instead of disposable ones and I use hand towels for cleaning, dusting and drying. Again, once you get into the routine, it’s a no-brainer. When I clean the bathroom, I’m still using paper towels and I’ve found this brand who makes tree free paper towels which is a more sustainable alternative.
6. Plastic razor for reusable metal razor
This is another item I never thought twice about when it comes to waste, but here we are. Luckily, the options of nice stainless steel razors are happening. One things to note, make sure to keep your razor outside of the shower and dry it or it will rust.
7. Plastic soap bottles for reusable glass bottles
This was an easy switch for me because I love the look of a glass medicine bottle in the kitchen and bathrooms versus the overly plastic branded ones. If you’ve read my posts about clean beauty, you know I’m a huge fan of Follain. They have the best soap to buy that’s refillable if you visit one of their stores!
xx
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