Being eco-conscious has never been more important than in 2021. As the climate crisis continues, we all need to do our part to help reduce the impact we have on the planet. Many of the things we use around the home are made with non-sustainable materials or use ingredients detrimental to the environment.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives available for common household products that are made with sustainability in mind. In some cases, this may mean that you have to pay a little extra, but the benefits of switching to eco-friendly items cannot be understated.
Compost Bin
A compost bin is an excellent way to reduce the amount of waste your home produces. You can put unused foodstuffs into a compost bin to create your own fertiliser for your garden. It is important to note that not all foods can be composted. For instance, meat will spoil if put into a compost bin, making unpleasant smells and attracting pests.
It is worth looking at compost bins build from sustainable materials. You can often find compost bins in biodegradable materials like bamboo and ethically sourced wood.
Shampoo Bars
The number of plastic shampoo bottles we use is a significant contributor to waste plastic worldwide. Switching from bottled shampoo to solid shampoo bars can be an excellent way to mitigate some of this plastic waste.
Shampoo bars are rapidly gaining popularity as a less wasteful and better value way to wash our hair. You can get a massive variety of different shampoos that cater to all hair types and concerns. You can also get solid versions of other crucial beauty and hygiene products such as conditioner, moisturiser, cleanser and more.
Sustainable Mattresses
One thing that many people don’t consider when buying a mattress is the sustainability of the product. Many mattresses are made with synthetic materials that can include hard to degrade plastic fibres.
When selecting a new mattress, it can help to look for mattresses that use sustainable materials and packaging that is biodegradable or made from recycled plastics. For an idea of what to look for in a sustainable mattress, check out this Nectar mattress review from The Mattress Guide.
Silicone Lids
Cling film is another common household item that contributes to unnecessary plastic wastage. While cling film can undoubtedly help keep food fresh, the amount used in the UK is a significant contributor to waste. Instead, you could consider stretchy silicone lids that you can use to cover over the top of an open container or bowl. It is worth getting these in a wide range of different sizes to ensure that you have the options you need to keep your food fresh.
Water-Saving Showerheads
Many people experiment with different showerheads to find ones that will give the best water pressure. Another use of showerheads can be as water-saving tools. For instance, you could buy an aerating showerhead that combines water with air to use less water for each shower. It is worth looking into the different options available, depending on the type of shower you have.
Soy Candles
Many people enjoy burning candles around the home to create a pleasant scent and relaxing atmosphere. Traditional candles have been known to increase the levels of air pollution in a home and can even release toxins from the ingredients they are made with.
If you enjoy having scented candles around the home, it may help to consider candles made with soy wax. These are not only vegan but also non-toxic. It is essential to do your research when buying candles. Look over the ingredient list, and where possible, choose candles made with 100% natural ingredients.
Rechargeable Batteries
Many small household items and appliances still run on battery power, such as TV remotes and electric toothbrushes. To avoid excess waste from dead batteries, you could instead look into getting some rechargeable batteries to keep at home. Not only will these save you money over time, but they are also much better for the environment.
Bamboo Toothbrushes
Approximately 200 million toothbrushes are used by UK residents each year, given that we should replace our brushes at least once each three months. Typically, toothbrushes are made from plastics that take hundreds of years to biodegrade.
There is a large market for sustainable toothbrushes and, while they can be more costly than traditional toothbrushes, they are significantly better for the environment. One of the most popular sustainable toothbrushes is the bamboo toothbrush. It is crucial to select bamboo toothbrushes with care as dentists have criticised some as being too hard for our gums.
Conclusion
Living an eco-friendly life can be tricky at times, but it is getting easier every day. It is true that some sustainable products are more costly than others, but if you can afford them, the cost is well worth it. It may help to start looking at the different things you use and discard around the home and find various eco-conscious alternatives to help reduce your carbon footprint.