To check any products effect on the environment look at EWG's Guide to Healthy Living. In case they don't have what you're looking for, there are plenty of zero-waste and vegan blogs you can check out as well.
And if you're second guessing any of this just remember: 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year and 91 percent of it isn't recycled.
1. Reusable Water Bottle
Water Bottle
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According to MSLK's Watershed installation, "Out of the 50 billion bottles of water being bought each year, 80% end up in a landfill, even though recycling programs exist. 17 million barrels of oil are used in producing bottled water each year. Bottled water costs 1,000 times more than tap water. Drinking 2 Litres of tap water a day only costs 50 cents per year."
To reduce your waste, about any reusable water bottle brands that do not use plastic as a main material will do. Even though their lids have plastic, Hydroflask is a personal favorite.
2. Straws
Some places like Fort Myers Beach have actually banned straws! For those Sea Turtle lovers or even straw lovers they make reusable straws made from stainless steel! Just make sure to get one of those magic cleaning sticks to go with it!
3. Reusable ziplock bags
You can get reusable food storage bags or these compostable snack and sandwich bags instead of hundreds of plastic ziplock bags.
4. Opt for silver cutlery and glass plates over paper and plastic
You can even get biodegradable disposable cutlery for parties or just eat with your hands like Kate Hudson.
5. Lunch Box
An excuse to get a new cute lunch bag or an excuse to change the environment?
Get a stainless steel lunch box or cotton lunch bag!
6. On the Go Cutlery
You can get bamboo cutlery for on the go, instead of throwing away hundreds of plastic knives, forks, and spoons.
7. Cotton Produce Bags
Produce Bags for fruits and veggies, as well as Mason Jars for items you can buy in bulk such as rice and beans can make a big difference to your footprint and your wallet.
8. Reusable shopping bags instead of the 1,000 target bags in your pantry
We're all guilty.
9. Stop purchasing paper towels and reach for dish towels instead
Stop wasting paper and ditch the plastic wrapping it comes in while you're at it!
10. Dish Brush
A dish brush or dish rag is a great alternative to germy sponges.
11. Cleaning Brush
A cleaning brush will last way longer than those cheap sponges from the dollar store.
12. Bar Soap instead of Body Wash in a Plastic Container
And if you're really into it you can get a shampoo or conditioner bar as well. You can find both of these products as well as tins to store them in at Lush. Yes, that means you can use 'saving the planet' for your next lush purchase. You don't need a plastic container for everything.
13. Hair Brush
PureGLO makes lots of different combs and brushes such as a sandalwood hair brush. Reduce the amount of plastic you consume and have a longer life for your hair brush.
14. Hair Ties
Popularly seen on the popular Disney Animal Kingdom ride, Mount Everest, is thousands of hair ties! During the moment when the tracks "break" theme park goers throw their hair ties into the side of the ride. This disregard for our beloved hair ties that we lose in every nook and cranny could be harmful to animals.
They actually made biodegradable hair ties that are plastic free, well-made, and perfect for the beach!
15. Razor
Freddy Krueger
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Reusable razors will last longer and save your wallet in the long run. They are great for both men and women. New packs of blades are cheap as well.
16. Toothbrush and Floss Alternatives
Using a bamboo toothbrush means you're not using plastic! Same with dental lace or a waterpik.
17. Laundry Detergent Pods
If you're going to eat Tide Pods, at least eat ones that aren't toxic and made in the USA like these Grab Green Pods.
18. Wool Dryer Balls or Dryer Sheets
Wool dryer balls are a great alternative to people who want their clothing and dryer to last longer because they don't have any chemicals!!
Grab Green Dryer Sheets are another option for those who like scented dryer sheets.
19. Baking-Ware
Silicone Cupcake Wrappers and Non-Stick Baking Mats are great alternatives that will like your wallet and your baking sheets. Also purchase stainless steel cooking tools that will last way longer than your plastic ones!
20. Compostable Garbage Bags
These compostable garbage bags will keep a little bit more plastic out of our landfills.
