Simple swaps that I recommend for a more sustainable lifestyle
Living a zero-waste lifestyle can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With a few simple swaps, you can reduce your waste and make a positive impact on the environment. Here at Wild Heart Wanderer, we are passionate about living a sustainable life, and we want to help you do the same.
The obvious:
There are so many articles out there now that promote zero-waste swaps, so it's common knowledge now that re-usable straws, coffee cups and cloth bags should be your regular go to items for a less-waste lifestyle.
The less obvious:
Handkerchiefs
What use to be a common accessory needs to make a comeback. By having a small jar filled with hankies in an easily accessible location of your house, these small squares of cloth can still be one-time use, but eliminate the need for boxed disposable tissues. They are softer and more gentle on your nose and can be sterilized in the wash with a high-heat cycle. The best part about using handkerchiefs is the cost. All you need is an old flannel bed sheet to cut into small squares. If you don't have one laying around the house you can probably pick one up pretty cheap at the second hand shop. One small crib sheet will make enough hankies to last a family a few days. (Depending on how runny their noses are).
Utensil kit
This one might be common knowledge, but I want to point out that it doesn't require an Amazon order for that fancy pack of bamboo multi-function spork set. Most people already have an abundance of forks, spoons and knives already in their kitchen and can spare a set to store in their purse/backpack/car. If you're also a minimalist and have a limited amount of kitchen silverware, a quick stop at the second hand shop will provide you with a cheap set. You could even get two or three sets for rotation when they need to be wash or have utensil sets in your purse, backpack AND car!
Snack bags
One-time use plastic snack bags are the definition of a wasteful world. Now-a-days there are other options. Cloth snack bags with waterproof linings are an excellent alternative. Sandwich wraps with velcro are also great. After the initial cost of fabric and velcro/zippers, these bags are cheaper than the one-time use plastic versions that need to be continually purchased. If using a sewing machine is not your forte, then these cloth baggies can be purchased or perhaps you have a friend or family member who knows their way around a sewing machine.
Food storage containers
Using re-usable food storage containers for leftovers is great. Using the kind with the glass bottoms is even better. The best part about these types of containers is that they can be microwaved. I don't want to promote microwaving your food, but if you do so already, then doing so in glass is best. Food should NEVER be microwaved in plastic. While some plastic containers state they are microwave safe, I would still advise against it. The plastic breaks down when heated and those nasty plastic chemicals will leach into your food.
Wax wraps
While we're on the topic of food storage, I'd like to do a shout out to wax wraps. Whether they're beeswax or vegan, these wraps should be a staple in every home. You could even try your hand at making your own, if you're up to the challenge.
Smart Shopping
I've written a full article on how smart shopping can encourage a less-waste lifestyle and you can read it HERE, but I think that this deserves another mention here as well. When given the option to purchase something in either plastic or metal/glass/wood, it's usually a smarter choice to go with the latter. For example, when peanut butter comes in plastic or glass. Choose glass. If you must have your brand of peanut butter and it only comes in plastic, don't be quiet about it. Send a letter to the company expressing your dilemma and desire to live more sustainably. Another example of this is store-bought baby food. Who thought it would be a good idea to put baby food in squeezable pouches? I'll stick with the glass jars, or better yet, make your own!
Cloth diapers
Of course, this one only relates to parents and guardians/caregivers of small children, but it's important to bring up. I wish I'd known the devastating affects disposable diapers have on the environment when my son was younger. From production to landfill these poop collectors are bad news. Although cloth diapers come with a bigger price tag up front, in the end you'll save money because you only need to purchase them once, unlike disposables.
Pee cloths
Yes, I said it, pee cloths. Small squares of fabric used to wipe your underside. Unlike cloth diapers, they are not pee'd and poo'd in. They are simply there to clean up afterwards. Say goodbye to toilet paper pieces stuck to your bum and hello to gentle yet strong and durable cloth! I titled this "pee cloths", but they could even be used to clean up after #2's. Enough said.
Period cups
This one is for the ladies. re-usable menstruation cups. They can be an expensive initial purchase, but they will last for a VERY long time. They are healthier for your body than tampons with no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome and they can be worn longer than the average tampon too!
Cloth pads
To be used with your period cup for added protection or on it's own. Cloth sanitary pads have come a long way and are available in many different shapes, sizes and styles.
Safety razors
If you shave every other day, it is advised that you replace your razor every 2-3 weeks. Why continually pay for the whole razor when simply re-filling the blades is obviously the better option? Sure, the initial expense is more, but it's better in the long run. Plus, there's something special in using metal to shave. It's classic! I've used a safety razor for years now and I absolutely love it.
Bath luffas
Replace those colourful poof balls of scrunched up plastic mesh with something natural! When you use something natural, like a sea sponge or actual luffa, they can be tossed in the compost when they need to be replaced! Did you know: true luffa comes from an edible plant? That's right! Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family. When allowed to dry out after ripening the skins can be peeled and the tough core remains.
By embracing a few simple changes, you can drastically reduce the amount of waste you produce and live a more eco-friendly life. I hope that some of these low-waste suggestions have inspired you to make some changes in your daily life.
Let me know if you've discovered any other low-waste alternatives! I'd love to chat with you about them!