Going green can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle, especially when things are so stressful. We are all rushing about trying to make sure that we’ve got everything we need for the whole family, from detergent to healthy snacks, and sometimes the temptation to just grab the nearest product and worry about getting the one that’s better for the planet next time is overwhelming.
Well, we’re one month into the new year, and there is no better time to make good on that resolution to shop smarter, to take a step back, look out for unnecessary chemicals and single-use plastics and think about whether the goods we’re buying are bad for the planet. The good news is, as stern as that resolution sounds, it’s easier than ever to take those steps thanks to advances in technology and growing awareness from both the manufactures and the consumers. We’re all trying to make a big push to help the environment, and here are a few ideas to help you go greener!
Think About Your Plastics
Plastic waste is one of the biggest issues affecting the environment today. The amount of plastic that ends up in our dustbins and on the trash heaps is truly horrifying, and we all have a duty to make a greater effort to cut down on how much plastic we use. Now, you may have already bought your refillable water bottle, but you may be looking for other easy ways to cut down on single use plastics. Well, many of the big-name brands are putting more and more work into making sure that their bottles are made from recycled material.
This is a good start, so long as you’re doing your recycling properly at home (remember to check the local council website to see what is and isn’t accepted by them!). Try to make sure that you are buying loose fruit and veg rather than packets wrapped in cling film, and remember to reuse shopping bags. When it comes to things like liquid soap and shower gel, you can use refillable containers to do your part.
Introduce Bamboo And Charcoal To Your Bathroom!
Speaking of plastics, it’s time that you stopped buying plastic toothbrushes and get involved with the eco-friendly alternative that everyone’s talking about. Bamboo toothbrushes are fully bio-degradable, and are available from brands that are cruelty-free. Bamboo also has natural antibacterial properties, which means that it will kill any bacteria that get inside the brush, so you don’t need to worry that plastic might be better for your teeth. But it’s not just about the brush. For anyone looking for a way to whiten their teeth without the use of toxic chemicals, activated charcoal teeth whitening is vegan and cruelty free. You can find out more about why so many people are making the switch to charcoal teeth whitening at Euro White, which has a range of options available and a lot more information.
Get Rid Of Face Wipes
The UK is particularly bad when it comes to the use of wet wipes, and even worse when it comes to how we dispose of them. Back in 2017, it was estimated that 93% of blockages in the UK were caused by wet wipes, and anyone who has ever clicked on a link about a fatberg will know exactly what happens when enough of those things go down the drain. There is currently more of a push to create wet wipes that are biodegradable and not just “flushable”, but cutting down on, or cutting out, your use of them is one of the easiest things that you can do to go greener in your beauty regimen. Try using a hot flannel in the evening to get rid of the grime and stress of the day, or reusable eco pads.
Check Your Brands
If you’re feeling like you’ve got a good routine going when it comes to making your shopping habits greener, then it’s time to start thinking about where you shop and which brands you’re buying from. We’re not just talking about cosmetics either, although you are going to want to check those too!
From food to fashion, it’s getting easier and easier to find out which of the brands you buy are actually putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Shopping for vegan brands is great, but it’s always worth doing a little digging to see if their production habits are as fresh as their produce. That jumper may be cruelty free when it comes to the animals who provided the wool, but how does that brand treat their employees? With a little looking around online, you’ll soon be able to sort the companies who are genuinely making big changes to the way they do business from the ones who are hoping nobody looks too closely.