In recent years, people are getting more and more conscious about the damage we’re causing to our planet. Becoming eco-friendly is almost a necessity these days. It’s not just about turning off the light when you’re not in the room or recycling your garbage. It’s about changing your lifestyle and habits. But take it one day at a time. Start slow, see what you’re comfortable with and what works best for you. Just don’t hesitate to start, our planet needs you.
Reusable Bottle
With the overwhelming plastic packaging of products, manufacturers found a way to replace plastic water bottles. The solution is eco-friendly reusable bottles that are durable and convenient. Even though their purpose is the same, to hold water, every person has different needs which is why there are several popular materials you can choose from.
Stainless steel is at the top of the list for many reasons. It’s very hard-wearing and rust-resistant. It’s also dishwasher safe which makes it easy to clean. Plus, it’s sustainable because it’s 100% recyclable. Glass is another eco-friendly option. People love the way it looks but many don’t use it because it can break easily.
If you’re looking for a water bottle in reusable design that’s lighter, silicone might be your thing. It’s also flexible and easy to clean. It won’t break if it falls on the ground and will last longer than glass. The next thing to consider is the bottle’s capacity. Think about your average water consumption throughout the day. Are you more comfortable with a smaller or a larger bottle? Which one motivates you to drink more and stay hydrated?
If you don’t like drinking room-temperature water, get a bottle with temperature control. Vacuum insulation is created by two separate bottles joined together with air sealed in between. This protects the water from changing its temperature depending on the weather. There’s also double-wall construction which has two layers of insulation.
The lid of the reusable drink bottle is also very important. Screw-top lids are least likely to leak. They stand firmly in place but can sometimes be complicated to open. Flip lids are practical when you’re in a hurry and have only one hand to open and close the bottle. Straw lids give you easy access to the water but can be hard to clean.
You’ll be using your bottle a lot so make sure it has an ergonomic design and it’s easily portable. If you’re traveling by car, it should fit in your cup holder. If you use the bike, you should be able to attach it. Of course, these bottles come in every colour you can imagine too. Some of them have patterns and some have the classic silver look, so you should also make aesthetics part of your shopping considerations.
Reusable Straws
Did you know that there might be 14.4 million tons of microplastic at the bottom of the ocean right now? Recent research shows terrifying numbers of plastic being dumped into our waters every day. And these numbers grow every day. Unfortunately, single-use plastic straws are one of the biggest contributors.
Many of these waste materials damage marine life in the oceans. Fish and birds often confuse plastic waste with food and end up with big health issues or worse. However, you can now replace them with reusable straws. These eco-friendly straws cut down on the quantity of plastic waste that ends up in landfills.
These straws are also easily portable. Just like reusable bottles, they’re lightweight and easy to clean. Some of them come in a container that keeps them safe and a cleaning set of brushes. You don’t have to do much, a simple wash with mild soap and warm water will do the trick.
Bamboo Toothbrush
Experts recommend changing our plastic toothbrush every four months. If we assume that on average we change it twice a year, there are over 50 million toothbrushes thrown out only by Australians. Just think of the impact this has when you consider the whole world. This should be our sign to turn to bamboo toothbrushes.
Bamboo is a natural and biodegradable material, making it an excellent substitute for plastic. It is both antimicrobial and flexible, doesn’t leave any harmful chemicals behind and breaks down in a matter of months. It cleans your teeth just as any plastic brush will do, with the benefit of having a healthier and much cleaner planet.
Solar-Powered Phone Charger
We live in a digital world where our phones are a big part of our lives. We use them to call, text, have meetings, pay bills, send emails and much more. Charging them constantly adds a lot to our electricity bill. So, manufacturers found a way to reduce it. They came up with solar-powered chargers.
They use the sun as a charging source, eliminating electricity completely. The charger has solar panels that collect power from the sun and transform it into electricity. They reduce the amount of coal and oil used to generate power, preventing pollution of the environment and global warming.
Another benefit is the possibility of charging your phone in remote places where electricity is not available. When you’re hiking or camping, you’ll have a power source available. This charger is just one step towards an eco-friendly household and life. As the world faces a global energy crisis, even the little things can make a big difference.
Compost Bin
The practice of composting isn’t something new. People have been doing it for generations. It consists of dead leaves, fruits and vegetables, branches and dirt, scraps and water being combined together in a container. Even the contents of your reusable water bottle can go inside. When mixed together, these things start to compost over time.
The bins come in many sizes. If you have a big household with lots of family members, you’ll need a bigger bin and vice versa. Some of them are even made of sustainable materials such as bamboo. Most are odour-free so you won’t feel the smell in and around the house. Plus, they’re easy to wash.
Self-Watering Pots
Self-watering pots are a great way to start our own small garden. They’re made of two parts. The inner pot has the plant and soil, and the outer part holds the water. Both containers are joined with a wick that transfers the water according to the plant’s needs.
These pots can handle different plants, herbs, flowers, fruits or vegetables. You can have fresh supplies in your food with not a lot of effort. They’re beneficial in many ways, such as:
- Saving water;
- Preserving nutrients;
- Promoting healthy root growth;
- Saving time;
- Saving effort;
- Saving space.