Look around your room right now and try to see how many products you have that’ll produce waste when they go into the bin.
Living an entirely waste-free life is difficult, but making switches from reusable and unsustainable products one a time is as easy as pie.
As a rule, swapping from paper and plastic to materials that can be washed and used again is better for the planet and your wallet.
They might require a higher outlay, but once you cost the amount you’d spend buying new ones again and again, you’re saving a huge amount of money.
We’ve chunked down all the items in your home you can switch to a reusable or recyclable alternative. All can be bought online here in the UK, and will put you well on your way to an ethical household.
- Switch cotton pads for these washable bamboo versions.
- Hopefully you’re already using reusable face masks. We rounded up the prettiest ones on Etsy.
- Swap freezer bags for these handy Stasher silicone ones.
- Get a chic soap dispenser, and save plastic buying refills in future.
- An electric reusable candle lighter will save on disposable lighters and gas refills.
- Avoid using plastic wallets for documents, trying these reusable versions instead.
- Beeswax wrap can be used in place of cling film or aluminium foil to keep food fresh.
- If you use sanitary pads, these bamboo versions are an easy swap for lighter days.
- A decent electric razor will put an end to disposable ones.
- Silicone cleaning pads won’t tear or get dirty like traditional sponges (and they can be used as trivets or even on your body).
- As well as being non-stick, these silicone cupcake cases will save a fortune for any amateur baker.
- Swap makeup wipes for a Magic Mitt that takes off your makeup only using water and can be chucked in the wash.
- Not only is it sleeker and more modern, a glass nail file is an easy switch for emery boards.
- Although most false eyelashes are reusable, these magnetic ones don’t use any adhesive or liner, making them less prone to becoming gummed up and therefore giving you more wear.
- A wide mouthed HydroFlask can be used for water, coffee, and even wine or cocktails on the go.
- Most of us now use reusable shopping bags as a rule, but to ensure you don’t forget them or run out, this BagPodz set with storage makes it so easy you’ll never use a plastic bag again.
- Go one step further and bring your own produce bags for fresh goods at the supermarket.
- Something as simple as a reusable metal drinking straw will change how you see waste (disposable straws are still everywhere).
- Plastic cutlery is fiddly and unsustainable – opt for a reusable set like this one.
- Those going really hard to reduce their waste might want to ditch the tea bags. Loose leaf tea can be brewed in a standard cafetiere instead.
- Get fresh bread right from the bakery with no plastic required. Just pop it in this cotton bread bag, which will help keep it fresh.
- Cloth nappies save so much money, as well as the planet.
- Doctors don’t recommend using cotton buds to clean your ears, and they’re bad for the environment. This ear cleaner is safer and can be cleaned and reused again and again.
- Wool dryer balls are a perfect alternative to dryer sheets and available in homeware shops across the UK.
- Plastic toothbrushes aren’t sustainable. Swap for a recyclable bamboo one (as you need to change your brush every three months anyway).
- On the topic of teeth, rather than using packaging-heavy toothpaste, get a pretty mason jar and opt for Lush Toothy Tabs and Mouthwash Tabs. They clean your teeth just as well without the plastic to bin.
- Plus, you can avoid standard floss with a Waterpik – which is better on your teeth too.
- If you often put foil down when cooking and baking, make the switch to reusable silicone mats that’ll reduce sticking.
- Got a coffee machine but sick of throwing pods away? Reusable pods can be filled with ground coffee and washed for your next cup.
- Soap will always go down your drains – ergo no reusable option – but a product like Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap can be used for cleaning the house and your pets as well as your body, saving on myriad other bottles of cleaner.
- Those who use tampons might consider changing to menstrual cups. Not only are they kinder to your vaginal PH and hold more before leaking, you simply remove, wash, and replace the cup every four to eight hours.
- Did you know loofahs are actually plants? A natural loofah in place of a shower scrunchie dries quickly (reducing bacteria growth) and can be put into your garden soil to nourish plants when you’re done with it.
- Kitchen paper gets thrown away in reams, but catering-standard tea towels do a better job of cleaning without the waste. Just make sure you have plenty on hand so you can mop up spills and always have a fresh clean one ready.
- Handkerchiefs used to be the norm, but many have moved to tissues these days. Go back to the good old days with organic cotton hankies. They’ll reduce that sore, scratchy nose feeling after a cold, too.
- Pens are an item you probably barely think about, but we bet you get through disposable biros like nobody’s business. A nice fountain pen looks professional and can be refilled for forever use.
- Multi-tasking products like this solid co-wash are perfect for travelling. Rather than multiple bottles of shampoo and conditioner, just wash hair with this for smooth, shiny hair. Because it’s solid, you can take on the plane.
- Although not traditionally used in the UK, a bidet attachment is a major sustainable swap, cutting down your need for toilet paper. They’re fairly inexpensive, and should leave you feeling clean after each trip to the loo.
- Having a large number of people for a barbecue or event might normally mean plastic cutlery. Switch to bamboo for a sustainable option for larger gatherings (when we can have them, of course).
- A refillable deodorant like this one from Wild does the same job without aerosols or tons of packaging.
- Gift wrap can be replaced with reusable sheets or you can even use vintage silk scarves. Master the art of Furoshiki folding to keep everything together.
- Take off nail polish in a flash with reusable wipes designed specifically for the task.
- Pop one of these charcoal water filters into your bottle or jug to remove chlorine or hard water tastes. Once it’s done, it can be used in nappy bins and litter trays to soak up smells.
- Koh Universal Cleaner is refilled from a box and packs a punch on everything from grout to ovens.
- Lip balm is a must in cold weather. A refillable bamboo one – like this from Zao – means no more plastic waste as you hydrate.
- Plastic toilet brushes are thrown away after they’re worse for wear. With Tampico bristles and a wooden handle, this can be recycled instead.
- Mops with wipes are easy, but a good microfibre mop will cost a whole lot less and get your floor just as clean.
- Shower curtains are designed to be reused, but liners are often not. Switching to a fabric one will give your shower curtain new life and can be washed whenever it needs it.
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Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2021/02/10/47-easy-reusable-swaps-for-your-disposable-products-13891526/
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