Many folks recognize global warming and climate change as major concerns. Transitioning into an eco-friendly lifestyle can make some people nervous because they worry about the right way to start. However, the small changes add up and make a big difference. Start with adopting mindfulness about how you spend your dollars. Then, look around to where you can reduce, reuse and recycle.
Here are the first steps to your new eco-friendly lifestyle.
1. Reusable bags
Ever since tote bags resurfaced as a new trend a lot of people have waved goodbye to their plastic bags. Tote bags provide a great way to carry all your necessities and groceries. However, even more reusable alternatives exist for you to start using in your life. For example, buying reusable produce bags and Ziploc bags can help minimize your single-use plastic footprint. The key? To reuse.
“I started using tote bags and other reusable bags when I realized how easy the switch is. I also like that they look a lot more aesthetic and that I don’t have a ton of plastic bags laying around anymore,” The Ohio State University alumna Kelly Elwell said.
Say goodbye to bruised apples and smushed tomatoes because these bags will cushion all your products with their thick cloth material. On the way to class and need to pack a snack? Use the reusable Ziploc bags that function just as well and maybe even better. If they get dirty, you can throw these bags in the washing machine or dishwasher for easy cleanup
2. Refill Stations
New and rising businesses like refill stations promote sustainable living through their eco-friendly alternatives to common household products. These stations provide you a way to stock up on your household needs like dish soap, laundry detergent, hand soap and more. They also offer aesthetic glass bottles you can use to store your products, but you can also bring any container you like. These businesses often market their prices cheaper to encourage people to make the switch, a win-win situation in my book.
“When I visited my girlfriend in Columbus we went to a refill station. There were so many household cleaning items available but also other products. We got wool dryer balls and a soy candle. I was surprised to see how much this place had to offer,” Kent State junior Jack Madison said.
If you need other eco-friendly products like reusable straws, bee’s wraps, package-free skincare, etc., these businesses act as a one-stop-shop. If you find one in your city make a stop. These stores will guide you in starting and maintaining a sustainable life. Why continue building up waste when you can simply refill your existing containers?
3. Package-less Soap
You may see those ads marketing package-less soap and may wonder if they even work. I am here to say that they do. Products with reduced plastic packaging work just as effectively as their plastic packaging counterparts. Whether shampoo, conditioner, hand soap or body wash, companies offer several products and fragrances.
Many eco-friendly or sustainable products get a bad reputation for being way too expensive. But I can confirm that these products don’t have a huge price tag compared to their traditional competitors. Package-free and reduced-packaging means the companies decided to wrap their product in a paper, making it easier to recycle and break down while reducing the chance of it piling up in a landfill somewhere. Let 2022 mark the year you start trying products with reduced packaging.
4. Reusable Straws
At this point, I think everyone knows about reusable straws. Usually, one of the first switches people try out of convenience. Reusable straws come in many forms that will fit your aesthetic and preferences. For example, if you don’t like how metal straws feel against your teeth, then you can try silicone straws. Silicon straws make for a good alternative for anyone that likes to bite on their straws. If you want a cleaner look, you can try finding glass straws for a seamless look and an aesthetic photo of your iced coffee. I also love reusable straws because they come in many colors, sizes and shapes. Companies also make reusable boba straws for all boba and bubble tea lovers. Additionally, some offer on-the-go options that make traveling and living a sustainable life even easier.
5. Bee’s Wraps
Small businesses started selling bee’s wraps in a wide variety of designs and sizes, which made them really popular. These wraps replace your one-time-use plastic wraps. Bee’s wraps are made of cloth and covered in a thin layer of beeswax so they adhere to your container. You can find them online, at local bee farms and at small businesses like refill stations. These days you can find them anywhere. These wraps need a little more care to make them last, but for anyone willing to put in the effort, these wraps make a great replacement for single-use plastic wraps especially because they come in so many sizes. They also look super cute in your refrigerator. So, support your bees because they work so hard already.
