There are so many cute and easy ways to make this planet a greener place. With the plastic straw movement, now is a great time to change up some of those household items that might be doing more harm than good. And use this time to see what else could make an easy switch.
Here are a few ways to please your inner hippie, while also becoming a little more environmentally conscious.
Reusable water bottles (duh)
https://unsplash.com/photos/KJpMtvZuaX0
This should be a no-brainer. But if you are still buying bulks of plastic water bottles that you're only going to use one and then throw away, buying a reusable metal water bottle will help your wallet and the planet.
Thrift it up!
https://unsplash.com/photos/Eq9uX_TuE_c
Going thrifting is a way to get unique and classic pieces for your wardrobe while also being a sustainable way to reuse what we already have.
Don't let good things go to waste!
The farmer's market
https://unsplash.com/photos/-pyjPVh77uE
One of my favorite places in the entire world is at the farmer's market. There are so many different types of food and produce that you can't get anywhere else. Plus, the people there can always have you come home with a good story to tell.
The food you can get at farmer's markets are not only good for you (no GMO's), but they also provide a sense of community and sustainability.
Stop buying coffee filters and K-cups.
https://unsplash.com/photos/-LQJ7fB9amY
I know, I know, coffee is a very serious thing to be messing with. But the amount of plastic that comes from K-cups and your coffee runs to Starbucks each week can add up quick. Use a reusable coffee filter and reusable K-cups.
And I know you all have a to-go coffee cup that you can ask to be filled up instead of using another disposable plastic cup.
Reusable lunch bags
https://www.etsy.com/listing/216867450/lunch-bag-waxed-canvas-lunch-bag?ref=finds_hl
These adorable lunch bags are from Etsy and provide you with style and sustainability.
No more ugly (and wasteful) brown paper bags.
Metal/ Paper Straws
https://www.etsy.com/listing/594461320/rainbow-metal-straws-rainbow-stainless?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ts1--home_and_living-free&utm_custom1=fcc7a689-6dd5-4504-8de5-4c0eccaa97e1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8uLcBRACEiwAaL6MSWRM1c05uYl7itcaH265G_7zfZvkyN3i_E7xmn7z444X38CL6iGZCBoCOjsQAvD_BwE
Again, a no-brainer really.
Totes totes totes
https://unsplash.com/photos/phJVcDIsRvs
One the most simple changes that can make a big impact is buying cotton totes. Buying groceries every week allow for tons and tons of plastic bags to get stuck in landfills and harm animals. By switching to totes, you'll look cool and styling, even if that's just to get some eggs.
Use mason jars for EVERYTHING.
https://unsplash.com/photos/RIEZ0H8gebI
Whether it's to drink from or to store your food in, mason jars are super affordable and super cute.
Glass alternatives are the way to go!
Beeswax Food Wrap
https://www.etsy.com/listing/569507926/beeswax-wrap-set-set-of-3-yellow?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=reusable%20food%20wrap&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&organic_search_click=1
Hear me out. Can you imagine the amount of waste that comes just from the use of plastic wrap? Beeswax allows you to naturally keep your food fresh and covered. You can use it to cover or store your food- and be able to wash it off and use it again.
(Just make sure you're getting beeswax from vendors that don't harm their bees!)
Grow your own mini garden.
Growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables are such a great way to a little save money and save your self a trip to the grocery store.
A few pots around the house or a small garden in a windowsill are perfect ways to 'spice' up your space and food. Get it? Get it?
Taking care of our planet can be as easy as using tote bags for your groceries instead of plastic. It can be as easy as going thrifting for clothes instead of buying. It can be easy- we just have to find the right way to implement sustainable products.
It doesn't have to be a big, scary change. It can start with small steps. If we all care just a little bit more and a more conscious of how we consume, the planet (and the animals) will thank you.
For more amazing reusable products, check out Etsy for cute and creative changes.
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