Use bamboo toothbrushes, cloth bags, biodegradable shopping bags and tableware, environmentally friendly fabrics, non-toxic cosmetics. …
The daily plastic products we use end up in our trash. Here we introduce easy 12 methods that help you use fewer plastic products. Here are the eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle options:
1- Use a bamboo toothbrush
Replace your plastic toothbrushes with bamboo ones. These toothbrushes do not harm the environment. The environmental or ecological footprint of bamboo is less. Because bamboo plants grow quickly. Therefore, bamboo is considered a renewable resource. Also, raw bamboo is biodegradable if it is used for toothbrushes. You can easily replace bamboo toothbrushes that can be found in the markets. Want to know more about the pros and cons of bamboo toothbrushes, read this article.
2- Use biodegradable shopping bags
Plastic bags are one of the most important sources of pollution on the planet. If we could all switch to biodegradable bags, we have done much for the earth and the environment. If biodegradable shopping bags are not available, use cloth bags. Cloth bags are washable and can be used many times.
3- Avoid buying beauty products in plastic bottles
Annually, more than 80 billion plastic bottles worldwide belong to shampoo and conditioner. In many countries, reusable bottles are used to fill shampoo, conditioner and lotion. As a result, the consumer will purchase beauty products at a lower price in their upcoming purchases.
4- When buying food outside, bring your container with you
Many catering use foam or plastic containers to serve food. Using such containers threatens the health of consumers sometimes changes the taste of food, and also increases plastic waste. Either bring your food container or ask the restaurant to use biodegradable tableware. Biodegradable tableware that has all the necessary certificates is recommended. Replacing plastic containers with biodegradable containers can reduce the volume of plastic waste by a significant amount. Biodegradable tableware is environmentally friendly and can be reused up to three times.
5- Avoid receiving extra packaging when buying products
Almost 40% of the packaging industry belongs to plastic products. On average, every English household throws away about 400 grams of plastic wrappings and packaging every day. Even the simplest wrappings of fruits and vegetables are made of polyethene. Unfortunately, only 30-40% of product packaging can be recycled. Avoid buying fruits and vegetables in plastic wrap. This will further reduce your plastic waste. You can use small reusable bags instead.
6- Use a metal shaving razor
Only in the United States, 2 billion unrecyclable razors are found in landfills. Factories produce goods only when needed and only in the amounts required. Do not buy plastic razors and become the demand for this product. Use zero-waste razors that are all metal and have recyclable blades. Also in terms of price, replacing plastic blades is more expensive than replacing metal blades.
7- Do not use cotton swabs
Cotton swabs are only for single use. Imagine how much plastic waste is collected by using cotton swabs. Leave them for the sake of the environment.
8- Use metal wire clips instead of plastic clips to hang clothes
Not only plastic clips are harmful to the environment, but also break quickly and have a short lifespan. The price of metal wire clips is higher than plastic clips. But they last longer and their waste is not harmful to the earth. So you won’t need to replace them in the future.
9- Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
Start buying non-toxic natural cleaning products instead of chemical products. Chemical cleaning products may clean your home faster, but they can threaten your health, pets, and the environment. A good commercial option for the brand is the seventh generation.
10- Non-toxic cosmetics
Take care of your skin and save the environment by using non-toxic beauty products. Such products do not contain chemicals, parabens, phthalates or genetically modified ingredients. Among the reliable brands in this field, RMS Beauty is recommended.
11- Buy clothes that are made of environmentally friendly fabrics
Clothes that are usually made of environmentally friendly materials instead of polyester are a good option. Polyester is very difficult to recycle. Its decomposition takes more than 200 years. Sustainable fashion or eco-friendly fashion is recently growing serious followers of fair trade. The purpose of this trade is to help third-world producers for better and fairer trading conditions and to increase reliability. “Packet” is one of the most reliable sustainable fashion brands.
12- Use environmentally friendly products for daily life
Most products have tiny plastic beads that are not biodegradable and can penetrate the body. Use non-toxic body wash, toothpaste, face scrubs and other personal care products.
Using less plastic is a goal I have set for myself and I am proud to say I am achieving it. Every time I go to the store I make sure to bring my bags and I avoid buying single-use plastic whenever possible. I also use refillable water bottles and planners instead of buying new plastic items all the time. I understand that plastic use is one of the leading causes of pollution and the faster we phase it out, the better it is for the environment. Using less plastic is a small but important step in helping to protect our planet. Thanks for this article and your effort in sharing the knowledge to reduce plastic.