6 Eco-Friendly Alternatives You Can Use At Home If You Care About The Planet
You'll end up saving a lot of money, too.
Did you know Canadians throw away three million tons of plastic waste every year and only 9% of it gets recycled? Whoa.
Composting food scraps and using reusable bags are basic steps in reducing waste, but there are other ways to make a positive impact at home. Shopping for sustainable alternatives that replace throwaway plastic items are small actions that could save you big money down the road.
Reusable Paper Towel
Price: $46 for a four-pack
Details: This is the first time we've heard of reusable paper towels and we're blown away. Just one of these Papaya cloths replaces 17 rolls! They're cute and compostable, too. Most people replace them after two to three months.
$46 on PAPAYA
Beeswax Food Wrap
Price: $18.99
Details: Say goodbye to Saran wrap. Bees wax paper is a better way to wrap leftover bowls or to use as sandwich holders. You can even wrap half of an avocado and it won't spoil. And just like the reusable paper towels, they come in all kinds of colourful prints.
$18.99 on ETSY
Bamboo Toothbrush
Price: $22.99
Details: Because dentists advise us to change our toothbrush every month, we end up tossing a lot of plastic in the garbage every year. Opting for a bamboo toothbrush with bristles is just better for the environment. The four-pack from Indigo come wrapped in a compostable cello made from wood and cotton pulp.
$22.99 on INDIGO
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Price: $40
Details: Shampoo doesn't have to come in a plastic bottle. You can wash your hair with a bar and it works just as fine. This set from Indigo comes in a little tin which makes for easy storage. When they're not in use, just tuck them away in your cabinet.
$40 on INDIGO
Smart Reusable Notebook
Price: $44.98
Details: With how much paper we go through in a year (this includes gift wrap over the Holidays), trying out a digital notebook isn't a bad idea. Here, you still get the pen and paper experience—you're just not throwing any scraps in the trash! If you make any mistakes you just wipe it off with a damp cloth.
$44.98 on AMAZON
Rechargeable Batteries
Price: $15
Details: Batteries are made up of chemicals which are toxic and can cause water and soil pollution. So rather than buying a bunch of disposable batteries every month, go for the rechargeable ones from brands like Energizer. You can charge them up to 1,000 times and they can last up to a year in storage.