5 Tips to Become More Sustainable
You’ve heard a lot about sustainability and “going green” in the last 10 years. There is a common misconception that being more sustainable is expensive, difficult, and time-consuming. While sorting out your recyclable items may take a couple extra minutes, most places now will take everything except glass in one container, so it takes you no time at all. I’ve made a few switches over the years to become more sustainable in my daily life. While I’m continuously trying to improve, it’s never too late to start. Here are some of the items I’ve found that have been the easiest switches from the “traditional” item to the more “sustainable” item.
Reusable ziplock bags – I started using these earlier this year to help cut down on my plastic waste. Now if I’m making a sandwich I’ll put it in a reusable container, or when I’m making my trail mix I’ll put it in one of these reusable bags. Trying to eliminate the one time use items can be difficult, and reusable bags are more expensive up front. However, when you think about how you can use them over and over again, it doesn’t seem as expensive. If you’re an Enginerd like me, you could say the life cycle cost analysis is favorable.
Shampoo/Conditioner Bars – Shampoo Bar you may ask? What the heck is that? Well, it’s just like what it sounds, it’s a bar of soap, except instead of soap, it’s shampoo. I absolutely love this Lush Cosmetics Honey I Washed my Hair shampoo bar. I love this one because of the light scent, and it doesn’t leave my hair greasy or dry. They have many bars you can choose from based on your hair type. The bars are super easy to use and lather up just like regular shampoo. I wet my hair and then rub the bar around the top of my head a little and then lather in the shampoo like I normally would.
I have the Lush Cosmetics Sugar Daddy O conditioner bar. It’s very similar to the shampoo bar, but a lot smoother. You have to be careful not to use too much though, because it doesn’t feel like traditional conditioner when it’s on your hair. I typically rub a little directly from the bar onto my hair, and then rub the bar in my hands to add a little more onto my ends.
Take your own grocery bags – You can pretty much buy reusable grocery bags at any grocery store these days. They are only a couple of dollars and I’ve had bags that have lasted for over 6 years. The thing I love about reusable bags is you can fit so much more into them than a standard plastic grocery bag. It cuts down on the number of bags, because we all know no one likes to take two trips from the car to the house. Keep them in your car so you never have to use plastic bags again.
Reusable water bottle – I’m still amazed at how many people don’t carry their own water bottle. It’s 2018, it’s nothing new, but some people are still spending $3.50 for water at the airport instead of filling up their bottle for free at the water fountain. It saves you money and it saves the world from plastic. That’s a win win in my book. I’m not just talking about the giant Nalgene bottles from 10 years ago, today’s water bottles have SO MANY FEATURES and are amazing!
Bulk food – This is something I want to do more of. You can take your own containers (mason jars, etc.) to the store and have the store weight them empty. Then label how much it weighs, then you can use the containers to buy bulk food in to eliminate plastic waste. If you’re only cooking for one, buy a ton of fresh food in bulk might not work out. However, things like rice, grains, beans, etc. are perfect for buying in bulk. Plus buying in bulk can help save money!
Here are a couple extra tips that don’t cost a thing!
- Reuse your plastic bags if you get them from the store, or don’t get a bag at all if it’s something you can easily carry without one.
- If you have a bike, ride your bike somewhere instead of driving, or walk!
- If you eat lunch at work, take your own silverware instead of using the plastic disposable kind.
- Buy less online, there’s a ton of packaging with online purchases. Buy local instead!
- Donate used clothing and household items.
There you have it, those are my easiest tips to become more sustainable without having to make major changes to your life.
What sustainable swaps have you found to be the most useful?