Dear Avery,
Today is Earth Day! We live on such a remarkable planet and we should do every little thing we can to keep it as such.
This year, I’ve really made a concerted effort to start using reusable products around the house and everyday products so we can cut back on the amount of garbage and plastic we throw away. It’s really amazing how much we actually toss out and then goes straight into a landfill.
So let’s get to my FAVORITE reusable items that I’ve been able to fully incorporate into our everyday life while helping the earth out.
Detergent
The plastic bottles that laundry and dishwasher detergent comes in are not necessary! So I started using >> Dropps.com << for both. Highly recommend.
They come in a recyclable box, and they are dissolve pods! No harmful plastic. As for the product itself? Works brilliantly — especially the dishwasher detergent. I don’t even need to buy the additional shine aid (which comes in another plastic bottle — reduces two plastic bottles right there!)
Paper towel alternative
We used to go through SO many one use paper towels. And sometimes you don’t want to you a thicker dishtowel. I stumbled upon the middle ground: BAMBOO towels. These feel like sturdier than paper towels and even softer. Best part? YOU CAN THROW THESE IN THE WASHING MACHINE. And reuse over 100 times. Amazing. Truly.
Makeup remover cloth
I used to use single use facial wipes at night. But why? You can buy these great microfiber cloths that you can then throw into the wash and reuse. Easy!
Plastic food wrap replacement
Instead of replying on a single use of plastic wrap to cover your leftovers, Beewax covers are pliable and easily washable.
Toothpaste in glass jars
I was heavily marketed to from a toothpaste company called Bite. After many months, I took the bait and tried it. Good job, marketing team, I converted! 😉
>> www.bitetoothpastebits.com <<<
Their idea is to sell toothpaste in cube form that you bite down on to create the paste, and it comes in a glass jar — eliminating the plastic waste. Overall, I like it. I need to get used to it feeling like dry candy breaking down in your mouth. But it does turn into a paste quickly, and I do like their charcoal flavor. Your mouth feels very clean. I did not love their bamboo toothbrush though. Could use a little more work.
Along with these small shifts, I have eliminated the need to drink from plastic water bottles by using my everyday Nalgene bottle, bring my reusable shopping bags when I shop so I don’t bring home more plastic, and I try to remember to turn off lights that don’t need to be on.
There are still a ton of things I can work on to improve (like limiting the amount of face creams in plastic jars I buy!), but these are a start. And what I’ve noticed in myself is the mind shift that has happened. I actively seek out products there are trying to be more environmentally aware, and look for simple ways to help where I can. Because it’s up to each and every one of us to keep Mother Earth clean and well taken care of. I hope these little ideas will inspire you to THINK GREEN.
With love,
Aunt Megs
With Love, Aunt Megs 