Global warming is getting worse by the day. For this reason, everyone needs to play an active role in protecting the environment. We should discard the notion that you have to be an environmental activist to take action. Since we all benefit from the environment, we have an equal responsibility to preserve and keep it in tip-top condition. You don’t have to plant a million trees or collect plastic waste in the ocean. While these acts contribute significantly to environmental health, everyday actions like deciding to use eco-friendly products go a long way. The next time you’re out shopping, consider these eco-friendly alternatives to some of your favorite products.
Recyclable Vaping Devices
E-cigarettes have done wonders in reducing cigarette waste. With these devices, there has been a reduction in cigarette butt litter which has significantly reduced the amount of chemical leaching into the earth. What’s more, the cases of animal poisoning from the same have reduced.
However, vaping devices are not perfect. The majority of people are clueless about how to dispose of their vaping waste properly. Batteries and e-liquid cartridges (and bottles) find their way into the landfill, thereby causing the same problem cigarettes caused.
But you can do something about it. The solution to reducing this waste is opting for recyclable vaping devices. An excellent example is Orion vape. This device has a long battery life and less combustion compared to other brands. Because it’s recyclable, you reduce the amount of plastic waste by choosing to use it.
Bamboo as a Plastic Replacement
Chances are you have multiple plastic items in your house that you often need to replace. Common examples include tableware, toothbrushes, and straws. Take toothbrushes, for example. If you’re keen on your oral health, you’ll often replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, which amounts to a lot of plastic waste if you consider how many more people are doing the same.
A better alternative would be to use bamboo. You can get tableware, straws, and toothbrushes made of bamboo. These alternatives are not only durable but also eco-friendly. Besides, they have a better aesthetic appeal.
Fabric Napkins
Paper towels are a must-have in most households, especially if you have kids. At some point, someone will spill something and need to wipe it off. Paper towels offer the convenience of cleaning such messes in an instant. Besides, they are a necessary addition to the dinner table.
However, by choosing this convenience, you cast a vote on destroying the environment. You see, a lot of resources go into manufacturing paper towels, and the waste is significant. But there’s a way to still enjoy the convenience of cleaning up messes without damaging the environment.
The solution is to switch to fabric napkins. These are often made of cotton and can be reused for years before they need to be replaced. Get the machine-washable kind to make your work easier. The resources that go into cleaning these napkins are far less than how much it takes to manufacture paper towels.
Reusable Coffee Cups
Buying your favorite cup of coffee on your way to work is probably a crucial part of your morning routine. But do you ever wonder how this decision affects the environment? Most coffee shops use disposable coffee cups, which are extremely difficult to recycle. As a result, there’s a lot of plastic waste that negatively affects the environment.
You can be part of the solution by investing in a reusable coffee cup. Most of these products are made of steel, which makes them extremely durable. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about your coffee getting cold because most of them keep liquids hot for several hours. It may also be a good idea if you’re looking to cut back on your coffee expenditure by brewing your own.
Shampoo Bars
You probably can’t count the number of shampoo bottles you’ve disposed of throughout the years, which is proof of how much waste this everyday item creates. Luckily, there are a plethora of companies that are creating eco-friendly alternatives — shampoo bars.
It may take you a while to find a shampoo bar you like, but it’s worth it. Most shampoo bars are made of organic ingredients and have minimal packaging that reduces waste. Not to mention, shampoo bars tend to be more affordable compared to bottled shampoos. Therefore, you’ll not only be doing the environment justice but also saving some coins. Who doesn’t want that? So take some time to research and identify companies that include ingredients you like.
Make an Eco-Friendly Purchase
Like most people, you’re probably still using plastics and other materials that are dangerous to the environment because you believe you have no option. But as you can see, there are many alternatives to the products you’ve come to know and love. In most cases, they offer more convenience, and they’re way much better.
So, the next time you’re out shopping, cast a vote in favor of saving the environment by purchasing eco-friendly alternatives to your favorite products. If everyone does their part, we can slowly but surely beat global warming.
This post was written by Lisa Dinh
