Photo: Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
Replace the things you use every single day with environmentally-friendly alternatives.
By Nicole Bradley-Bernard — Written on May 10, 2019
It’s amazing how often we can be totally unaware of the eco-friendly alternatives to products that we use every day! I came across 15 eco-friendly products that are actually relatively easy to replace things we use every day!
I’m going to get real with you all really quick — I adore it cold in my house. Like, seriously. I keep it somewhere between 55-65 degrees in my house year-round if I can help it. This is great and eco-friendly in the dead of winter, but in the middle of the summer … not so much.
So, in a guilt fueled attempt to make up for how awful my three air conditioners are for the environment, I’ve tried to make it up in other ways. Basically, I’m the first to get on board when there is a new easy eco-friendly alternative to products we use every day.
Recently, I was scrolling through Facebook (like I pathetically do every day) and I came across a video that someone had shared about “shampoo bars” that supposedly are the equivalent of 3 bottles of shampoo and get rid of the waste of all those empty plastic shampoo bottles!
This seemed ingenious to me, so I immediately looked up which one I will be purchasing the next time I need shampoo. But then I got to thinking – what other products have I been using every day that have easy eco-friendly alternatives?
In my research, I came across some eco-friendly and green smart products that easily replace things we use every day (or replace them with little effort, but big waste reduction).
Sure, I already knew about most of the ones I came across for the kitchen, but I found even better options than I knew about!
Check out these 15 eco-friendly products that are pretty easy to replace the not so eco-friendly things you’ve been using every day.
1. Reusable produce bags.
To be fair, I totally already knew these were a thing. But color-coded ones that come in a little pouch for easy access while you shop?! I think yes. I even found some on Amazon that claim that you can wash your produce right in them!
2. Reusable shopping bags.
Personally, I’ve been meaning to do this for years, but my husband does most of our shopping, so I didn’t want to make a fuss about it when he’d be the one putting in the extra effort (although small). However, even he admits that the funny designs that are available on reusable bags these days has him about ready to make the switch.
3. Glass storage jars.
This one I’ve already been doing for a while. To me, it doesn’t make any sense to throw away the glass jar every time I make spaghetti. Instead I wash them out, peel off the stickers and re-use them. I’ve used them to store pumpkin seeds, to store left over fruit juice in the fridge, to make chia pudding, and as containers for work lunches.
Plus, they can be used for other things – like for storing tooth brushes in the bathroom, art supplies in the craft closet, etc.
4. Biodegradable trash bags.
From my very brief research it doesn’t seem like these are that much more expensive than regular trash bags.
5. Reusable coffee filters.
You can find reusable hemp coffee filters (that claim they produce a better tasting brew) for multiple types of brewing methods (drip, pour over, etc.).
6. Reusable paper towels.
I think the biggest beef people have with a communal dish towel is the germ factor. But with these everyone gets their own individual towel to dry their hands! Score!
7. Shampoo bars.
Commonly called a “shampoo bar”, these little soaps allow you to easily lather up and wash your hair without the waste of a container. Plus, according the Lush website (where the most popular shampoo bars come from), these little bars can outlast a regular bottle of shampoo by 2-3 times. And with natural ingredients, they are supposed to leave your hair clean AND gorgeous.
8. Eco friendly towels.
Bamboo is supposed to be good for the environment since it grows without pesticides, absorbs more carbon dioxides, and it’s biodegradable. Getting towels that are partially made with bamboo is good for the environment (even better if you hang it to dry and use it a couple times before throwing it in the hamper).
9. Toothbrushes made with bamboo.
Personally, I’m fond of my Spin Brush with the replaceable heads (less waste than throwing away a whole tooth brush every three months). However, bamboo toothbrushes are a good alternative. You can also find bamboo handles that have replaceable heads on Amazon.
10. Family cloth (AKA reusable toilet paper).
Personally, this one’s a bit too far for me, but that doesn’t stop this from being an alternative to toilet paper that tons of people swear by.
11. Shower timer.
We could all benefit from being more aware of how much water we’re wasting every day. I know I waste plenty. This could be a good investment for everyone.
12. Menstrual Cup.
Instead of throwing away cotton options for your period every month. Try the zero- waste period option. The menstrual cup catches all the menstrual blood during your period (regardless of flow), doesn’t affect your natural lubricant, and actually reduces infections. It’s a win-win once you’re used to the process of inserting.
13. Reusable makeup remover wipes.
These reusable makeup pads are probably softer on your face anyway!
14. Pens made from recycled water bottles.
These recycled pens made by Bottle 2 Pen are such a cool idea! And, you can buy a set that comes in 5 different colors on Amazon.
15. Solar nightlight.
An adorable eco-friendly alternative to nightlights that use light bulbs. Put this in your child’s windowsill (or yours, I’m not judging) and be soothed to sleep without stubbing your toes in the middle of the night.
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Nicole Bradley-Bernard is a writer who needs coffee more than she needs anyone’s approval. She writes on trending and pop culture topics, astrology and relationships.