When you decide to make the switch to eco-friendly living, it can be EXTREMELY overwhelming! So in honor of Earth Week I am going to share 10 simple ways you can start leading a more eco-friendly life immediately! These tips are perfect for beginners who want to live more sustainably.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have been trying to live a more clean, non-toxic and sustainable lifestyle. Not just for me, but our planet and everyone on it! I’ve been slowly swapping out products as I run out of old ones and I’ve been watching for sales (because replacing all my old products can get expensive!)
Although it’s a slow process, I am so proud of every swap that I have made, big or small. Every little thing counts and will make a difference in the long run!
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So, I wanted to create this post for you because I know when I first started doing some research on sustainable swaps and eco-friendly living, it was information overload and I didn’t know where to start.
I have rounded up my top 10 tips that you can EASILY implement into your daily life for a more environmentally friendly, sustainable and nontoxic lifestyle.
Keep reading for all the best beginner tips to leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle!
1. Buy a reusable water bottle once and for all (you’ll save money too)
Over one million plastic water bottles are sold EVERY MINUTE around the world. Isn’t that insane? According to National Geographic, in the U.S alone, only 30% of these bottles are recycled.
Buying a reusable water bottle instead will make a huge difference! There is so much plastic that ends up in our oceans and can cause serious harm to marine animals as well, so do your part and just switch to reusable bottles! Plus, when you stop buying packs of plastic water bottles, you will save so much money in the long run.
In my opinion, switching to a reusable water bottle is one of the easiest swaps you can make! I’m sure you own a few reusable water bottles already, but if you’re looking for some new ones here are a few of my favorites!
2. Stop using plastic sandwich bags!
I didn’t realize how many plastic sandwich baggies I was using every single day for my cold lunches. One for my pb+j, and a few for snacks I would bring. That’s multiple bags every single day that I’m just throwing out after I use them. I switched over to Stasher Silicone Bags in January and they’ve made such a difference. They’re microwave safe, dishwasher, freezer, fridge, stove, and oven top safe too!
3. Ditch the plastic straws
Over the past two years there has been a huge shift away from using plastic straws and if you haven’t switched to reusable yet, what are you waiting for!? There are so many reusable straw options out there- silicone, stainless steel, glass. I prefer these glass ones just because they don’t have that metal taste to them and they look cute too!
4. Bring a reusable bag to the grocery store
This is a super easy way to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in our landfills! Just start bringing your own bags to the store with you. I know it can be hard to remember so just always have a few in your car so you never forget! Some stores even reward you with a small discount if you bring them. I know Target does!
5. Use Reusable Cotton Pads
These are my absolute favorite! I’ve been using these for the past five months and they work so well. You just wet the cotton round with water, and remove your makeup! It’s that simple. No makeup remover is needed! This is one of those things you just have to try for yourself because you will be amazed at how all your makeup comes off with these!
Once you’re done using them, you just throw them in with a load of laundry and they’re ready to use again!
6. Stop Using Paper Towel
Paper towels are literal trash. You are paying money to just throw it away after you use it. Think about that. Paper towels also just seem to move the mess around instead of absorbing and soaking it up, which does you no good! Instead use a regular dish towel, these highly absorbent, biodegradable cellulose sponge cloths or the Nano Towel. These are not only better for the planet, but they’re also so much more effective in cleaning up spills.
7. Switch to a Silicone Baking Mat
These mats are nonstick, super easy to clean and evenly distribute the heat while cooking so your food doesn’t get burned on the bottom! Such a great alternative to using parchment paper that you throw away after a single use. You also won’t need to use any cooking sprays or oil. I got my silicone mat for Christmas and it has been a game-changer in the kitchen!
8. Stop using plastic & paper plates, cups and forks for parties
So many times when we throw parties, we use disposable plates, cups, napkins and utensils so that we don’t have to clean up afterwards or do tons of dishes. Not only is this extremely wasteful, but it also can get expensive to buy new paper products every time you have a party.
Instead, use your nicer dishes that you never use, use your good silverware and your cloth napkins. All of this will make for a gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing tablescape your guests will love!
9. Use Reusable and Sustainable Cleaning Products
One of my goals this year was to switch all my cleaning products to nontoxic and sustainable. Many conventional products on the market contain tons of harmful ingredients/chemicals and can really affect the air quality in your home. Did you know cleaning products are actually the second most toxic category of products in your house?
I made the switch to Branch Basics and I am obsessed! I love that the products are safer (for me, my boyfriend, our apartment, and the environment), biodegradable and free of harmful preservatives! And all the bottles are reusable, so you’ll never have to purchase them again!
If you want to learn more about simple ways to switch to non-toxic products, click here!
10. Replace your kitchen sponge
Not only are sponges a breeding ground for bacteria but they also take an extremely long time to decompose. They are also extremely wasteful as you’re only supposed to use them for a few weeks and then they need to be tossed. Instead, look for a bamboo dish scrub like this one here on Amazon. Or if you still like your sponge, get one that is 100% cellulose and is fully biodegradable.
After reading these 10 beginner eco-friendly tips, what can you start doing today that will have a positive impact on our planet?
Other Posts You May Like:
Simple Ways to Switch to Nontoxic Products
Why I’m Switched to Clean Beauty and You Should Too
My Nontoxic Morning Skincare Routine
