I’m currently two weeks into my Instagram sabbatical for the month of December (I’m loving it, by the way.) Before my IG detox, I got a lot of DMs about everyday switches for waste-free/waste-less products.
I’m learning that sometimes the biggest changes are what I stop doing to make room for something better. In this case, it’s making room for less waste and healthier choices – for about the same price.
So here are 6 everyday products I don’t buy anymore:
Plastic wrap
The fastest way to create more trash than necessary: Buy plastic wrap and put it on all your food. I tried beeswax wraps and wasn’t a fan. Foil isn’t great for your health but it is recyclable. Now I prefer to store leftover food in glass containers, mostly mason jars. Instead of picking up a roll of plastic wrap, check out your local thrift store for some second hand mason jars.
Razors
I’m pretty sure you are supposed to replace plastic/disposable razors every few uses. That’s A LOT of waste.
This summer I switched to a safety razor. It is 100% recyclable metal and you can mail back the blades when they become dull. The cost for 1 razor and 20 blades is about the same as 2 packs of disposable razors!
Feminine Products
I have a couple problems with feminine products:
1) Most products are made with plastics (eww) and cotton – one of the most heavily pesticide-laden crops.
2) They are expensive and taxed.
3) So. Much. Waste.
The cumulative waste aside and high cost, there are just some places that toxic pesticides shouldn’t go.
Several years ago I switched to a cup which collects instead of absorbs. There are a lot of really expensive ones out there ($40+) but I’ve been really happy with my $17 one from Blossom.
If you have troubleshooting questions, reach out to their customer service. They are really helpful!
Candles
Besides the clutter of a half burned candle, there are SO many toxic ingredients in candles (Ever notice there’s no ingredient label on candles? YIKES.)
I stick with nontoxic room sprays from Lemongrass Spa (there are new scents each season which are fragranced with plant extracts) and essential oil diffusers. Diffusers are reusable and a couple drops of your favorite essential oil go a long way.
Toothbrush
Okay, okay, don’t worry. I do brush my teeth. I simply don’t buy the FULL toothbrush anymore, just the brush head.
It’s a lot less plastic and still cleans great. You can also switch the handle for right/left hand use – you pick!
A sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, by investing into a long-lasting product once you save money over time because you’re not purchasing as many consumables. I hope this encourages you to look into more sustainable products that fit your life and budget and are kind to Creation.
The Nontoxic Journal 