Earth Day (April 22nd) is just around the corner, and this year I decided to celebrate the occasion by making small changes to my daily routine in an effort to live more sustainably. For starters, I decided to stop using the disposable dryer sheets and switched to wool dryer balls. I thought it would be a small step in my journey towards living more sustainably, since dryer balls are reusable, environmentally friendly, and can save energy by reducing drying time. However, since I live in boonies, I had to turn to Amazon to make my purchase. And of course when my new wool dryer balls arrived in a giant cardboard box nestled in a sea of plastic, I felt a wave of guilt and anxiety wash over me. Is it worth it in the long run? Yes, of course. But it was a reminder that every time I make a purchase, it’s important to consider the full life cycle of a product.
Trying to shop more sustainably is a worthwhile endeavor, but it can also be complicated and confusing. Even when you buy goods that are marketed as eco-friendly, you’re still buying new, which means raw materials, water and energy are all used to create and ship them – and that in and of itself can take a toll on the environment. Not only that, but in a world where corporations and governments are responsible for… the majority of emissionsIt’s hard to know which brands to trust. More and more companies are to blame Green wash Promote false or misleading claims of being environmentally friendly – so it’s important to do your research.
Your best bet sustainable shopping It’s about shopping local, shopping second hand, and reusing and reusing old items instead of throwing them away. However, depending on your lifestyle, budget, and where you live, this isn’t always possible. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of products that can one way or another help you create a more sustainable home, and maybe even reduce your environmental footprint in the long run. Whether you are looking to reduce waste, save energy or live a healthier lifestyle, these products aim to help you take small steps towards a more sustainable life.
Most of us already own too many reusable bags, but if you haven’t yet switched from single-use bags, we highly recommend Baggu’s Standard. It’s the perfect size for carrying groceries, and can hold up to 50 lbs. It folds easily into a small square, and comes in 25 colorful patterns, so you’re sure to find a print that you like. And did we mention it’s machine washable?
When it comes to giving gifts, the presentation is almost as important as the gift itself. The problem is that not all gift wrap is recyclable. Enter furoshiki, traditional Japanese wrapping fabrics. The great thing about furoshiki is that, unlike wrapping paper, it can be used over and over again. And the clothes come in so many gorgeous colors and patterns, it’s like giving someone a second gift. You can find plenty of options online, but we’re big fans of the double-sided draping cloth from Bento & co. The fabric is a beautiful, durable material, and the size is just right for both small and medium-sized packages.
This might be one of the most stylish reusable lunch bags we’ve come across. It has a practical strap over the shoulder. It’s not too bulky, but roomy enough for a lunch container, snacks, an ice pack, and a water bottle. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles and is BPA and Phthalate free. Plus, the insulated fabric lining helps keep foods cold or warm for hours – great for bringing your own meals to the office or school, especially if you’ve got kids out of the Paw Patrol lunch box stage.
There are plenty of wool dryer balls to choose from, but I was drawn to these “smiling sheep.” Not only are they ridiculously cute, but they get the job done. They definitely cut down on drying time, especially when I need to dry towels or sheets. If you want to spend a little less, it will cost you a six-pack of plain white dryer balls from SmartShape $17 on Amazon. Tip: I like to pair it with a file Lavender essential oil spray To give linens a light, fresh scent.
These sheets aren’t cheap, but they are breathable with a luxurious quality and feel. They are made from 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton from India, without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. You’ll sleep better knowing that your sheets are chemical-free, non-toxic, and made with responsibly sourced materials. Prices start at $109 for a single-ply 400-thread count double-size knit. A standard 600 thread count queen set costs $229.
As someone who enjoys a daily Starbucks iced tea, these stainless steel straws were a worthwhile investment. They are an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to single-use plastic straws, and much better than the taste and feel of paper straws. Oxo reusable straws are durable, lightweight, and have removable silicone tips for easy cleaning. The kit comes with a small scrub brush – a must-have if you want to get rid of those dirty residue thoroughly.
No need to use wads of parchment paper or aluminum foil in the kitchen. Made of fiberglass mesh with a silicone non-stick surface, this Silpat Reusable Baking Mat is an amazingly eco-friendly product. It can stay in the oven again and again, and will save you from having to grease baking sheets. I use the Silpat on an almost daily basis in my kitchen, whether I’m baking cookies, roasting vegetables, or using it as a nonstick mat when kneading dough.
If you or a loved one likes to drink sparkling water, prof soda stream It could be a smart investment. Not only will it help you cut costs, but it will reduce your use of cans or single-use plastic, which is especially important considering how much they cost. Recycling ends up in landfills. Sodastream Terra CNET’s Best Pick For the best all-around soda maker for most people, thanks to its easy-to-use hand pumps and space-saving design. (And yes, you can Intensify savings -and eco-friendliness – by going with a different brand and using refillable CO2 tanks, but it does require some DIY knowledge and effort.)
These leggings are among Our top picks To play sports or just hang out. Made from 79% recycled water bottles and 21% spandex, Girlfriend Collective leggings are comfortable, stretchy and aim to be eco-friendly in the age of fast fashion. CNET’s Amanda Caprito says, “I have these leggings in the middle, so while I can’t vouch for other sizes, I can imagine the fitted pant would feel absolutely perfect on everyone, largely because of Girlfriend’s focus on inclusivity.” the body. ”
Don’t forget your furry best friend! Our pets require a lot of products, from beds to leashes to accessories and treats, but you can help reduce their impact on the environment if you try to shop responsibly. We love The Foggy Dog’s stylish collars and bands, but our favorite item is the fuzzy plush toy. Handcrafted from recycled materials and repurposed fabric, this adorable toy is durable and well-made. And for every order, the company donates half a pound of dog food to rescue shelters.
I mentioned it 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean of Earth each year, and by 2050, it is estimated Plastic in the oceans will outweigh fish. Green Toys makes toys from plastic that would otherwise end up in the water, collected from coasts and waterways. They also make a wide range of other toys from 100% recycled plastics – mainly milk containers. This is a sustainable system. Games start at $10 and up and include:
Single-use water bottles have become an environmental epidemic – Ruthie turns them into a line of stylish, eco-friendly products for men, women and children. Although plastic water bottles aren’t particularly colorful, Ruthie’s offers boots in a variety of tasty options, starting at $55 for kids; Men’s and women’s styles start at $119. The company says it has reused millions of plastic bottles originally destined for landfills.
Adidas takes recycled marine plastic waste, found along the coast, and uses it (instead of virgin plastic) in all of its Primeblue clothing lines. The company currently sells T-shirts, shorts, and shoes made from Parley Ocean Plastic, and aims to make its entire product line free of virgin polyester by 2024. Prices start at $12 for a Terrex headband and go up to $300 for a Parley bomber jacket.
Nimble makes these phone covers from 100% recycled plastic bottles and donates 5% of the proceeds to a range of environmental programs, including Coral Reef Alliance, Carbonfund.org, and SeaSave.org. Prices start at $25.
If you pack lunches for work or school, you may go through an alarming number of disposable bags in your life. Stasher’s reusable silicone storage bags can withstand the rigors of microwaves and freezers, and are just as happy to hang out in your lunch box. Put it in the dishwasher to clean it.
Here’s a slightly different way to solve the plastic bag puzzle. These designer bags are made of food safe polyester lined cotton. What makes them cute are the designs: kitties, squids, turtles and mermaid shells make it fun to go green. And yes, they are reusable and dishwasher safe.
It’s not just sandwich bags that plague your home with plastic. Cyst production may seem filmy and lightweight, but they can still contribute to the problem. These Flip and Tumble reusable grocery bags are made of polyester and are machine washable. The transparent mesh allows you to see what’s inside.
As long as we’re thinking about reducing the plastic and harsh chemicals used in packaging, check out these solid shampoo bars from Ethique. These natural cleansing products come in varieties designed for oily hair, dry hair, and damage control. There’s even an eco-friendly cleansing shampoo bar for dogs. The company says the bars are cruelty-free, S&P-friendly, and compostable. Each bar will help you feel clean and should be the equivalent of three bottles of liquid shampoo.
Grinding your own beeswax is a great idea when it comes to using beeswax-impregnated food wraps instead of plastic wrap or bags. These reusable food wraps are made with organic beeswax, tree resin, jojoba oil, and cotton. You heat these biodegradable products with your hands before using them to wrap food or cover a bowl or plate.
Don’t waste waste and turn your kitchen scraps into gardening gold with this compost scraps complex that can live on your countertop or under the sink. This particular design does not require the additional cost and inconvenience of compostable bags. You can just clean it with a quick scrub after emptying the disposable products into the main trash..
Panasonic eneloop reusable batteries are known for their long life. It may take a while to recharge them, but that’s better than throwing an endless stream of drained batteries into the trash.
BioLite/Screenshot by Amanda Kooser/CNET
Getting off the grid just got a little easier with the BioLite SolarHome 620 Kit. It includes a solar panel, three overhead lights, wall-mounted light switches, and a control box that also doubles as a radio and charger for devices. The system can be used to illuminate a cabin or camper, or act as a backup system in the event of a power outage.
If you want to gift the world to someone who cares about the Earth, Mova’s decorative globes use solar cell technology to cycle silently with any indoor light or indirect sunlight. No batteries or wires needed.
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