More than ever before, people are running through single-use paper and plastic products at an alarming rate. While many of us want to be more environmentally conscious, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are 7 helpful products to reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint.
Reusable Food Bags
A great alternative to many common food storage options is reusable silicone food bags, like Stasher Bags. They range in a variety of sizes, these silicone bags can easily contain freezer meals, hold your favorite bite-size snacks, preserve your favorite PB&J, and everything in between. They’re even microwave and dishwasher safe. Traditional Ziploc bags will soon be a thing of the past.
Silicone Baking Mats
Many baking recipes (and some cooking ones too!) require parchment paper as a sheet liner. Unfortunately, most traditional parchment papers aren’t recyclable or compostable. Instead of endlessly tearing off a piece of parchment or aluminum foil to prevent your food from sticking, you can use a silicone mat instead. Likewise, whenever you’re in the mood for cupcakes. Both silicone pieces are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Microfiber Mop Pads
Swiffer sweepers are an extremely handy product, but the Swiffer pads can begin to add up over time. Attach a microfiber pad (like this one) to use on your floors to pick up dirt and dust. You can also purchase a cleaning solution that will turn your Swiffer into a mop. Similarly, you can invest in a set of microfiber cloths (like these) to use for cleaning up surfaces or dusting around the house instead of its paper towel counterpart.
Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are a popular new alternative to regular dryer sheets. These mighty little balls bounce around and separate your clothes, allowing for greater airflow which cuts down on drying time. This movement also helps de-wrinkle your clothes. For an added bonus, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the dryer balls to give your laundry a fresh, uplifting scent.
Reusable Cleaning Bottles
Most cleaning products are made with plastic that is difficult to recycle. Reusable cleaning kits, like Jaws Clean-Up Kits, include glass spray bottles that use cleaning tablets that dissolve in water. Each tablet is made for specific surfaces, like glass/mirrors and multi-surfaces. After you get the starter kit, you can just buy refills whenever you’re running low, or even set up a monthly delivery subscription.
Silicone Sponges
We often throw away regular sponges because they quickly become gross and full of bacteria. Switching to silicone sponges (like this one) will prevent mold and bacteria from forming and will last a heck of a lot longer too. The silicone material is built to last without damaging your surfaces. You’ll be able to cut down on your consumption and cut through grease at the same time; it’s a win-win!
Reusable “Paper” Towels
Whether you’re cleaning off the kitchen counter or wiping up a spill, paper towels can handle any situation. Unfortunately, like most cleaning products, paper towels are extremely wasteful. That’s where Earthly’s Unpaper Towels come into play. These reusable, cotton towels have the same absorbency as regular paper towels but are 100% machine washable. Just toss them in the wash with your other towels and then simply roll them back onto the tube roll once they’re dry.
Add these reusable products to your laundry room, bathroom, and kitchen to cut down on waste and help protect the planet. Click here to learn how to prevent back and neck pain while safely using these products around the house.
About The Author
