8 Zero Waste Swaps For A More Conscious Lifestyle
Consider products you use most on a daily basis. Things like toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels, sponges, etc. Then consider, how much waste each of those things creates. When we unconsciously throw away, we forget there’s a larger impact.
Choosing to create less-waste in our everyday life, takes conscious effort, planning, and dedication. But once you’ve made the shift, you won’t go back. The key is deciding to choose products created with the earth in-mind. Instead of products created for convenience.
The good news is, there’s amazing companies helping us to be waste-free. Below I’ve rounded up some of my favorite swaps for moving into a more conscious and eco-minded lifestyle.
1. REUSABLE PAPER TOWELS
Our society has created the idea that we need paper towels to clean every spill. We tear off a piece, wipe and throw it away. The cost of production and cost to the earth, is not worth a quick clean-up with a paper towel.
Instead, switch to reusable paper towels or cloths. Instead of tossing into the trash, toss them in the wash to use again. We love the brand Norwex. They’re made from recycled plastic bottles and microfiber, that acts as an antibacterial agent to help disinfect surfaces. We also use cloth napkins when eating not only are they much prettier than napkins they’re also reusable.
2. BIDET
According to NRDC, “The US has only 4% of the world's population but uses 20% of the global toilet paper supply.” Alongside, the average American uses 141 rolls of toilet paper. What's worse, is most of the paper comes from virgin wood.
When using a bidet, the need for toilet paper is cut in half. Alongside, once you use a bidet, you’ll never want to go back. Our favorite brand is Tushy. They’re dedicated to sharing why bidets are better for the environment (and our skin). Along with give-back initiatives. Not to mention their hilarious branding is normalizing bathroom hygiene.
3. BITES: REFILLABLE TOOTHPASTE
We have a huge plastic-waste problem in our world. One of the biggest culprits is toothpaste tubes that cannot be recycled. Alongside, we’re putting microplastics into our body. Every time we squirt the paste (that also has mystery ingredients) onto our toothbrush we're ingesting what touched the tube.
When the brand Bites first launched, we immediately jumped on-board. The idea of refillable toothpaste, without harsh chemicals seemed like the perfect swap. We’ve been using bites for 5+ years and can’t imagine using toothpaste from a tube.
4. COMPOST BIN
“Why compost? Well, most of us toss organic matter into the garbage, right? (Think carrot skins, banana peels, or eggshells.) We often consider natural compounds to be helpful in breaking down waste by adding biodegradable matter to the process. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. For food to decompose properly, it needs oxygen.
“17 percent of the United State’s methane emissions come from landfills—and the number keeps growing.”
But landfills become tightly packed with our trash, forcing food to break down without oxygen. This generates a greenhouse gas (called anthropogenic methane), and it’s harmful to the environment because it rapidly warms the earth. “
Composting is a journey and one that takes time to learn the best practices for your lifestyle. Read my Step-By-Step Guide To Composting on The Good Trade for getting started.
5. REUSABLE FLOSS
We brush our teeth, take some floss out of a plastic container, and throw it all away when we’re done. Over-time, it’s hard to even imagine how much waste build-up this creates in our landfills. Alongside, floss is made from some questionable ingredients.
An easy solution to this problem is refillable floss. We love the brand Dental Lace. The floss is made from Mulberry Silk which it is a biodegradable substitute. Every-time we run out of floss, we simply order a refill—no plastic-waste involved.
6. BAMBOO TOILET PAPER
Consider this, most conventional toilet paper is wrapped in plastic. Alongside, it’s unclear what the ingredients are. We should know, considering the paper is grazing our most sensitive parts!
That’s why when we discovered the cheeky (pun intended) brand, Who Gives A Crap we’ve never gone back. Outside of creating plastic-free, 100% renewable and sustainable bamboo toilet paper. The brand also donates 50% of their profits to helping build toilets and create clean water for communities who need them most. Learn more about their give-back initiative here.
7. WOODEN DISH BRUSH
Sponges are made from synthetic fibers that don’t breakdown in the landfill. Alongside they absorb and hold onto the bacteria they pick up. When it comes to cleaning our dishes, we don’t want this bacteria on the food we eat so we switched to using a wooden dish brush.
Not only does it look pretty by our sink, it’s also biodegradable. When its time for a replacement brush head (we only replace it about 2 times a year) we order a new one.
8. BUY SECONDHAND
Last but certainly not least, one of my biggest passions—secondhand shopping! I’m proud to say 90% of my wardrobe is secondhand. This means I’ve opted to buy preloved new or vintage pieces. Not only is buying secondhand the #1 most sustainable way to shop, its also the most fun. I typically secondhand shop in-person. This helps with knowing the fabric content, fit, and its more of an adventure. I’ve talked a lot about this topic on The Blog. Dive in below:
