Hello beautiful people!
Throughout the years, people often ask me how I got started, what was the first thing I changed, where do I find the motivation, and other questions similar on how I use less. This blog post will be a very basic list of things you can start by doing today to begin your path to a more sustainable lifestyle! Disclaimer: by no means am I an expert at all- I am learning along the way and definitely am not perfect. Just like all of you, I am growing as a more conscious consumer and want to share some tips I've learned along the way!
How to get started:
1. Ditch the plastic bags and use reusable shopping bags
Everyone who knows me knows that I do not use plastic bags. I always have reusable bags in my car, purse, and house. Most frequent questions I get for this lifestyle change is- how do you remember? Now, the key isn't to remember when you already at the store. The key is to plan before! For example, I have 5-6 reusable bags in my car almost at all times just in case. You never know when you will go grocery shopping or go on a spontaneous mall trip. There are bags that fold small enough to take up almost no space and are perfect for your bags/purse/backpacks/tote. There are many places to buy reusable bags including Marshalls, Shop Rite, Amazon, and more. Here is a link below that is my favorite bag- which is cost effective AND holds up to 50 lbs. Yes- 50 LBS!!!
2. Save money while using reusable water bottles and coffee tumblers.
Stay hydrated and save money! Some brand names that I like are Hydroflask and Yeti, but brand name is not necessary in a good bottle! Double insulated stainless steel bottles (both water bottles and coffee tumblers) will keep your liquid either hot or cold for hours. Glass water bottles are also good if you don't like drinking from stainless steel. Some products I like:
Cheaper options:
3. Take food containers with you!
Whether you meal prep for the week for get lunch out, most shops and restaurants will let you bring your own container. There has only been one time that I had to walk out of a lunch place because they didn't let me use my container. Most will accept it! Below is a link of my favorite to go food containers that I use:
4. Swap other miscellaneous products for more sustainable products.
Everyone is different and values different things, but when you really think about how much waste we do product via personal products, it's astonishing. Some miscellaneous products that I have swamped (along with helpful links) include:
-Toothbrush (You can switch to a bamboo toothbrush or a recycled toothbrush)
-Shampoo (Shampoo bars are an option at stores like Lush)
-Cutlery (Instead of using plastic forks and knives while eating on the go, bamboo kits are available on amazon)
-Diva cup (Have not tried it yet, but it's on my list!)
-Straws! (Ditch the plastic straw for paper or steel)
5. Rethink your shopping habits.
Do you really need that extra sweater this winter? What about those jeans? Fast fashion is a trend today that is extremely unsustainable. You will save money and save clothing waste in the long run if you are a conscious consumer. On the other side of things, there is a phenomenal trend called "capsule clothing." I haven't tried it yet, but it is a great idea. You basically limit yourself to a number of clothing items and make different outfits out of just these items. Here is a link below explaining it in detail:
Why?
Why lessen our waste and plastic intake? What's the point? A lot of people think along the lines of- oh, it's just one straw. For example, straws most of the time- are not recycled because they are small and so lightweight. They end up in the oceans which lead to an abundance of microplastics. What are microplastics? Broken down little pieces from plastic waste that cause MAJOR issues.
According to Strawless Ocean, "It is projected that by 2050, 99% of all sea bird species will have ingested plastic. Mortality rate can be “up to” 50%. And, already, research has shown plastic in sea salt, 94% of U.S. tap water, and shellfish." Tap water- yes. The water we drink. Plastic pollution is a HUGE problem that is just starting to get talked about now.
If you want to learn more, here are a few articles that caught my eye:
Fast Facts on Microplastics -Eco Partners Inc
As always, thanks for reading and I hope this helped you in one way or another! Feel free to comment down below on topics you would like to know more about or even just to say hello. Until next time.
Xoxo,
The Savvy Environmentalist
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