10 Simple Steps to a Greener Life
Hey! I want to thank you for visiting this blog. I enjoy buying products that I know will be lasting and ultimately allow me to reduce waste in my home. I hope you enjoy these recommendations.
Disclosure: Some of the links you click on are what's known as “affiliate links”. So if you do buy something, I'll probably earn a few cents or dollars.
Tip #1
BREW PLASTIC FREE COFFEE & TEA
One of the best ways to make your coffee or tea every day is by using something that produces minimal waste. My recommendation for small families or singles is the french press. The French Press is versatile, makes just the right amount, and produces no plastic or paper waste. You can also use it to make loose leaf tea or bagged tea. Any other French Press lovers here?
Other alternatives include a pour over or stovetop espresso maker that typically work best for coffee only.
However, if you are a bigger family a regular coffee maker (or espresso machine) with a stainless steel pot (so it does not break) is my recommendation. Your waste is minimal in comparison to a keriug.
Tip #2
USE YOUR OWN GROCERY BAGS
I am the worst at remembering to bring my own bags to the grocery store but when I do, I am glad for the following reasons:
There is less clutter to bring home. Whether you store the bags or you throw them away they just add to the clutter of your home or the world!
You can get a discount for bringing your own bags! Yes, there are stores out there that will pay you for using your own bags. These stores include Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Kroger, Safeway... among others. I’ve heard that if you ask Wal-Mart will too.
You won’t need to double bag. When you use your own bags you won’t have to worry about double bagging for heavy items (which is less waste) because your bags will be more sturdy and durable.
You’ll need fewer bags and you will make fewer trips carrying in groceries. YEAH! That’s right, your bags will be able to carry more than the average grocery store bag making your loading and unloading so much more efficient.
Find my favorite reusable & eco-friendly bags through the following affiliate links:
+ Organic Cotton & Jute X-Large Totes 3 Pack
Happy Eco Shopping!!
Tip # 3
SAY NO TO PLASTIC STRAWS
This small change can have a huge impact. It’s been reported that Americans use 500 million drinking straws every day, this fills 125 school buses. We really don’t NEED them but I do understand your concern for germs. So for those who cannot give up straws completely, there are glass, metal and silicone reusable straws that you and your family can use instead. There are travel pouches available for people who would like to be extra-conscious and take their personal straw with them. It’s worth it!
+ Silicone Straws (Safe for everyone in the family!)
Happy Sipping!
Tip # 4
DON’T BUY TRENDS
Trends are tempting but they are short-lived, cheap, and create so much waste for you and for the earth!
Trendy clothes are usually:
Cheaply made
Low value/cost
Run out of style quick
Designed for certain types of body
Usually displayed in the front of the store
Always found on clearance aisles
The alternative to shopping trendy is to shop slow fashion/ timeless. These items are usually plain, solid colors and so versatile. These items are rarely on sale and are found in the back of the store (that’s if they sell any). These items will stay in your closet awhile and some examples include jeans, black slacks, striped tee’s, cardigans...etc.
Tip # 5
USE CLOTH OVER PAPER
This can be one of the hardest changes to get used to because paper is just so “practical & easy.” Let’s start with napkins. Cloth napkins are much better for the environment because they are reusable and normally enough for one person. With napkins sometimes people use a minimum of 2-3 at a time.
+ Soft Broad Striped Linen Cotton Dinner Cloth Napkins
+ 12 Pack Oversized Flax with Lace Dinner Napkins
Another change you can make is to use reusable cleaning rags. If you find the right material these will be awesome, I especially love using microfiber because it does not leave as much residue as cotton and they last longer, however, they are technically not an all-natural fabric. The secret to keeping them from smelling bad or gathering germs is to let them dry and wash as often as possible. I prefer to use white ones for this reason and recommend washing them in your sink at the end of EVERY DAY.
+ SmartChoice Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (12-pack)
+ Pure Cotton White Kitchen Towels (12 Pack)
Tip #6
BRING YOUR OWN CUP
Any drive-thru lovers here? Whether you like hot or cold drinks- how often do you buy some? I’ve done this before and though I always get weird looks most baristas happily agree. I have not tried doing this at any fast-food drive-thru’s just coffee shops. By doing this you’ll bring less clutter to your car & home and reduce plastic waste. Standard coffee cups are are 8oz (short), 12oz (tall), 16oz (grande) and 20oz (venti). If you are in the market for some, here are affiliate links for my favorite to-go cups for hot & cold beverages. I like secure lids and I stay away from anything that breaks easily because I’m clumsy.
Tip #7
GIVE GREEN GIFTS
During holidays like Easter, Valentine's day, and Christmas we are tempted to buy and give candy and other plastic-filled/wasteful gifts that may be unnecessary and add clutter to your home (or someone else’s home). As you celebrate the holidays, make it green! You can gift plants, books, gift cards for a date, cash, or other sustainable gifts! More value & less waste, trust me most people would rather get experiences, or cash than a material gift. Gift-giving can be the toughest when we try to gift material things but become so easy when we add more meaning!
Tip #8
CLEAN GREEN
So what items do you use to clean with? We are all used to buying plastic scrubs & brushes and highly toxic products like bleach are not only bad for your health but also highly unsustainable. A few switches you can make are using bamboo brushes + using natural cleaning solutions like baking soda, vinegar & essential oils. See the following affiliate links for great ideas as you slowly use what you have & replace them with these eco-friendly substitutes.
+ Classic Long-Handle Dish Brush
+ Silicone Sponge and Scrubbers
+ Extra Large Bag of Baking Soda
Tip #9
UNSUBSCRIBE FROM SPAM MAIL
I’m sure you don’t love getting all those credit card offers from 10 different financial institutions. Not only does it clutter your home, but it also wastes so much paper. Did you know that you can actually opt-out? Here are a few steps you can take to stop junk mail. To be removed from marketing lists visit DMACHOICE.org or to reduce credit card offers use OptOutPrescreen.com. Both services are independent of each other, so make sure to sign up for both. For more specific details, click here.
Tip #10
SHOP SECOND-HAND & DONATE
When shopping I’d encourage you to try second-hand shops! These shops used to have a bad stigma, but that has and is fading away as a wave of conscious consumers rise and make an effort to upcycle used items & pieces. These stores are great for creatives who like a challenge. If you can’t shop second-hand, buy quality items so that they last you a very long time. Stay away from disposable items! Finally, as you de-clutter and get rid of items, make sure to donate to your local thrift stores before sending them to the trash! One man's trash can be another man's treasure.
Disclaimer
Welcome to A Swell Space! I'm sharing what I've learned through my own experiences and research. I'm not a doctor, therapist, or professional expert, so please don't take my content as professional advice. Always check with a healthcare provider or other professional before making important decisions about your health, finances, or life.
Affiliate Links
Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Disclaimer
Welcome to A Swell Space! I'm sharing what I've learned through my own experiences and research. I'm not a doctor, therapist, or your professional expert, so please don't take my content as professional advice. Always check with a healthcare provider or other professional before making important decisions about your health, finances, or life.
Affiliate Links
Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I use and believe in. Your support helps me keep this blog running. Thanks for your support!