Recently, I’ve really been evaluating my consumption and impact on our planet. The climate crisis is real, trash vortexes in our oceans are real and we all need to do our part. It can seem overwhelming but it’s really easy to tweak things here and there. You don’t have to be perfect, I’m definitely not, but if everyone made some easy changes it would help tremendously. Here are some easy eco-friendly swaps I’ve made in our home. These swaps aren’t just easy, they’re so good that they’re better than the originals.
Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps I’ve Made
+ Reusable Makeup Rounds vs Cotton Rounds: I use cotton pads every time I take off eye makeup or apply toners. This means at least 2-3 cotton pads each day. So instead of throwing those into a landfill I switched to reusable pads. I’ve tried multiple different brands but THESE are by far my favorite. They’re thick, not flimsy like many others, and have a dark side for makeup removal and light side for toner application. Also, they come with a little bag you can throw in the laundry, so after I use one I stick it in the bag and wash the whole thing with my towels when it’s full. So easy!
+ Silicone Stretch Lids vs Saran Wrap: My mom got me THESE as a gift after raving about them for weeks. Saran wrap is most def not biodegradable and I was using a lot of it to cover leftovers in bowls/plates, to wrap up excess cheese, etc. These come in a 6 pack of various sizes to fit almost every dish you need to cover- and they are dishwasher and microwave safe. Can also be used directly on items like covering the extra half of your avocado or watermelon.
+ Reusable Storage Bags vs Ziploc Bags: The waste for regular Ziplocs is self explanatory. THESE are a much better option. Free of plastic, latex, BPA and PVC they’re non-toxic, reusable, dishwasher safe, microwave safe AND you can sous vide in them. I have no clue how to sous vide, but if I did, I would be stoked. All I know is that means they can handle boing water- legit. They come in a bunch of cute colors but I went clear so I could easily see what was inside.
+ Glass Tupperware vs Plastic: I’m all about the elimination of plastic wherever possible. I got a set of THESE glass food storage containers and prefer them SO much to the thin, plastic BS I was using before. Not only so they last way longer but you don’t have to worry about anything staining the glass containers. Full disclosure, I have trouble getting the lids on these sometimes, but Mark never has any issues and thinks I’m an idiot, so, you know. I also have a Pryex one that I absolutely love- which I would have gotten in the first place but they only had ugly colored lids. BUT they now offer them in a white lid! These lids don’t have the side clasps, they just pop on, so they wouldn’t have any issues.
+ Silicone Baking Mats vs Aluminum Foil: These things are not only eco-friendly, they’re also freaking AMAZING. I used to always bake on foil which, while recyclable, still takes energy make useable again. Nothing sticks to THESE silicone baking mats. Cookies, veggies, etc clean off EFFORTLESSLY with soap and a sponge no matter how much I overcook them. You need these. Of course, the aesthetics fiend in me wants to try THESE because I like the color.
All these swaps are SO easy and they make a difference. Next up, I have THESE reusable paper towels on my list. Any swaps you’ve tried and loved that I should know about?
Xx,
