7 eco-friendly products for a sustainable home
Looking to start living a waste-free life? These 7 eco-friendly products for a sustainable home will help you make the switch to reducing the use of plastic and other harmful materials. Remember, small changes can have a big impact!
(image via dans le sac)
There was a time where I would freely use plastic bags, drink from plastic straws, use one-time use containers…etc. It’s not that I didn’t care about the impact of using these items, it’s that I just had no idea of the impact they had on the environment!
It seems only recently that there has been an influx of information coming out on how harmful some of these materials are for the environment. One great documentary I watched on this (and would highly recommend watching) is A Plastic Ocean. This documentary touches upon how harmful plastic is to the environment, and how it’s having a severe impact on the oceans, and all the creatures that live in it. It was after watching this film that a lightbulb went on in my head. I had to do what I can in my own life to live more sustainably.
I have noticed some big shifts taking place in North America, with many grocery stores banning plastic bags, and Canada recently banning the use of microbeads in soaps. (These little beads ultimately end up in the ocean and get eaten by aquatic creatures.)
There are some simple changes you can make in your home to start moving away from using plastic and other harmful materials and products. These are a few of my favourite products I’ve made the switch to start living a waste-free life!
Keep in mind that these are only suggestions of things you can change and do what you feel is best for you. Even making just one of these changes can have a positive impact on the environment!
7 eco-friendly products for a sustainable home
1. Reusable water bottle
If you’re going to make one change, let this be it! A reusable water bottle is one of the best shifts you can make to move away from one-time use plastic. My favourite reusable bottle to use is the Swell bottle. It keeps your water cold for hours and they come in a variety of colours. I bring my reusable water bottle with me everywhere!
2. Reusable Straws
Have you noticed that many restaurants have switched over to using paper straws, or offering no straws at all? Straws are known to be one of the worst one-time use plastic items. Instead, try opting for bamboo straws, metal straws or paper straws. You can also just politely ask for no straw for your drink the next time your at a restaurant or bar.
3. Bamboo toothbrush & hairbrush
I recently just said goodbye to my plastic toothbrush and hairbrush and switched over to an environmentally friendly biodegradable bamboo toothbrush and hairbrush. I got mine from a local company, but you can also find similar ones on Amazon. (like this and this)
4. Reusable shopping bags
I’ve already mentioned how great it is to see many grocery stores banning plastic bags, so you’ll want to get yourself some reusable bags. Many grocery stores will sell reusable shopping totes for a couple dollars which is a great option. I also recently ordered this Parisian style shopping bag for the market and these reusable bulk bags.
5. Glass storage containers
Besides the fact that glass storage containers are better for the environment than plastic ones, glass tends to hold onto scents less than plastic containers, and they last WAY longer! I opted for ones like these with a snap on lid, to keep food well sealed and fresh.
6. Beeswax wrap
Say goodbye to the days of using plastic wrap to store everything! This Beeswax wrap is reusable, antibacterial, plastic-free, and compostable. It will also keep your food nice and fresh!
7. Glass spray bottles
One great switch you can make away from plastic, and towards living in a toxic-free environment is to purchase some glass spray bottles and make your own surface cleaner. Traditional cleaners can be filled with harsh chemicals that you spray in your house and breath in the toxins. Make your own surface cleaner by adding 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Mix it all together and add it to a glass spray bottle.
Some final tips on sustainable living
Besides switching over products to be plastic-free and reduce toxins in your environment, there are several other little things you can do day-to-day to be more eco-friendly. Some of these include reducing the time you use water, (i.e. take a shorter shower!) recycle & compost when you can, walk or carpool, and be mindful.
Yes, of course we all want to drive sometimes, take a long bath, take flights to be able to travel, and may end up at a drive-through eating out of plastic containers and using plastic straws. And that’s okay. Let’s remove the pressure to be perfect 100% of the time and shift our mindset towards being more present and doing the best we can the majority of the time.
Besides the small changes listed above, remember to try and eat more sustainably too. Shifting towards a more plant-forward diet (i.e. EAT MORE PLANTS) is a great way to make a change! Don’t forget to check out all of the vegetarian and vegan recipes on the blog for some inspiration on how to eat more plants!
Some favourite plant-based recipes:
- Kale Caesar salad with crispy smoked chickpeas
- Banana cream pie chia pudding
- Thai basil tempeh stir fry
This post contains affiliate links which means I will make a small comission if you purchase through some of these links. I only recommend product that I know, trust and love!
Thanks for the information and guidance on eco-friendly products. I always seem to overlook the beeswax wrap especially for the leftovers and sandwiches. I will definitely work on applying that next. Great ideas! I like the storage containers but reusable wipes and rags are another great way to minimize waste.
Your welcome Mark!
I’ve gotta say it gave me a little boost knowing I have 4/7 things on this list! I’m planning on my next purchase of sustainable products come pay day at the end of the month and I can’t wait. On my list are beeswax wraps, reusable dish brushes, and glass storage items. x
El | Welsh Wanderer
That’s amazing Elen! All great items to have on hand 🙂
Great post. It’s very helpful to me as I have started to live an eco-lifestyle from past two months and now I can got new ideas and would like to implement in my day to day life. Keep posting such interesting articles and educate readers on different ways to save the environment.
Hi Ajay, thank you so much! I’m so happy you found this post helpful and that you’ve started to live an eco-friendly lifestyle! We can all make a difference by implementing small changes 🙂
Thank you for this beautiful article and for the mention ! xx
Hi Laurie, your welcome! Your bags are amazing and it’s wonderful to see local companies doing good for the environment! Can’t wait to get some more of your reusable bags for shopping and storage!
Hi Laurie, your so welcome! Your reusable bags and brand are incredible. Keep up the amazing work 🙂
Thanks for this super useful post, Jess! Very helpful as I try to find more ways to minimize my environmental impact.
Thanks Nisha! I’ve been slowly switching over to these products and it feels so much better! Plus some items like the Parisian shopping tote is so cute and perfect for the market. WAY better than plastic!:)