If this is the year you’ve decided to shop greener, you’re not alone! More Americans are embracing going green in order to lower their carbon footprint. If you’re new to a more sustainable lifestyle, it can be tricky to navigate everything you should be doing.
Luckily, there are many products available to help make the transition easier. You’ll realize that going green is a lot more simple than you expected! Let’s get started with the 8 eco-friendly shopping switches for you to make this year.
1. Stainless Steel Water Bottle
One of the best changes you can make, if you haven’t already, is to quit using plastic water bottles and get a reusable water bottle. Plastic water bottles require a lot of use to produce plus they end up in landfills, streams, and oceans. There are a variety of options for reusable water bottles but they’re not all made equal.
Avoid buying a plastic reusable water bottle since it requires a lot of resources to create and will be as damaging as a traditional water bottle. You also aren’t able to carry hot liquids in it and if you try to, you’ll be creating toxic byproducts.
The best option for a water bottle is a stainless steel option. This doesn’t require the same amount of oil to create and it reduces plastic waste to zero.
2. Wooden Toothbrushes
With over a billion plastic toothbrushes thrown away a year, it’s time to make a change to the dental products we use. One of the ways to do that is to find eco-friendly toothbrushes.
There’s a variety of options to choose from, everything from replaceable heads to bamboo toothbrushes. Wooden toothbrushes are a wonderful alternative because not only does it help reduce environmental pollution and plastic waste but bamboo has antibacterial properties so you can avoid toxins.
3. Reusable Shopping Bags
You may have noticed the more frequent use of reusable shopping bags. This is because plastic bags need fossil fuels to export and are non-biodegradable. A reusable shopping bag reduces the amount of non-renewable resources but helps reduce plastic bag waste that ends up infiltrating natural environments.
Reusable shopping bags are also more durable. You won’t have to worry about flimsy plastic bags that break, spilling your groceries all over the street. Plus, they come in different designs and styles that add a nice personalized touch.
4. Recycled Aluminum Foil
Did you know that aluminum foil is more harmful to the environment than plastic wrap? Creating aluminum foil causes a myriad of problems, including water pollution and human health concerns. The raw material in aluminum requires a lot of energy so if you’re looking to make a change, purchase recycled aluminum foil.
It’s made of 100% recycled aluminum and requires less energy to use. This means less waste while reusing a precious resource. Many people find the idea of sustainable living difficult because they think that they’ll need to give up their favorite products but the reality is, there are eco-friendly versions of everything.
5. Buy More Bulk
It may be difficult to create zero waste overnight but you can make significant changes by reducing the number of plastic containers you use. One of the ways to do this is by purchasing less plastic and finding ways to reduce how much ends up in your trash can. Next time you’re headed to the grocery store, be sure to bring some bulk bags and buy products in bulk!
There’s not only a variety of food options but you can use recycled containers and buy bulk bath products like shampoo and conditioner. Now you don’t need to toss the packaging in the trash whenever you take a trip to the store. It’s better for the environment and it can keep things organized in your home.
6. LED Bulbs
You may have heard of this classic advice when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint but switching conventional bulbs to LED lightbulbs is a great way to go green. Next time you head to the store, be sure to add some LED lightbulbs to the list.
LED lightbulbs are considered eco-friendly because they last significantly longer than traditional bulbs. They last about 20 times longer and this is great for the environment. They’re also up to 80% more energy efficient.
Conventional bulbs can also be harmful to the environment since they contain toxic chemicals and elements, such as mercury. This means that the moment these bulbs are disposed into a landfill, the elements can contaminate the environment.
7. Reusable Produce Bags
As you get ready to bring your new reusable bag to the store, be sure to bring reusable produce bags! Those small plastic bags that you use to fill up with fruits and vegetables have all the negative effects of plastic bags, even if they’re smaller. You can reduce all of those harmful toxins as well as the environmental damage by switching to reusable produce bags.
These are mainly made of cotton and don’t only need to be used to produce! They can be used for any small goodies that would otherwise go in a problematic plastic bag.
8. No More Plastic Straws
There’s a recent surge of awareness of the damage that plastic straws cause. Many coffee shops have switched to paper straws to combat the marine life damage that is caused by plastic. One thing you can do to take it a step further is to purchase your own straws!
There are paper straws you can buy but there’s also metal, bamboo, and a variety of other options. The type you decide to purchase depends on personal taste. Now you have your own eco-friendly option whenever you’re out and need an iced coffee!
Eco-Friendly Shopping Switches
It can be discouraging to scroll through all the news about all the environmental damage over the years. The good news is that more and more people are making the necessary changes to live a greener lifestyle – including you! Don’t be overwhelmed by all the changes you can make, start small, and work your way up.
One of the easiest ways to make a big change is through eco-friendly shopping. Things as simple as using reusable shopping bags and ditching plastic make a huge difference.
Ready to start the New Year with some eco-friendly products? Be sure to check out our products!