Congratulations - you just purchased a new home! Buying a new home is a great time to reinvent yourself. You've got the foundation of the home, but most everything else can be altered or renovated to meet your aesthetic and functional preferences. But what about your ethical aspirations? The good news is that you don't have to wait until the New Year to implement eco-friendly resolutions... While you're buying new furniture and décor to make your house a home, check out these easy eco-friendly swaps that reduce waste and limit your footprint:
Laundry
Swap single-use dryer sheets for bamboo dryer balls.
Reduce plastic waste by utilizing Dropps laundry detergent pods.
Replace harsh stain sticks with this solid laundry stain bar.
Kitchen Swaps
Replace single-use plastic bags with reusable Stasher bags.
Swap paper towels with adorable Unpaper Towels.
Reduce waste (and frustration) from plastic wrap with these food wraps!
Skip years at the landfill with these biodegradable sponges.
Save money and waste by making coffee at home with these reusable coffee filters.
Cleaning Swaps
Reduce single-use dusters with this washable option.
Swap blended-fabric cloths for compostable cloths.
See brands below for refillable cleaning sprays and solutions, such as BLUELAND.
DIYs & Low-Cost Swaps
You don't have to spend tons of money in order to make more eco-friendly swaps! The beauty of the eco-friendly lifestyle is that there are many resources on the internet that can provide insight as to how to reuse what you currently own, make DIY cleaning supplies and tools, and even creative ways to compost or recycle. This can be as simple as switching your single-use dusting tools to a DIY spray and old t-shirt. You might make a window cleaner out of white vinegar or things you already have in your pantry or cabinet. And be sure to check with your local city waste authority to set up recycling services. The possibilities are endless, and there isn't any one way that an eco-friendly lifestyle should look!
Brands to Look Into
Below you will find a few brands that offer a range of eco-friendly products. Additional notes indicate details some may find important when selecting a brand.
Grove Collaborative offers a variety of household products that are non-toxic, sustainable, and cruelty-free. They are a Certified B Corporation who emphasizes the importance of Earth-friendly products and packaging, as well as their carbon offset. Grove Collaborative also partners with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees across the United States.
7th Generation manufactures cleaning and personal care products that are plant-based and do not have synthetic fragrances or dyes. They are a Certified B Corporation that takes several precautions to ensure their production process and items create as little impact on the environment as possible. 7th Generation can typically be purchased at grocery stores, making it an easily accessible swap.
PUR Home produces non-toxic and eco-friendly laundry detergent and household cleaners. They also sell refills and zero-waste packaging options. PUR Home was founded by a black female who is passionate about creating natural household and skincare products. All of their products rank highly on the EWG website.
BLUELAND sells soap for hands, laundry, and dishes, as well as other cleaning products. The company manufactures small tablets and powders that are to be dissolved in water, reducing single-use plastic and the eco-footprint of shipping. The tablets come in compostable packs, and packaging materials are recyclable. The company was founded by a female who believed that we shouldn't sacrifice a clean home for a clean environment.
Brought to you by Jackie Lenz, Realtor & CEO of Locality Real Estate, Inc. & Morgan Roy
CA DRE Lic # 01522261
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