The world needs your help to create a sustainable planet earth! What exactly does this mean? It means that with your help to meet your current needs in an eco-friendly fashion, we are helping future generations be able to meet their needs when the time comes.
Every year humans create over 300 million tons of plastic. 300 MILLION TONS! And unfortunately, over 8 million tons of that plastic finds it’s way to our oceans. You can create a sustainable world by putting these zero-waste swaps to use at home and while you’re out and about.
{Shopping links included and include some of our favorite Michigan businesses!}
Ways to create a sustainable home:
1. Reusable food storage bags v. plastic bags
By switching to reusable food storage bags you’re not only reducing your home’s plastic waste, but you’re also making a small investment that will save you money in the long run! My favorite reusable food storage bags are Stasher bags! You can find these online or at local stores like Target.
2. Glass food storage v. plastic food containers
If you start to implement this little phrase into your life it will be a big difference – Glass is life! Repeat…Glass is life. Whenever you have the option to use glass over plastic always go with glass. Stores like Costco have fantastic options for glass food storage. You can make this swap for close to $25!
3. Menstrual cup v. disposable sanitary products
If you walk away at the end of this post thinking about making any swaps I want you to seriously consider this one. I know it might sound daunting, but my menstrual cup has changed my life – not exaggerating there. Last year I made the swap from tampons to a Saalt Menstrual Cup and I tell all my friends about it. Saalt Menstrual Cups are available online or at your local Target in the feminine product aisle.
4. French press v. coffee maker requiring a filter or K-cups
This is an easy swap that will give you the most delicious cup of coffee and reduce your household’s waste! Target, Amazon, and most local stores carry fabulous french presses.
5. Beeswax food covers v. plastic wrap or aluminum foil
Say goodbye to saran wrap and hello to the most wonderful option for covering your leftovers. Beeswax food covers from a Michigan based business, Bee Joyful Shop, are an awesome swap.
6. Composting v. throwing away food scraps
If you enjoy gardening this swap is a good option for your family. All you need is an outdoor bin and a little time to do some research composting tips. Soon enough all your kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, tea bags, and fruit rinds will be beautiful compost that all your plants will enjoy. Our friends at Good Housekeeping created an easy guide to start composting at home.
7. Silicone cupcake liners v. paper cupcake liners
These handy kitchen staples will come in handy for more than when baking cupcakes. If you follow us on Instagram you may have heard our Community Engagement Coordinator, Jenna, talk about these during her Jenna’s 5 Favorites IG story segment. This swap is simple and budget-friendly!
8. Wool dryer balls v. dryer sheets
Super easy and eco-friendly! Grab a few wool dryer balls from MamaSuds today to find out the beauty of wool dryer balls v. dryer sheets.
9. Cloth napkins v. paper napkins
This swap is another small investment that will save you some money. These beautiful cloth napkins from a Michigan based Etsy shop, Clear Sky Home, will make you glad you made the swap!
10. Sustainable or cloth diapers v. non-sustainable diapers
This one is a bit more extensive because if you choose cloth diapers you’ll be making a decent investment in supplies and if you choose a more sustainable diaper product you’ll pay a little more. But…diapers made of sustainable products are amazing. So soft, so wonderful. Take a look at Nest Diapers!
11. Cotton towels v. paper towel
Next time you’re shopping online or at the store look around for some nice, cotton towels that can be used in place of paper towel. If you love paper towel {like my mama} look for compostable or recycled paper towels like these from Seventh Generation.
12. Reusable nursing pads v. disposable
Reusable nursing pads aren’t only eco-friendly, but they’re also way more comfortable and absorbent than disposable ones. Buy Buy Baby has some great options!
13. Eco-friendly toothbrush v. plastic toothbrush
Support a Michigan based business, Bogobrush, and grab some recycled or biodegradable toothbrushes for your entire family. The planet will thank you!
14. Dishes v. plastic-ware
Listen, I understand plastic plates are convenient and lessen the dish-washing load after dinner but let’s all work together and ditch those plastic plates. Put a nice set of dishes on your wish list and include the entire family in post-meal clean-ups to help reduce the use of single-use plastics.
15. Recycle v. toss
Recycling is easy! Find out what your township offers for recycling and hop to it. Add a bin under your sink or in the garage to drop any items that can be recycled like plastic bottles, metal cans, and office paper. Republic Services simplifies the recycling process for us on their website.
16. Buy household supplies in bulk or make your own v. small plastic containers
When you buy a large bottle of soap instead of 6 individual soap dispensers for around the house you are making a big impact on the amount of plastic you use. MamaSuds offers household products like hand soap that you can purchase and use to refill small soap dispensers. They also offer concentrates to help make your own household cleaners. Bonus: Grab some pretty glass soap dispensers for the bathroom and ditch the plastic completely!
17. Bamboo kids kitchen-ware v. kids plastic-ware
It takes over 1000 years for plastic to biodegrade and it is not anti-bacterial. Bamboo is durable and anti-bacterial making it perfect for your kid’s plates, silverware, and cups. My personal favorite business in this category is WeeSprout.
Ways to help create a sustainable world when you’re out and about:
18. Ask for a coffee mug or bring your own v. use a paper, to-go cup
Panera Bread and other restaurants offer mugs at their coffee stations if you plan to dine in. Use a reusable coffee mug instead of the popular to-go cup. Better yet, bring your own!
19. Ask for no straw v. using a plastic straw at a restaurant
Many restaurants are helping decrease the use of plastic straws by either providing a paper straw or no straw at all. If you visit a restaurant that offers a plastic straw simply say, “no thank you!”
20. Reusable produce bags v. plastic produce bags
I love these reusable produce bags from a Michigan based Etsy shop, Remiusable. Keep them in your car so you don’t forget them on your next trip out for groceries.
21. Reusable grocery bags v. plastic bags
Check out these beautiful reusable bags from The Little Market. If you’re a fan of “The Hills” you might see a familiar face AKA Lauren Conrad on their website.
22. Pack snacks in glass mason jars v. plastic storage bags
Glass mason jars come in a variety of sizes. You can use these for food storage as well as for snacks on the go. Worried about glass and kids? Grab a few of these AIEVE silicone sleeves for your jars to help protect them from being dropped and knocked around.
23. Plan outings/errands v. driving all over throughout the week
This not only decreases pollution in the air, but also makes your life easier by taking care of all your errands on the same day so you’re not driving all over all week.
24. Buy second hand v. brand new
Next time you’re on the hunt for a new outfit or school clothes shopping visit your local second hand or consignment shop first.
25. Glass water bottle v. plastic water bottles
As mentioned in the introduction of this post more than 8 million tons of plastic ends up in our oceans each and every year. Next time you’re enjoying the beach while on vacation think about this one. Plus, we’re a state surrounded by water! Us Michigan peeps should be super focused on this one. Pick this pretty Contigo glass water bottle up during your next drive-up order at Target.
