Living a sustainable, plastic free life sounds difficult at first, but once you make a few easy, eco friendly swaps to products that you already use, you will find that ‘Going Green’ is actually quite simple!
Finding affordable, zero waste products can be the first step into your eco friendly lifestyle change and will help to create a massive difference to the health of our beautiful planet!
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Zero waste swaps for beginners! Affordable changes you can make towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle
1. Bees wax wraps
Ditch the plastic wrap and try using this organic, no waste alternative. Bees wax wraps are flexible, reusable wraps for covering and storing food. Made from organic cotton material and covered in a bees wax coating, they make a great plastic free alternative for keeping food fresh.
2. Reusable Straws
Single use, plastic straws are a huge environmental hazard to our wildlife particularly in our oceans. The good news is, there are lots of different options for reusable straws such as stainless steel, bamboo, glass, paper and silicon. You don’t have to give up drinking from a straw all together if you don’t want to, you can easily find alternatives that wont harm the environment.
3. Glass or Stainless Steel Air-Tight Containers
More durable than flimsy plastic containers and can be used in replace of plastic wrap for food storage. Making a conscious decision to transferring leftovers into a air-tight container instead of covering it with plastic, is a great, zero waste improvement. Storing food correctly leads to longer shelf life as well as less food wastage.
4. Keep Cup
Did you know that most take-away coffee cups are non recyclable?
This is due to the plastic lining found within the cup to stop it from getting too hot to handle. This also means that the millions of single use cups we use every day are ending up in landfill or in our waterways.
But there is a solution for this problem: KEEP CUPS!
Take your own coffee cup the next time you’re at your local cafe (and a little bonus) most responsible cafes will even give you a discount for bringing your own mug!
5. Cutlery Kits
Say no to plastic knives and forks and bring your own! Reusable cutlery kits are a great option when you’re heading out for a quick lunch but don’t want all the plastic utensils that go with it. There are lots of different options from stainless steel to bamboo, and the carry cases make it easy to throw it into your bag as you head out the door!
6. Refillable Water Bottles
Drink bottles are one of the worst offenders when it comes to our plastic waste, but there is a simple solution. Refillable water bottles not only help to save the environment, they also end up saving you a lot of money too!
Taking your own drink bottle also makes it easier to refill as you go so you can keep on top of your water levels throughout the day.
Some bottles even have hydration trackers like this one from Pure Motive. The AM – PM time markers make it easier for you to make sure you are consuming the recommended 2 litre water requirements everyday!
7. Reusable Shopping bags and produce bags
Did you know: The average time a single use plastic bag is actually used is 12 minutes (from the shops to home) and yet it takes over 500 years to break down in landfill.
We as a society are using billions of plastic bags everyday and the effects of this on our environment is catastrophic! Ditching the plastic and instead taking a ‘green’ bag to the supermarket is essential for helping to create a more sustainable future. Reusable produce bags are also a must for more eco-friendly shopping
8. Silicone Mat
Rather than using baking paper for lining trays, opt for a reusable silicone mat. Unfortunately, baking paper cannot be recycled or composted because of the silicone coating making it another contributor to our waste. By using a silicone mat, you are eliminating the need for baking paper all together and helping the environment by doing so.
9. Bar of Soap
Instead of liquid soap in plastic dispensers, opt for a bar of soap instead. The carbon footprint of liquid soaps is estimated to being 25% higher per wash than bar soaps. Organically made bar soaps use ethical packaging and are made from all natural ingredients
10. Bamboo Toothbrushes and Natural Toothpaste
It’s scary to think back to the first tooth brush you ever had and realise that it’s most likely still in the world today. Regular plastic toothbrushes are not recyclable which means they will end up in landfill taking hundreds of years to decompose. Bamboo toothbrushes can be buried or composted at the end of their use and natural toothpaste often comes in ethical packaging.
11. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Shampoo and conditioner bottles are a huge waste item that also needs to be addressed. There are now shampoo and conditioner bars that give the same result but with much less plastic packaging and that create a much lower carbon footprint. A shampoo bar is much like a bar of soap, but for your hair. Wet your hair, lather up and rinse, just as you would use a bar of soap to wash your body.
12. Washable kitchen cloths
Kitchen sponges not only contain harmful bacteria, but they can take hundreds of years to breakdown as most cheap sponges are made from plastic. So it’s time to swap your old kitchen sponge for a washable kitchen cloth. Use as you would your regular sponge, then throw in the washing machine to kill all the bacteria and germs. It’s a much more eco-friendly solution, plus its cost effective as you can use it again and again.
13. Coconut fiber scrubber
A compostable and biodegradable dish scrubber that is kind on the environment. Made from natural coconut coir which is the hard fibers from a coconut husk. To clean you coconut scrubber, simply put it through the dishwasher or boil in water. When you are finished with in, just throw it into the compost bin to decompose.
14. Dish Soap Bar
Most liquid soaps are not only wrapped in plastic packaging, but are also filled with chemicals and toxins that are harmful to our skin and to our waterways. Dish soap bars are multipurpose cleaners and are easy to use. simply rub your cloth on the block of soap, or run under water when filling your sink for a natural, streak free dishwashing soap. Leaves glassware, ceramics and plastics sparkling clean without harming the environment.
15. Wooden/ Metal Pegs
Plastic pegs are often flimsy, break easily and harmful to the environment as you have to keep buying more and more. Swapping your cheap pegs over to something more sustainable, is such an easy change to make. There are wooden varieties as well as bamboo and stainless steel and they are guaranteed to last a lifetime! You can even get different sizes and grip strengths. Who knew there was so many choices in pegs!
16. Bamboo Scrubbing Brushes
These are the environmental alternative to many of the plastic cleaning brushes we use everyday. Things like dust brushes, dish washing scrubbers and even toilet brushes can all be substituted for the eco-friendly bamboo kind. Many of these brushes also have plant fibers as the bristles, making them completely zero waste.
17. Period Undies and Menstrual Cup
Did You Know:
The average woman goes through approximately 11,000 disposable pads and/or tampons in her lifetime!
By switching to Modibodi reusable underwear, you are able to make a positive difference by minimising waste going to landfill. Modibodi aims to make the world better by empowering everybody to make real, positive change.
A menstrual cup is a silicone cup that is easy-to-use, safe and an environmentally-friendly alternative to feminine care.
By switching to these two products you are not only making an environmental change, you will also be saving yourself a tonne of money in the long run!
18. Stainless Steel Lunch Box / Bento Box
These are a great, plastic-free alternatives for lunch boxes and take-away containers. Made from food grade stainless steel they are durable, zero waste, non toxic and plastic free. They are recyclable, dishwasher safe and freezer friendly. Stainless steel lunch boxes are perfect for a zero waste lunch.
19. Silicone Plate Covers
Replace your plastic cling wrap with these stretchy, versatile and reusable silicone food covers. No more single use plastic as these can be used with dishes, plates, bowls, cups, fruit, vegetables and more. Keeps food fresher for longer with an airtight seal.
20. Stainless Steel Cup Set
Stainless steel cups are a great substitute for kids plastic cups as they are unbreakable and zero waste. They are durable, long lasting and 100% recyclable. Some also come in a handy set, making them great for picnics and easy to throw in your bag and eliminate the need for single use plastic cups.
21. Bees Wax Crayons
Unfortunately, most regular crayons are made of a petroleum by-product called paraffin, which isn’t biodegradable and will just sit in the landfill forever. Luckily there are alternatives made from beeswax that actually contain no paraffins or toxic ingredients. These ones are called ‘Honeysticks’ and they are ethically sourced, handmade and plastic free!
22. Plastic Free Baby Products
When you have a baby there are often so many products you will need and unfortunately, many of them come covered in plastic. But there are alternatives like:
- Wooden toys
- Ethically packaged skin care
- Glass baby bottles with rubber teats
- Stainless steel drinking cups
- Organic cotton sheets
- Reusable Nappies
These items would also make a great baby shower gift for a new Mum to start out her plastic free journey.
23. Deodorant paste or plastic free deodorant stick
Regular synthetic anti-perspirants prevent perspiration by blocking sweat, usually with harmful Aluminium. A good, natural deodorant will protect you from body odour while letting your arm pits breathe and release natural toxins. Many of the natural deodorants listed here have plastic free packaging and some are even zero waste!
24. Ethically Packaged, Natural Face Masks
Your pampering session will be completely guilt with these beautiful, organic face masks. Completely chemical and preservative free and all in reusable and recyclable packaging. For extra self care Check out How To Create Your Perfect Morning Routine
25. DIY Exfoliates and skin care
By selecting just a few ingredients, you can make your own skin care products and save the environment of more wasteful packaging in the process. This also allows to you tailor your skin care for your own specific needs. You will know exactly what is going onto your skin so no nasty chemicals. There are also a great selection of recipes to help you make the perfect product just for you! Click here to see the recipe list
26. Eco Friendly Lip Balm
It might seem small, but all those little plastic lip balm tubes really add up! By making simple swaps like switching to an ethically packaged and natural lip balm you are helping the environment one step at a time. These lip balms are also free of nasty chemicals, artificial preservatives and synthetic fragrances.
27. Organic Cosmetics with Recyclable Packaging
There are so many options when it comes to cosmetics. This makeup is made from natural ingredients, free of toxins and contain no palm oil. Most can be found in ethical packaging that is reusable, recyclable and even biodegradable.
28. Eco Dishwasher Tablets and Powder
Chemical free cleaning products that are safe for your home and your skin. Biodegradable, eco dishwashing products will leave your dishes sparkling clean without any nasty chemicals. They are also ultra-concentrated meaning you use less and save money in the long run.
29. ‘Green’ Cleaning Products
There is a huge range of eco friendly cleaning and laundry products available. This range is all palm oil free meaning you know you are doing the right thing for our environment by making this swap. So many of the cleaning products at the supermarkets are filled with harsh chemicals that get washed straight into our water ways. By going ‘green’ when you’re cleaning, you will know that you are making a difference in helping to save our planet.
30. Sustainable shaving razors
Reusable safety razors are the most eco friendly way to shave. Reduce waste and achieve a close and comfortable shave with minimal irritation. Replacement blades are also available. Also make sure to compliment your eco friendly shave with organic shave foam, shaving creams, shaving soaps, and natural aftershaves that are all palm oil free, cruelty free and toxin free.
Thanks for reading!
For more environmental changes you can make, check out my article:
12 Amazing, Eco-Friendly Products For Your Baby
and
20 Reasons Gardening is Great for Kids Development
Biome is Australia’s favourite eco friendly store since 2003. Biome are committed to finding solutions to environmental problems, and scrutinising products to uncover green-washing, hidden toxins, and dubious ingredients. Their store has strict standards on ethical packaging including when the item is delivered. Biome will ship your parcel without plastic and using re-used materials (Australia wide and international shipping available). Their mission is to preserve a safe, healthy environment on this wonderous planet for now, and for those who come after us.