I compiled these tips based on some swaps I have made myself over the past couple of years – not all at once, though, just bit by bit. I am a loonng way off being ‘zero waste’, so the last thing I want to come across as is a preachy tree-hugger! 🙈
I would just like to share some easy ideas to help you move towards a greener and cleaner life. 😊🌱
1. Re-useable Mesh Shopping Bags
[Ditch Supermarket Plastic Packaging]
A rule I try to stick to (not always possible) is to boycott packaged fruit and veg, and choose only the loose varieties. Bring along your own mesh produce bags to the supermarket or farmers market to save on plastic waste – Simples!
I went for these certified organic mesh bags and use them every time I shop!
After the mortification of having trolleys full of loose fruit and veg, and a bit of eye-rolling from the cashiers, these mesh bags were a God-send! Gone are the days where I had twenty-seven mandarins and fourteen carrots rolling along the conveyor belt in different directions. Life-changing stuff altogether. 😄
2. Re-usable Food Wraps
[Instead of Cling Film or plastic sandwich bags]
Re-useable food wraps are so handy for wrapping pretty much anything around your kitchen – from a loaf of bread, to sandwiches to a half-eaten avocado. The perfect replacement for cling film, and they come in a range of cute prints too!
3. Biodegradable Bin Bags
[Instead of Standard Plastic Bags]
This one is such an easy swap!
Go for bin bags that will biodegrade over time, rather than standard plastic bags that take hundreds of years to decompose. I have just stocked up on these refuse sacks for our general waste bin and these caddy bags for smaller (bathroom) bins.
The overall goal, of course, is to reduce waste and minimise the use of plastic bags completely. I have my eyes on a compost unit as have been meaning to get going with composting. This is on my to-do list!
4. Organic Loose-Leaf Tea
[Instead of Plastic-Packaged, Non-Organic Tea Bags]
For you tea-drinkers out there, organic tea is the healthiest choice, and the loose-leaf versions come with much less or no plastic packaging. I’m still very much partial to throwing a handy teabag in the mug – But organic loose leaf tea is my general go-to!
I use a glass teapot with a stainless steel inner section to brew the loose leaves – like this one:
5. Organic Candles
[Instead of Parrafin Wax Candles]
If you’re a candle fan like me, switch to natural, organic candles.
Conventional candles that you find in a lot of shops are made from paraffin wax, and they give off harmful substances into the air as you burn them. Organic candles made from bees or soy wax are clean-burning and renewable, so much healthier for you and the environment.
6. Natural Cosmetics in Minimal Packaging
[Avoid chemical-laden products in plastic packaging]
Anything we put on our skin is quickly absorbed into our bloodstream – With this in mind, natural lotions are best to nourish yourself without harsh chemicals! Skincare, haircare, deodorant and make-up.. There are natural and sustainable options for all of the above.
My new favourite moisturiser is this Abyssinian Oil Beauty Balm. It is made from 100% natural ingredients and really melts into your skin!
7. Re-useable Organic Cleansing Pads
[Ditch the Single-Use Cotton Pads/Balls]
I got these reuseable bamboo make-up remover pads and they are so handy!
Use them with your cleanser as you would use ‘normal’ single-use cotton pads. Pop them into the mesh bag and into the wash – Easy. Make-up is a rare occurrence these days with nowhere to go, but the re-useable pads are lovely for a facial-like cleanse all the same!
8. Natural Dental Care
[Avoid non-natural, plastic packaged products]
Toothpaste recommendation: Natural toothpaste in a glass jar with an aluminium lid. It is made with a blend of organic coconut oil and spearmint leaf essential oil, a strong antiseptic that eliminates germs and promotes healing.
Toothbrush recommendation: Bamboo toothbrush. It freaked me out when I thought about the fact that every toothbrush I have ever used in my life is still sitting in landfill 😨 I have both a bamboo toothbrush and an electric toothbrush so a bit of a compromise – it is all about balancing what works for you.
Dental floss recommendation: I recently switched to a refillable plant-based dental floss which is biodegradable and so more eco-friendly than conventional plastic floss. I love that it comes in a stainless steel dispenser and I can order the refills once it runs out. Say no to plastic dental floss which gets tangled up in the poor wildlife and marine life!
9. Refillable Water Bottles & Coffee Cups
[Instead of Single-Use, Disposable Bottles and Cups]
This quote sums up the problem…
“A million plastic beverage bottles were purchased each minute as of 2017. The plastic bottle’s journey from convenience to curse has played out quickly—in a single generation.”
national geographic
Try to avoid buying bottled water and coffee in disposable cups if at all possible – Fill up at home and get on your merry way. 😊 We are spoiled for choice in refillable bottles and cup options made from sustainable materials such as stainless steel, copper, bamboo or glass.
I purchased copper water bottles recently and I am delighted with it! Read why in this blog post: The 6 Benefits of Copper Bottles that You Need to Know // Global WAKEcup Review
10. Natural Cleaning Products
[Instead of products that are hazardous to our health]
There used to be a myth that has now been disproven: ‘Green doesn’t clean’. So untrue!
Why would we clean our homes with substances that are clearly labelled with warning symbols?! Their toxic effect on human health is undeniable. Not to mention the effect it has on our environment and marine life once it passes through our drains.
Recommendation: Pure and natural household cleaning products in recycled (and recyclable) spray bottles. Refills are available which make them even more eco-friendly. Making your own cleaning products is another option. Or, buy glass spray bottles and simply order the refills in bulk!
11. Shop Locally in Refill Stores and Markets
Support local and reduce plastic waste at the same time! These shops stock refillable household items (natural cleaning products, liquid soap, etc.) plus food items (oats, rice, lentils, pasta, beans, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, etc.). Simply bring your own bags, containers, bottles and jars and stock up in bulk!
Some personal favourites of mine for refilling are Small Changes, Reuzi, and my local farmer’s market. These are Irish, but wherever you are in the world, have a look for a place local to you!
12. Be Mindful when Shopping for Clothing
[Avoid Fast-Fashion Brands]
I have most definitely been a culprit of fast fashion, never giving so much as a thought to what or where I shopped for clothes. Only recently have I become more aware of the horrendous impact that fast fashion has on the environment and the lives of some of the workers behind the scenes.
Before you make a purchase, ask yourself: ‘Do I really need this?’ and ‘Is this a sustainable, ethical and/or natural product?’
An amazingly creative friend of mine recently launched her own sustainable fashion brand named Férí. Her vintage-inspired designs are created using natural, organic and salvaged vintage fabrics… Love this! Go Faye🤗 And Amy Huberman seems to be a fan. 😍
There are eco-friendly and natural clothing options available – Look for items made from linen, wool and organic cotton. Or try this amazing brand that makes clothing from sustainable bamboo and recycled textiles!
Definitely easier said than done. I am still working on reducing the habit of impulse-buying, myself.😬
13. Switch to a Renewable Energy Provider
[rather than non-renewable energy sources]
I highly recommend that everyone considers changing over to a green electricity supplier. This means that the energy you use will come from renewable sources like wind, solar, biomass and hydro. Such an easy swap and so impactful!
I recently switched to a green electricity supplier – Bright Energy. A friend of mine and her husband recently launched this company across the island of Ireland. Knowing the people behind this business gives me an extra layer of comfort – I know their intentions are purely good and environmentally focused! 😊🌱
14. Natural Home Decor
[choose recycled / natural materials]
This my favourite eco topic (obviously!). As an Interior Designer, I see serious benefits to putting careful consideration into the design of our homes – I know how much a space can impact on a person’s mood, health and wellbeing.
With that said, we do need to be careful not to be mindlessly wasteful, not to follow new interiors trends season after season, and not to fill our homes with flimsy furniture that won’t last.
The best way to be greener and cleaner in your home decor, is to focus on quality and natural materials – wood (sustainably forested), rattan, recycled glass, jute, hemp, wool, organic cotton and linen.
Have a look at this blog post for more advice on creating an eco-friendly design for your home: 9 Eco-Friendly (and Stylish) Interior Design Tips for Your Home
Good luck with your clean green swaps!
I am still working on many of these points myself – Small steps at a time! Nobody can do this ‘eco thing’ perfectly. If you can, adopt one or two of the ideas on the list, and we will be heading in the right direction! 🤗
“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.“
aNNE MARIE BONNEAU – THE ZERO WASTE CHEF
[…] For more tips on choosing healthy (and sustainable!) products, have a read of this post: 14 Easy Swaps for a Greener and Cleaner Life […]