Hello there, Fellow Wanderers,
This week’s blog post is going to turn back to practical ways we can adjust our lifestyle to be more eco conscious. Over the last few weeks, I have focused on raising awareness by highlighting important world days that celebrate our planet. These days continue to raise awareness and heighten the importance of stepping up individually to make our own small changes.
In a world where environmental consciousness and awareness is on the rise, more and more people are adopting a zero-waste lifestyle, to reduce their carbon and waste impact on the planet. By making certain mindful choices and avoiding select items, we can significantly minimize waste and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future. In this blog post, I am going to share with you 10 things I no longer buy as part of my zero-waste journey, and the eco-friendly alternatives I've chosen in their place.
Plastic water bottles have become an emblem of our throwaway culture, a simple walk on the beach supports this. By investing in a reusable water bottle made from stainless steel or glass, you can eliminate the need for buying single-use plastic bottles. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also saves money in the long run. Both glass and stainless steel are much healthier options too as the chemicals used to make these bottles can often leach into the water.
As an avid coffee lover and owner of Wild & Bean, I used to rely on single-use coffee pods and disposable cups, this excess use and waste was one of my biggest concerns. We have now switched to a refillable glass coffee mug, stainless steel travel mug and a coffee maker that doesn't require single-use pods. It's a small change that has made a big difference in reducing waste generated from my daily caffeine fix. Our Wild & Bean coffee bags are made from paper and our delicious chocolate coated coffee beans are packaged in a little glass jar. Not only does this carefully hold their freshness longer but is reusable.
In the past, I would reach for paper towels for cleaning up spills and messes or a particular mirror. Now, I've replaced them with reusable cloth towels and cut up, old t-shirt rags. These can be washed and reused countless times, significantly reducing paper waste in my household.
Plastic bags are one of the most common forms of single-use plastic pollution and a real pet peeve for me. Living in the Cape, on a windy day, it’s easy to spot them stuck in trees or simply flying around. By carrying reusable cloth or canvas bags whenever I go shopping, I've eliminated the need for plastic bags altogether. If you have forgotten yours at home or in the car, most shops have their own options for purchase. It's a simple habit that helps to reduce plastic waste and protect our oceans and wildlife.
Traditional plastic brushes often end up in landfills, contributing to the plastic waste crisis, over the years most of us have had either dishwashing brushes, nail brushes, or hairbrushes in our homes. We have made the switch to wooden or bamboo brushes with replaceable heads and are more sustainable options.
Plastic toothbrushes are another continuous source of waste. By swapping them out for bamboo toothbrushes with biodegradable handles, I've reduced the amount of plastic entering our landfills and oceans. It's a small change that has a big impact and are easy to find in almost any store.
Buying fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic packaging was once the quick option for me. Now, I choose to purchase loose produce or opt for items packaged in eco-friendly materials like compostable bags or paper. This way, I can enjoy fresh produce responsibly without contributing to unnecessary plastic waste.
Fast fashion has a devastating impact on the environment, from excessive water consumption to toxic chemical use and textile waste. I've made a conscious effort to shift away from fast fashion and instead support sustainable and ethical brands. Additionally, I explore second-hand options, such as thrift stores or online platforms, to find unique and pre-loved clothing items. Capegypsy has recently included a Slow Fashion option to our online store, and we are looking to continue to expand this range into both pre-loved vintage items.
Traditional shampoo bottles generate a considerable amount of plastic waste. After much trial and error, I've switched to shampoo bars, there are also many refillable options. These alternatives eliminate the need for plastic bottles while still providing excellent hair care.
Commercially produced soaps often come wrapped in plastic packaging. To reduce waste in this area, I've started making my own soaps and purchasing package-free soap bars. Not only are these options better for the environment, but they also tend to be gentler on my skin due to their natural ingredients. Making your own also gives you the freedom to add and remove ingredients to balance your own skins needs.
By consciously eliminating these 10 items from my life, I've taken small but significant steps towards a zero-waste lifestyle. Embracing reusable alternatives, supporting sustainable brands, and being mindful of packaging choices has allowed me to greatly reduce my carbon footprint and its environmental impact. I encourage you to consider joining me in trying one or two of these changes in your own life, as even small actions can collectively make a big difference. Let's work together to create a more sustainable and waste-free world.
Regards,
Gwen
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