Trying to be environmentally conscious can be tough. It’s hard to know what really makes a difference. But if you are committed to going green, one of the best things you can do is reduce the plastic products you use. When you decrease the amount of plastic you put into the landfill, you make a significant impact.
Simple swaps with the products below will reduce how much single-use plastic you waste every day. Try these five products today, and start helping the environment now.
1- Try Out Reusable Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps are a reusable and sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps are washable and can be used again and again in a way that traditional cling wrap can’t.
You can use the wraps the same way you would use any other plastic wrap, like containing food or covering anything you want.
Good beeswax wraps are sustainably sourced and help you keep plastic out of landfills. Plus, they even come in tons of fun colors and patterns so you can save the environment in style. You’ll probably start a movement at work when you bring your lunch to the office – it’s such an easy way to go green that most people will want to join in!
2- Drink Up with a Reusable Water Bottle
Next up, if you haven’t hopped on the refillable water bottle trend, you need to. Reusable BPA free water bottles are another great way to reduce your plastic consumption. As a bonus, they also encourage you to drink more water, which is excellent!
Just like with beeswax wrap, you can find reusable water bottles in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. You have to find the one that matches your style, and soon you’ll be putting less in landfills.
3- Test Out a Silicone Straw
It is especially important to think about reusable solutions when it comes to working with your food. This is because food-grade plastics often can’t be genuinely recycled because of their direct contact with foodstuffs.
A silicone straw is a flexible straw that can be reused. When you use a silicone straw, you’re going to reduce significantly the number of straws that end up in landfills and oceans, which harm our wildlife.
Also, if you’re a big iced coffee drinker, or you like to drink out of a straw, then you need to try a silicone straw.
4- Get Rid of Cotton Pads For Microfiber Rounds
Lastly, if you’re a big fan of washing your face with cotton pads, consider swapping to reusable microfiber rounds or towels instead. Microfiber towels have a longer life than cotton rounds, which means you create less waste.
What’s more, these microfiber towels act as exfoliators instead of cleansers. You won’t be disposing of cotton rounds and the bottles that your cleanser comes with every time you run out. Altogether, this old-fashioned solution is great for your skin and the environment in so many ways.
5- Bring Your Own Utensils If You Are a Takeout Fiend
Lastly, if you love takeout, consider using reusable utensils next time you order. Much like plastic straws, single-use cutlery is nearly impossible to recycle. Plastic utensils are small and come in contact with food, so they are going to end up in the landfill.
If you’re ordering to eat at home, then using your own cutlery won’t be hard. When you’re out, it can be trickier. Even so, there are tons of options for reusable plastic or metal cutlery you can carry around. Carrying a dining set is the norm in countries like Japan for both children and adults. So whether you want something elegant and straightforward to take around or something cute and covered in characters, you’ll have your pick out what you want when it comes to getting a utensil set.
Just make sure to note on your order that you don’t want any forks or spoons! That way, you aren’t ladened with plastic you don’t need.
Bottom Line
If you want to go green, you need to commit to changes you can handle. The greenest changes are ones where you don’t end up creating extra waste because you’re using everything you can. Find the eco-products that you like the most and put them in your daily routine, and you’re sure to find success.
Remember, going green doesn’t have to be hard. With a simple swap of your current habits with any of these products and a mindful attitude, you’ll be making a significant impact in no time.
