Replacing Plastic With Eco Friendly Alternatives: 9 Swaps That Will Blend Into Your Daily Routine
If there is anything that this pandemic time is teaching us, it is that our world is not invincible. Our routine and normal way of living can be turned on its head at any given moment in time. For a while now, the message of global warming and environmental pollution has been out there, slowly gaining steam. I myself have been paying attention to making eco conscious choices in these last few years, and now I feel that many others will be on board after this time of crisis is over. I think people will be wanting to take care of our Earth and our natural resources after being in a situation where we have been without much of the modern conveniences of living. It has given us time for thought, time for reflection about the choices we make and how they can effect our world as a whole.
With that said, you will find that this blog takes on a natural eco friendly theme as I journey down that path myself. I have already talked about starting this journey with you all, but now more than ever I find myself wandering down this road. Today I want to share with you some of the easiest ways that I eased into making eco friendly choices, by giving up single use plastics. When you add up these 9 switches, it makes a HUGE difference in the environment for just myself…. imagine if everyone took on even just a few of these swaps! I promise these things are so easy, and the alternatives so seamless, that you will not even miss the single use plastics of before!
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Straws
As California recently put a stop to single use plastic straws, I found myself changing this habit very early on. Luckily, there is an abundance of straw choices out there for you. I am a fan of the stainless steel straws that come in a case that you can carry in your purse so you are never without! You can wash these in warm soapy water a straw brush, or you can even put these in the dishwasher! The most important factor in making this a seamless switch is to order multiple so you can keep some at home, some at work, and some in your car/purse so that you always have one on hand! To wash, simply wash them as you wash your other dishes and return them to their place to await the next time they are needed!
Grocery Bags
Have you ever thought about how many plastic grocery/retail sacks you go though every single month? While some can be recycled, and some are upcycled; many of these plastic bags end up in landfills. The thought makes me cringe! Since moving to California I have been much better about bringing my reusable cloth grocery bags inside all stores with me as California now charges for shopping bags. It feels good each time I remember to use my own bags and don’t need to ask for plastic ones! The key to being consistent with this is to make sure to always have them handy in my car, returning them back to the trunk right after unloading the goods at home!
Plastic Wrap
Sure plastic cling wrap is highly convenient, but did you know that this is something that takes decades to degrade and also leeches chemicals into the ground as it does so!? An alternative is beeswax wraps which can be quickly washed and reused. Glass mason jars or Tupperware are also great alternatives to cling wrap.
Soap Bottles
I used to be a fan of the amazing smelling soap bottles from the bath and body stores, especially when there was a good sale! After I learned how to make my own foaming hand soap (which is so easy by the way), I no longer need (or miss) those plastic bottles and their soaps! I now have a glass foaming soap dispenser in each bathroom and kitchen which I wash and refill as needed, easy peasy!
Water Bottles
This was another one of the first swaps that I made, either using glass or stainless steel water bottles to get my daily water intake on the go. The plus to this is that you can you water stays cooler than it would in a plastic bottle, and many reusable bottles come in larger sizes to accommodate you drinking more water throughout the day.
Ziploc Bags
This is one, admittedly that was a hard swap for me. The convenience of packing my girls snacks in a disposable bag was very appealing for a long time. But once I found these bags that could be easily washed it was a game changer. These bags can last for a very long time due to their high quality, but they are a bit pricey so be sure that you can keep track of them!
Coffee Cup
Starting in the new year I began bringing my own cup with me to Starbucks and have saved myself from using countless plastic cups! Not only do I not need the plastic cup, but coming prepared also means that I don’t need other single use plastics such as drink stoppers or straws.
Toothbrush
If you are using a regular (non electric) toothbrush, I have an extremely easy switch for you. This bamboo toothbrush works just as well and the handle is made from natural bamboo which is biodegradable. The bristles are antimicrobial and made from recyclable materials making this an all around earth friendly toothbrush!
K Cups
If you are someone that goes through multiple K-cups a week (I’m raising my hand here), consider switching to a coffee maker that makes single serve cups. There are also coffee machines that operate like a K-Cup machine but allow you to fill up a “reusable k-cup” with your own coffee grounds!
Once you get started with these relatively easy switches you will have already saved our planet from numerous single use plastics! You should be proud of any changes you are able to work into your daily routine. You will also find that the more you practice eco friendly living, the more eager you are to continue this way of living. Just remember, each change you make is shifting our planet back to health!
Want to read more eco friendly living ideas?
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