Everyday Eco-Friendly Items For Lazy People Like Us
We all want to save the planet, that's just a non-negotiable really. But when we're watching HGTV and the hipster homeowners with pockets full of cash are talking about installing net-zero geothermal renewable energy in their homes and $2000 solar panels, it can feel like being eco-friendly is kinda out of our budget and energy.
Don't let that stop you though. All you have to do is think a little smaller. Here are some eco-friendly products for your lifestyle that are quick, cheap, easy, and you'll actually use all the time. These are the best things since sliced bread and metal straws.
Tell Plastic Cutlery To Fork Off With Travel Utensils
Plastic cutlery is one of those things that we can easily stop using just by picking up the right product. Make your on-the-go lunches easier and more eco-friendly by picking up a travel flatware set. These are small, lightweight, and super handy because they can easily fit in your purse or backpack.
Are You Really Still Using Plastic Water Bottles?
You knew this one was coming, but you wouldn't believe how many people need to hear this. Again. Just get a water bottle—they're way cuter, good for multiple beverages, and most places offer you a discount if you bring your own thermos or water bottle.
Don't Sweat Anything With Natural Deodorant
Even though you may not believe the hype about how toxic aluminum can be in deodorants for us, you should at least know that the chemicals in many deodorants aren't good for the environment. Switching your drugstore deodorant for an all-natural one is a simple way to help out every day. At least I hope you're using deodorant every day.
Trade Your Sneakers For Wool Ones
We know by now that mass-produced sneakers are often made in factories with horrible working conditions and they aren't helping the environment. Trade them in for a breathable pair of wool sneakers, like Allbirds, which are sustainably sourced and made from natural materials.
That's A Wrap On Saran Wrap
If you're a huge fan of using saran wrap, cling foil, or Tupperware to keep your foods fresh, let me introduce you to my reusable friend, beeswax wrap. They're reusable, made from natural materials, anti-microbial, moldable, and easy to clean. So ditch the plastics and go the au natural way everyone's buzzing about.
Bar Soap Is Just Cheaper In The Long Run
If you've been buying those foaming soap dispensers, even the refillable plastic jugs, you need to start using bar soap because it'll change your life. It lasts way longer, doesn't come in plastic wrap, and has all of the fun scents you look forward to in a soap.
Get Your Dog In On The Hype
There's no reason that Fido can't be man's best friend and the planet's best friend too. Buy a reusable dog toy that's made out of upcycled fabrics and materials that helps reduce waste and give your dog a bone. Literally.
Laundry Eggs Are Literally The Coolest Things
We all know how big and bulky laundry plastic detergent bottles are and how quickly we go through them, so a laundry egg is the perfect refillable and eco-friendly alternative. Even though the egg itself is plastic, it's filled with pellets that contain no harmful chemicals that dissolve over time and leave only the egg left. You can then refill the container and be one with your eco-friendly day.
A Menstrual Cup Just Makes More Sense
Tampons and pads aren't so great for the Earth and contain harmful chemicals to your body. So switch them out for reusable and medical-grade silicone menstrual cups that you can use for years and won't harm you or the planet. Period.
Or, Washable Pads If You're Not Into Menstrual Cups
Having options is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to periods. That's why if you still want to go the reusable hygiene route but aren't into menstrual cups, pick up a reusable and washable pad. Bonus, you can probably cry into these too.
Take The Day's Makeup Off With These Bamboo Makeup Wipes
If you're a makeup lover like me, you know it takes three cotton rounds, willpower, a strong cleanser, and the power of God to take off the day's makeup. So if you think that's kind of a lot for you and the Earth to deal with every single day, maybe invest in reusable and washable bamboo facial rounds. Or you could buy a towel because that's what these essentially are.
Get That Awful White Foamy Shaving Cream Out Of Your Life
Whoever invented foaming shaving cream from a can was having a bad day and wanted to ruin the rest of their week. Invest in a shave bar that's way less wasteful and definitely a cuter way to get a close shave.
Speaking Of Razers...
Actually, genuinely treat yourself to something nice and ditch the terrible Bic, Venus, or whatever weird pink and white disposable razor you're using and get yourself a beautiful steel one. You can get them for under $20 and they will last you for years longer than the Bics that get dull after three uses.
Stop Meshing Around And Get A Mesh Bag For Groceries
People are always telling you to buy a reusable bag at the grocery store and that's great, but if you've ever gone grocery shopping you know that that's not enough. If you're getting fresh foods like fruits and vegetables, you need to pick up a washable mesh bag to replace the flimsy plastic ones they give you for free.
Here's The Scoop On Scooping After Your Dog
Here's another one so Fido can join in on the planet saving since he lives here too — compostable poop-scoop bags. These are the things that let the dogs out and has them lining up at the dog park to get in on this eco-friendly trend.
Dish Soap... But In Bars??
We know they made bar soap for your hands, but now they make it for your dishes too! These non-toxic dish blocks are the perfect thing to get your dishes so sparkling that you almost won't want to eat off them. Almost.
Brush Aside Your Eco Worries With Durable Eco-Friendly Brushes
All this eco-friendly soap probably sounds great and squeaky clean to you, but you're not really living your fullest eco-queen life until you get these coconut dish brushes to match. Plus, I bet they feel amazing rubbing them on your face... when they're clean of course.
Luckily You Don't Have To Scour The Planet For An Eco-Friendly Scrubber
Even a planet warrior has pots with tons of crud baked on. If you're looking for a better way to scrub the absolute living daylights out of your cookery, then grab a coconut scrubber pad. They'll get the baked-on stuff off but they won't stop you from putting it there... unfortunately.
Science Has Given Us Vegan Nail Polish
If you've ever smelled nail polish, you know that that stuff is literal poison to every living thing. Luckily now there's nail polish with sustainably sourced containers that are vegan and cruelty-free to assuage any doubts you had about rocking a red nail.
Garbage Bags If You're Trying To Be Less Of A Garbage Human
If you're one of those people who walk around saying "I'm garbage" well, get ready to be slightly less trashy with some organic garbage bags. They're made out of 60% cacao so you know that when it decomposes it will leave behind some mint-chocolate flavored garbage for the squirrels.
