{"id":1931,"date":"2024-01-23T17:50:21","date_gmt":"2024-01-23T17:50:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theboonroom.com\/?p=1931"},"modified":"2024-01-23T17:50:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T17:50:21","slug":"sustainable-lifestyle-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theboonroom.com\/blog\/sustainable-lifestyle-products","title":{"rendered":"20 Products for a More Sustainable Lifestyle"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the face of climate change, pollution that endangers the health of people, animals, and plant life, and increasing habitat loss, action must be taken. However, while we\u2019re often told it takes all of us to contribute to such an enormous undertaking as saving the planet \u2013 especially when it comes to decreasing our carbon footprint \u2013 it can be difficult to know where to start. Our best advice? Start small by focusing on how you can make your existence on this planet more sustainable.<\/p>\n

What Are 20 Ways to Go Green?<\/h2>\n

We\u2019re often asked, \u201cWhat are good examples of sustainability ideas?\u201d so we\u2019d like to share some of our favorite sustainable products and sustainability tips to help you do your part. While your individual impact may be small, everyone can make a difference when working together. Here are twenty ways to start.<\/p>\n

1. Switch to Reusable Paper Towels<\/h3>\n

Paper towels are a staple in many kitchens, but they aren\u2019t reusable or recyclable. They can be composted, but many people simply throw them away so they can clutter landfills quickly. By contrast, reusable paper towels \u2013 thus named because they are more absorbent and flexible than regular kitchen towels \u2013 can be used, washed, and used again and again.<\/p>\n

You can use them to do anything you would with a traditional paper towel, including cleaning up spills, drying your wet dishes, or cleaning up a dirty stove.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Paper<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a>\n

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They\u2019re also more cost-efficient than the alternative, as they can be reused a whopping 50 times before needing replacement \u2013 that adds up to nearly 90 rolls of traditional paper towels. When it\u2019s time to replace them, the material is 100 percent biodegradable, so you won\u2019t have to worry about them sitting in a landfill for years. If you want, you can compost them in just a few weeks.<\/p>\n

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2. Get Clean With Eco-Friendly Bar Soap<\/h3>\n

While soap is a necessity to remove surface dirt, get rid of germs, and improve your skin\u2019s appearance, most are not sustainable or ethically sourced. While body washes are packed with shelf stabilizers, dyes, perfumes, and microplastics, bar soap is a better alternative. Better yet, this bar soap from The Right to Shower is even more sustainable than that of other companies.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Eco-friendly<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a>\n

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Why? Its production doesn\u2019t involve any animal testing, and the packaging is made from recycled materials. The company also sources all ingredients from sustainable origins.<\/p>\n

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3. Choose Reusable Straws<\/h3>\n

Plastic straws are single-use and contribute to landfill waste. Worse, they often find their way into waterways and pose a threat to wildlife. A metal straw can reduce waste in the landfill and help you cut costs. Instead of continuously purchasing new straws, a quality set of metal straws can last almost indefinitely.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Reusable<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\nYou can boost your sustainability by bringing your favorite straws along with you when you go out to a restaurant. Kindly ask your server to hold the straws to do a small part to help the environment while enjoying a nice meal.<\/p>\n
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4. Change to Reusable Coffee Pods<\/h3>\n

Many people like to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, and it can be extremely convenient to brew a single cup when you\u2019re on the go. Unfortunately, single-use coffee pods, like those for a Keurig or Nespresso machine, are made of plastic that isn\u2019t easily recyclable and poses a mounting plastic waste problem.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Reusable<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\nThis reusable coffee pod enables you to continue to use your single-use brewing system; just refill with your favorite ground coffee.<\/p>\n

If you just can\u2019t let the pods go, you can try participating in Nestle\u2019s pod recycling program, but reusable pods are more sustainable. Other ways to help increase the sustainability of your morning coffee are to compost the used grounds or use them for fertilizer.<\/p>\n

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5. Try an Eco-Friendly Moisturizer<\/h3>\n

Moisturizer is one of the most essential personal care products for many people, but finding one made from sustainably sourced ingredients is not always easy. You\u2019ll want to look for moisturizers like this one made from Fair-Trade-certified shea butter. This product also uses an aluminum tube instead of plastic, making it easy to recycle.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Eco-friendly<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

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6. Prioritize Sustainably Produced Toys<\/h3>\n

Many modern toys are made from plastic and negatively impact the environment. Some companies have taken the opportunity to use recyclable materials in their toys instead of newly produced plastics. Look for recycled wood, metal, or even recycled \u201cgreen\u201d plastics like this line from Green Toys. They\u2019re free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC, so they\u2019re safe for your children and the environment, too.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Sustainably<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

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7. Monitor Your Electricity Use<\/h3>\n

Americans are notorious for using far more electricity than they need and never considering the ramifications. Even if you are concerned about your electricity usage, it can be difficult to know where to cut back. While you can see your energy usage on your electric bill, you likely won\u2019t get enough data to explain where most of your power consumption comes from.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Electricity<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\nPurchasing an electricity monitor can help you track how much energy you are using as well as peak usage times. This enables you to make informed decisions about where to start cutting back.<\/p>\n
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8. Switch to Reusable Storage Bags<\/h3>\n

Storing leftovers is a great way to reduce your food budget and cut down on food waste. Unfortunately, finding the proper container to keep things like a half-used onion or a cucumber may have you reaching for a plastic storage bag that will ultimately wind up in the landfill.
\nInstead of single-use storage bags that aren\u2019t biodegradable and can harm the environment, consider using a reusable bag.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Reusable<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\nThese bags can be used again and again \u2013 simply wash them in warm, soapy water for next time. Available in many sizes, they are perfect for leftovers or even packing lunch for work or school.<\/p>\n
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9. Compost Your Food<\/h3>\n

While food is biodegradable, it serves no purpose wasting away in a landfill. By contrast, composting helps you to dispose of organic materials without contributing to the landfill and gives waste like banana peels or onion scraps a new life. You can use the compost as fertilizer for your garden to reduce erosion, encourage healthier growth, and conserve water.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Food<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\nA countertop composter is the perfect way to remember to compost your scraps. Then, you can consider transferring it to an outdoor compost bin as you accumulate compost. You\u2019ll want to find a composter like this one, which is properly sealed to prevent an unpleasant odor experience in the kitchen.<\/p>\n
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10. Avoid Using Tea Bags<\/h3>\n

Tea is healthy, tasty, and, depending on the type you prefer, can provide energy, help you sleep, or serve as a lovely closing to a cool night. However, tea bags can pile up in the trash, which leads to more waste in the landfill. Instead of using a tea bag, consider purchasing a tea diffuser and using loose-leaf tea.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Tea<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\nWith a tea diffuser, you can brew your tea as strongly as you\u2019d like, with more control over how much is in each cup. You can also customize blends of various teas with absolutely no teabag waste. Just rinse and dry after use.<\/p>\n
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11. Try an Upcycling Project<\/h3>\n

Recycling has been a hot-button topic that many environmentalists have pointed to as a simple contribution anyone can make to help the environment. However, recycling can be more than taking glass bottles or newspapers to your local recycling plant, as there are many ways you can recycle to help the planet. Consider starting an upcycling project in your home where you reuse or repurpose some of your clutter into something fun. You could use empty wine bottles as a chandelier or turn your old books into planters. The only thing that limits you is your imagination.<\/p>\n

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12. Consider Sustainable Toilet Paper<\/h3>\n

Toilet paper is far from environmentally friendly. It\u2019s often bleached, can\u2019t be recycled, and can even harm your plumbing or septic system. Consider looking into more eco-friendly and sustainable options, such as this product made from 100 percent recycled products.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Recycled<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\n

Instead of newly felled trees, recycled toilet paper is made from paper pulp that has already been used. This reduces the impact of the forestry industry on the environment. If you\u2019re really committed to sustainable toilet products, try reusable toilet paper made from soft, absorbent cloth that can be washed and reused.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Reusable<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

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13. Teach Children About Sustainability<\/h3>\n

No one is born with an innate understanding of how to protect the environment. The fact that you\u2019re here reading this blog is proof that sometimes, you need someone to show you the way. Teaching children about the importance of sustainability and environmental protection can instill these values in them at a young age. They can then carry this knowledge with them into the future to inspire future generations to take a hand in protecting the planet.<\/p>\n

Sit with your children and explain the importance of doing simple things to help the environment, or offer to volunteer to speak at a school or youth group about a few things they can do to help protect the earth.<\/p>\n

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14. Switch to Reusable Food Wraps<\/h3>\n

Cling wrap is a useful tool in every kitchen that can fit any container and lightly cover leftover food for storage. However, these wraps are plastic and are not typically biodegradable. Worse, they can pose a serious risk to wildlife. For a more sustainable option in the kitchen, consider using a reusable food wrap from beeswax and cotton.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Reusable<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)w<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\nThese wraps will still provide your food with the same protection that you get from other cling wraps, but you won\u2019t have to throw them away after every use. Just give them a quick rinse in the sink, and they will be ready to go again for all your food storage needs. Best of all, they are biodegradable when they finally do reach the end of their lifespan.<\/p>\n
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15. Try an Eco-Friendly Lipstick<\/h3>\n

Cosmetics are considered a significant source of waste and other damage to the environment. The products often come with extra packaging that leads to garbage in a landfill, and the cosmetics themselves may include ingredients that damage the environment or contribute to animal testing. Any time you can find an eco-friendly version of your favorite beauty product, we recommend you consider it.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Eco-Friendly<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\nThis lip balm has minimal packaging to cut down on waste, and the tube itself is made with zero plastics. In fact, you can compost the cardboard tube when you\u2019re finished. The lip balm inside is eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and plastic-free.<\/p>\n
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16. Use Green Dish Soap<\/h3>\n

While you may not think of dish soap as something that contributes to environmental damage, it does have an impact on our planet. Many dish soaps can pose a threat to the environment when they enter the sewage system and, eventually, the waterways. They nearly always come in plastic containers that will sit for years in a landfill because they aren\u2019t biodegradable.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Green<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\nThis dish soap is USDA-certified biobased, dye-free, fragrance-free, and plant-based, and it\u2019s 100 percent biodegradable. It\u2019s also packaged in a 100 percent recycled bottle you can refill from a larger recyclable container.<\/p>\n
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17. Use Sustainable Floss<\/h3>\n

While floss picks or loose dental floss are small in comparison to some of the plastic products we throw away with daily use, these tiny products add up quickly. Instead of using single-use models, try a heftier, sustainable version you can reuse. Even if you don\u2019t like the idea of using the same floss pick twice, this product is completely biodegradable, uses zero plastic, and requires less material to produce.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Sustainable-dental-floss\"<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\n
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18. Give Organic and Sustainable Gifts<\/h3>\n

One of the biggest crises facing the planet is our reliance on plastics. Organic products made from the earth using natural materials are often better for the planet in the long run than relying on plastic items. Look for products made from abundant resources like cotton, bamboo, or hemp, and consider giving these sustainable options to your friends and family as gifts to help spread good habits to those closest to you.<\/p>\n

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19. Swap Out Your Single-Use Grocery Bags<\/h3>\n

Plastic bags have been a point of contention with many environmentalists, and some grocery stores are beginning to phase them out. You can help bring about the end of plastic bags by purchasing several reusable grocery bags you can fill again and again. Look for bags made from recycled material to increase the contribution to the health of the planet. With the right care, you can reuse your bags for years.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Reusable<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\n
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20. Use a Recycled Water Bottle<\/h3>\n

Single-use plastic water bottles are currently piling up in landfills around the world and greatly contribute to our environmental problems. Instead of buying a case of water bottles to take with you on the go, consider purchasing a reusable water bottle that you can use whether you\u2019re out or about or just sipping on water at home. To further positively impact the environment, try to find a bottle made of recycled materials like this one.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n\"Recycled<\/p>\n

Shop Now (Amazon)<\/span><\/a><\/div>

<\/div>\n
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Let\u2019s Continue to Work Together for Better Sustainability<\/h2>\n

\"Working<\/p>\n

There you have it: our top twenty ideas to help reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet. Once you\u2019ve made these simple changes, consider learning more about eco-friendly products and how you and your family can live a more sustainable lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Keep reading our blog and be sure to subscribe to The Boon Room newsletter for regular updates and sustainability news.<\/p>\n

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