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Everyone is still on their organizing high after watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo - and while we’re all tossing the excess and holding onto what sparks joy, I thought I’d note a few tips and habits to add to the mix. Turning over a new leaf with organization and less clutter is a great time to also implement a few new habits that will in turn help you lessen your amount of waste, create some more sustainable habits, and in the end a healthier, happier you!
Here are a few of the easy ways Carman and I implement sustainability and low waste in our every day life. Not only are these quick and easy switches, you end up saving some money in the long run choosing these reusable options!
Maybe these things feel too small to make a difference, but it’s all about doing the little things consistently that end up making the biggest difference in sustainability! So start ‘small’ with these tips:
- Your toothbrush: Switch out disposable toothbrushes for something like Quip with recyclable brush heads.
Or choose a bamboo toothbrush that lasts as long as 4-6 plastic disposable tooth brushes!
- Your razor: Switch out disposable razors for a reusable base with replacement heads - I like the Billie.
- Grocery bags: Always take reusable grocery store bags (even if your store doesn’t charge for bags!). It may be convenient to grab a bag or two at the end of checking out, but think about how much plastic you’d save if you brought your own bags? There are so many options out there for reusable bags that you can use time and time again to cut back one time use grocery bags that you immediately throw away! One reusable bag equals about 170 plastic bags. (I also like all of the fun options Baggu has, and we use these bags every day!)
- A reusable water bottle: Did you know that by choosing to use a reusable water bottle, that equals about 167 plastic water bottles (give or take)? That is a LOT of plastic and waste that you can eliminate by choosing a cute reusable water bottle that you can re-fill time and time again.
- Coffee to go: Take your own reusable mug into coffee shops! A lot of places offer discounts if you bring your own cup, and by choosing a reusable option you can save up to 500 disposable coffee cups!
- Straws: If you love using straws, try replacing them with glass or metal straws to cut back on one time waste (that really adds up!). 1 metal straw equals about 540 plastic straws.
- Food: Eat more whole foods (things that grow)! More fruits, veggies and grains rather than pre-packaged foods to cut back on plastic and fill yourself with what your body needs rather than processed food! Shop local markets for fresh in season options and support your local farmers!
- Cook at home more! Carman and I love to eat at home. The process of preparing the food yourself is gratifying, you know exactly what you’re putting into your body, it’s less expensive AND you cut back on plastic take-out containers/silverware.
- Clothes: Shop second hand! This is one of the best options to reduce the excess and ‘waste’ that is already out there and should be your first choice when trying to shop sustainably/ethically. Looking for and purchasing sustainable fabrics (things like cotton, linen, etc. not polyester or acrylic). And then shopping from ethical brands.
- Beauty: DIY beauty! There are so many products you can make yourself out of simple ingredients that are better for your skin and the environment! It’s so rewarding to know you made it yourself, you save money, and cut back on plastic, disposable containers. When you’re not going the DIY route, try buying products that are in in reusable containers - glass spray bottles, jars, etc are all reusable (or recyclable) and you can reach for them during your next DIY project.
These are just a few tips to get you started! How do you implement sustainable habits?
xx,
SK
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