1. Shampoo Bar

We all know by now that 8 Million Metric tons of plastic end up in our ocean every year, but did you know that per day that’s almost 22,000 tons each day? Decreasing plastic consumption by any amount at this point is a big help. Anyway, not writing today to persuade you to use these but in my opinion, WOW using a shampoo bar was one of the smartest things I ever did! I have been using them for about a year now and my hair is feeling better consistently. I find that you do have to test a few out to see what works best on your hair type but just do some research beforehand, and then shop accordingly. Most of them will also last a long time and are very travel-friendly.

2. Bamboo Toothbrush

Cheaper than you expect, these baddies have a biodegradable handle and make your brushing experience a bit more aesthetic. Different brands offer hard bristles, medium bristles and soft bristles just depending on what you already use. Cut off the bristles before composting.

3. Produce Bags

Using plastic bags each time you go to the grocery store is a bit excessive looking back now. You can find produce bags of all materials or easily make you own (search DIY produce bags made of curtains on YouTube). This is one of those one-time investments you will not regret.

4. Reusable Pads + Organic Cotton Tampons

Before I left for New Zealand, I heard about LunaPads which are just washable Pads. These are so much easier to use than regular pads, which I find to make you feel nasty on your period. They are also more absorbent than any pad I’ve used (Including overnight pads). I have not had to purchase any pads to this day since I bought these. According to past users, these will last 3 or more years based on how well you take care of them. Tampons are nice to use when swimming or just carrying on with more active moments of the day. I really enjoy using the 100% organic cotton tampons which aren’t bleached and are also fully biodegradable. I bought these at a basic grocery store in New Zealand, although I know in the US you’ll likely only find these at Whole Foods. In my experience, using these items has not only been helpful for the environment but also strengthened my relationship to my own body:)

5. Solid Soap + Face Wash

For all the same reasons as the solid shampoo, I like these for travel reasons and just because they are more effective for me personally.

6. Second Hand Clothes/Shoes + Supporting Ethical Brands

As clothing is one of the most shocking forms of pollution man-made has created, it’s time to support those alternatives. Depop (App Available on Ios and Android) is my favorite form of secondhand shopping. I did spend too much time there, so now in US I enjoy shopping at Buffalo Exchange and other small op shops for good quality clothes that inspire me and serve a purpose. Then, there are a lot of ethical brands to be discovered that I find through other conscious YouTubers, friends and a simple google search. When you learn what happens in sweatshops and truly how damaging the fast fashion industry is to the environment, it’ll be easier to gear towards these options. My relationship with clothes has definitely gotten better than before I shopped this way:)

7. Glass Jars

I had a big obsession with this just recently. Collecting jars from tomato sauce, peanut butter, and olives. I actually may have too many now. In any case, these are a great alternative for those who have access to a bulk store. I found there to be a lot of these stores in Auckland, New Zealand, and I know USA Whole Foods Market has a bulk section. Wash the jars and bring them on your next bulk shopping trip. Make sure to ask Customer Service to weigh the jars before you fill them up! I find that I have a better relationship with my food just because it brings a sense of I harvested this food and damn does it look pleasing to the eye.

8. Reusable Water Bottle

Get one that will inspire you to drink more water! It is worth the investment.

9. Reusable Bags

Because we all know why at this point. I like to use this Cotton Tote bag from Huckleberry to carry my wallet, phone, and keys. If I happen to purchase something, it’ll fit right in. I recommend having a foldable reusable bag to throw in your purse or pocket just for those spontaneous grocery trips.

10. Glass Tupperware

I went into the grocery store with the intention of getting the plastic ones but when I discovered the glass ones were oven-safe, I geared towards those. Personally, I prefer not to use the microwave because the food tends to lose its taste and texture. It has been so easy to cut up potatoes, stick them in this container, bake them and then just pop the lid on and head out (wait for a little so the glass can cool). Also, I do feel these will last a lot longer. Although they are heavier, they just feel a lot better for my lifestyle.

11. Konjac Sponge

I’m a person who is really interested in skin care, although whilst traveling, I started to care less. I like using the most minimally invasive products on my skin. I have geared towards using just water, witch hazel, tea tree oil and a noncomedogenic oil for my skin. A konjac sponge is made of vegetable fiber, therefore, making it biodegradable. It is antimicrobial and all-natural. The fibers feel gentle and soft. When you put the sponge under the water you’ll find it expands and that it feels slimy on the skin. Konjac sponges are good for drawing out impurities and lightly exfoliating the face with just water. You can use your cleanser with it as well. I’m very intuitive when it comes to skin care and this is one of those things that I’m really into at the moment. A sea sponge is another great alternative. Both have a lot of information online worth looking into!

Cool! So that’s what this girl uses on the daily for green alternatives. Different things will suit your own lifestyle and there are many alternatives for everything at this point. Before purchasing these things that I have mentioned, it is worth seeing if it will actually benefit your lifestyle because it is easy to give into the hype just because it looks aesthetically pleasing:)

Much luck on your sustainability journey! It is a great community to be part of:)

<3

11 Low-Waste Items I Use on the Daily!