From the second we wake up, we start using gizmos, gadgets, and products that help us live our lives. We brush our teeth and get ready for the day, put on our clothes, commute to work, eat lunch, clean our homes, go out with friends, take care of our pets, and so much more. What each of these activities has in common is they require you to purchase something to get it done. But until recently, the environmental impact of these purchases wasn’t widely considered.
Sustainable alternatives, commonly referred to as sustainable swaps, exist for almost everything you can buy today. These are the same great products that you know and love but are made even better by focusing on the environmental impact. They do this by using responsible, ethical, and eco-friendly practices. These items are usually reusable, high-quality, and result in a decreased impact on planet Earth. Let’s take a look at some of the best sustainable alternatives that you can use every day.
Toothpaste Bits
Every tub of toothpaste you’ve ever used is sitting somewhere in a landfill. Thankfully, some great companies invented toothpaste bits or tablets, which are solid pieces of toothpaste that can be used waste-free.
Organic Cotton Clothing
While cotton is a common fabric for clothes, not all cotton is considered equal. The most sustainable option is organic cotton, made without genetically modified seeds or pesticides.
Electric Bikes
If you’re commuting to work, doing some errands, or just wanting to explore your neighborhood, electric bikes or e-bikes are a great way to do it. You can change these at home and ride them on or off the road for miles. If you don’t like to bike, there are also great electric scooters and skateboards that make your sustainable travel a lot of fun.
Reusable Cutlery and Containers
Despite plastic being cheap and durable, it is not sustainable. In fact, plastic takes hundreds of years to break down and is the cause of a massive amount of global litter and pollution, even in the deepest parts of our oceans. By choosing to use your own metal or silicone cutlery and containers when you’re eating, you can reuse them over and over again and stop contributing to the worldwide plastic problem.
Micro Fiber Towels
Paper towels are an easy way to clean up every spill, but they’re a single-use item. A simple way to fix this problem is to use microfiber towels instead that can clean up your mess even better and are machine washable.
Pet Water Bottles
Your furry friends deserve to be sustainable too. By taking a portable bottle for your dog or cat, you can eliminate the need for plastic water bottles. Be sure to remember to bring your reusable water bottle too!
Key Takeaways
When you’re choosing sustainable alternatives, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Don’t buy something you don’t need, and use what you already have first.
- Most sustainable alternatives are high-quality and often better than their wasteful swaps.
- Every aspect of your life can incorporate sustainable choices and help you do your part to protect the planet.
