Society is slowly waking up to the fact that the choices we make directly impact our planet. While we may feel powerless sometimes, that is not the case. Every small step counts.
You can lead by example by choosing more sustainable options and have a positive influence on the world. Making the switch to more sustainable and eco-friendly options has never been easier. Here are 6 simple sustainable swaps you can start introducing in your household today.
1. Ditch disposable plastic razors and opt for a reusable one
It’s estimated that over two billion razors are thrown away in the U.S. on a yearly basis. That’s roughly 1 million pounds of plastic waste. In Australia, keeping in mind our slightly smaller population, the numbers are comparable - and no less concerning. Reusable safety razors are made of metal and can technically last forever! This simple and waste-free alternative will soon become a bathroom staple. We love Kappi’s beautiful reusable safety razors.
2. Shop from local small businesses vs big international brands
Choosing to shop from small local businesses helps the planet in so many ways. When we choose local we reduce greenhouse emissions that come with transporting items from overseas. For skincare, choose Australian owned and made. We love the gorgeous selection of Australian owned and made brands available at Go For Zero. Plus they’re 100% toxic-free too.
3. Swap single-use kitchen items for reusable alternatives
Plastic bags are out and reusable totes are in (forever we hope). But have you thought about the other single-use plastic items you use in your kitchen? Look around and you’ll probably find a few plastic culprits lurking about. Some overlooked plastic items include kitchen sponges, cling film and zip lock bags. Fortunately, these items easily to swap out for planet-friendly alternatives. We love WRAPPA’s bright and beautiful reusable food wraps Seed & Sprout’s range of silicone products including zip lock bags.
4. Swap tea bags for loose leaf tea
Did you know that many tea bags contain micro-plastics? These very small pieces of plastic pollute the environment and get ingested by us (yep, ew) and our ocean friends. Loose leaf is a safer bet. We love the 100% organic loose leaf tea range by Mayde Tea.
5. Swap tampons and pads for menstrual cups and period undies
Tampons, pads and panty liners, along with their packaging and individual wrapping, generate a LOT of plastic waste. A women uses around 300 tampons a year or 15,000 over her lifetime. And pads are 90% plastic. The cotton used to make tampons requires a huge amount of water to grow - around 20,000 gallons per kilogram - and relies on heavy pesticide use which pollutes soil and waterways. But there are some wonderfully sustainable alternatives available. JuJu offers a range of eco-friendly and reusable period care products including the Australian made JuJu Menstrual Cup. Modi Bodi make beautiful, functional underwear that keeps you protected for period days. Both are proudly Australian owned businesses so you’ll be able to tick your ‘shop local’ box too.
6. Ditch disposable nappies and opt for cloth nappies
It wouldn’t be a sustainable swap without the mention of cloth nappies. A baby will go through approximately 2500 disposable nappies in their first year of life alone. These same nappies will sit in landfill for up to 500 years. Making the switch to modern cloth nappies will significantly reduce plastic in landfill and lower your impact on the environment. Learn more about the difference between disposable nappies vs. cloth nappies here.
Conclusion
Remember, progress over perfection. You don’t have to make all of these swaps right now. Slowly switch out products as things run out and before you know it, you’ll be a more sustainable household. By making a few simple changes, we set a great example for our children and play our part to preserve our beautiful planet.
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