Global climate change and the negative impact of plastic and other non-biodegradable products in our daily lives are wake-up calls to modify our behaviors. While green practices have been a priority for most organizations and industries, it is now time to develop zero-waste solutions for our day-to-day life.
With that being said, here are some simple zero-waste solutions to help you turn your lifestyle around with these greener practices.
Reusable Shopping Bags
We’re all well aware that plastic takes more than 100 years to decompose. But do we give it a thought while carelessly using those plastic bags while shopping or doing groceries?
Many brands and grocery stores introduce paper bags as an alternative to plastic bags. While paper can quickly decompose, it is still a burden on nature as the manufacture of paper means deforestation and damage to natural habitats.
Therefore, a more sustainable alternative to plastic bags can be 100% cotton tote bags. These reusable cloth bags are easier to carry and don’t contribute to any waste.
Reusable Metal Straws
Straws are entirely unneeded; you can straightaway avoid them if you don’t have a sustainable alternative. If you can’t survive without a straw, purchase some metal straws and carry them wherever you go.
Recyclable paper straws are an excellent substitute for plastic. However, they tend to become moist when submerged in a liquid for an extended time. There are also other material options to choose from with reusable straws including silicone, bamboo, glass, and disposable paper straws.
Multi-use Kitchenware
Multi-use kitchenware, including air-tight covers, storage bags, stirrers, and cooking spoons, are all great alternatives for plastics items used in the kitchen. The silicone storage bags and air-tight covers can easily be refrigerated and washed once used.
While reusable, silicone items are resistant to heat and have a longer life than plastic, there’s no leaching of toxic chemicals, and silicone is safe for storing edible items.
Reusable Stainless Steel, Glass, and Plastic Bottles
Although plastic bottles are light and easier to carry, they are hazardous for the environment and your health. A better alternative to plastic bottles can be metallic or glass bottles.
Carrying a reusable bottle with you will make you consider not just single-use bottles and cans but also single-use plastic glasses at restaurants and bars.
Ditching Single-Use Toiletries
Disposable plastic items such as plastic shampoo bottles, soap dispensers, toothbrushes, and razors may all seem like they’ve made their life easy, but there are much better alternatives that you should know.
A much greener alternative to disposable toothbrushes can be bamboo stick brushes, and a much safer alternative to disposable razors can be metallic razors. Disposable plastic bottles for shampoo and liquid soaps can easily be replaced with glass bottles or purchasing refills.
Final Thoughts
It is not difficult to incorporate more ecologically friendly habits into your daily life to avoid the environmental damage we unknowingly commit. We should explore such sustainable solutions for ourselves and inform and urge those around us to do the same.
