The Plastic Problem and My Quest for Change
You know, over the past few years, I’ve been making a conscious effort to reduce the carbon footprint and waste in our household. It’s been an ongoing journey, but one that’s become increasingly rewarding as I discover more and more sustainable swaps to incorporate into our daily lives.
It all started when I made the switch from traditional plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles to shampoo and conditioner bars. After using the ones from Zero Waste Store for several years now, I can confidently say they work just as well, leave my hair feeling great, and eliminate all that unnecessary plastic waste. Seriously, why were we all using those bulky bottles in the first place? It’s such an easy swap to make.
Another big culprit in our household was the dreaded plastic toothbrush. I mean, think about it – 8 billion people, each using a plastic toothbrush. That’s a whole lot of unnecessary plastic pollution! Switching to a simple bamboo toothbrush was a no-brainer. And these ones even have cute rainbow bristles – how fun is that?
Ditching Toxic Deodorants and Finding Better Alternatives
But it didn’t stop there. One day, I just couldn’t ignore the stench of throwing away all that plastic deodorant packaging anymore. Luckily, the clean beauty company Beauty Counter had the perfect solution – a refillable deodorant container. And for those who prefer something even more eco-friendly, there are some great pushup cardboard deodorant tubes out there too. I personally switched to one from Zero Waste Store years ago, and I haven’t looked back since. It lasts so much longer than those conventional deodorant sticks too!
Rethinking Periods and Finding Sustainable Solutions
Oh, and let’s talk about periods for a sec. About a year ago, I finally took the plunge and tried out the period cup, and let me tell you – mind. Blown. Who was the genius that invented this little silicone wonder? It’s a one-time purchase that can handle almost all my menstruation needs, drastically reducing the amount of tampons and pads I have to buy (and flush down the toilet!). I’d been using these amazing reusable pads from HighOh for a couple of years prior, and they’ve worked like a charm. No leaks, super absorbent, and completely zero-waste. And for those days when I prefer free bleeding, the options are great – the period cup, the reusable pads, and even the THINX period underwear that I’m excited to try out next month.
Switching to Sustainable Toilet Paper and Laundry Essentials
You know, after the pandemic, I think we all have a newfound appreciation for toilet paper. But even for something as essential as that, there are sustainable swaps to be made. I recently tried out the Betterway bamboo toilet paper, and the difference is pretty negligible. Bamboo is a much more sustainable material than traditional tree-based toilet paper, and it doesn’t contribute to deforestation. It’s a better way, always – even for your, well, behind.
And those giant, bulky detergent jugs? Ugh, don’t even get me started. That’s why I immediately ordered some laundry strips when I first saw them. What an amazingly eco-friendly, zero-waste solution compared to those nasty jugs! If I had to pick just one sustainable swap to make in our home, the laundry strips would be it. Each jug that doesn’t end up in the landfill is a win-win.
Decluttering the Kitchen with Sustainable Swaps
Moving on to the kitchen, let’s talk about those green and yellow sponges. You know the ones – they don’t last very long, and soon the scratchy green plastic starts to break down, leaving tiny plastic particles all over your dishes and draining into our water systems. Not ideal. That’s why we’ve been using these awesome bamboo pot scrubbers and long-handled dish brushes at the Henesy house for a while now. They work great, the heads are compostable, and they just look so much nicer by the sink.
And don’t even get me started on those pesky plastic baggies. Ugh, the guilt I feel thinking about all the unnecessary plastic waste I contributed to back in the 80s and 90s. But thankfully, the pollution solutions and sustainable swaps are here now. Those Stasher bags are absolute game-changers – so multi-functional, especially for busy moms like myself. And the beeswax food wraps? Seriously impressive. They can cover a bowl, wrap up a sandwich, or even keep an avocado fresh. Made from sustainable, compostable materials, they’re a zero-waste dream.
Tackling Plastic Waste on the Go
And let’s not forget about all the plastic waste we encounter when we’re out and about. Those single-use water bottles? The worst culprits. But with a simple GoPure water filter and my trusty reusable bottle, I can say goodbye to all that unnecessary plastic. I’ve used it to filter fountain water, faucet water, and even restaurant water – it’s a total game-changer.
And what about all those plastic utensils at parties and events? Yikes. Luckily, Responsible Products has some amazing compostable and bamboo options that make for a seamless sustainable swap. I even keep a reusable bamboo utensil set in my diaper bag for on-the-go use.
Extending Sustainable Swaps to Our Furry Friends
Speaking of on-the-go, let’s not forget about our four-legged friends. For all the dog owners out there, those single-use poop bags have got to go. Responsible Products has some fantastic compostable options that are just as convenient, but way better for the planet. And for our feline companions, while I haven’t found a more sustainable litter option yet, I did discover this amazing natural, vegan pet shampoo bar from Suds & Co that’s perfect for keeping our furry friends clean and fresh.
Sustainable Swaps for a Greener Future
The more I learn and explore the world of sustainable swaps, the more excited I get about the positive impact we can have, both individually and collectively. Every single plastic toothbrush, single-use water bottle, or disposable deodorant container that doesn’t end up in a landfill or the ocean is a win for our planet.
And you know, the best part is that these sustainable swaps aren’t just better for the environment – they’re often better for our health and wallets too. Sure, there may be a small upfront investment in some cases, but in the long run, these eco-friendly alternatives end up saving us money and keeping our homes and bodies free from unnecessary toxins.
So, I encourage you to take a look around your own home and see what sustainable swaps you can make. Start small if you need to, but remember – every little change adds up. Together, we can create a greener, cleaner future for ourselves and the generations to come. And who knows, you might just find that some of these sustainable swaps make your life a whole lot easier too.
Ready to get started? Head over to Plug & Save Energy Products to explore a wide range of eco-friendly products and solutions that can help you on your journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Let’s do this, one small swap at a time!