A year ago I was living in San Francisco and picked up the habit of composting. Not because it was something I felt strongly about, but because it was a rule in our apartment complex. And actually quite easy to do. It was a simple change to our at-home routine. While small to us, if everyone did it, would be a big change. I can’t say I’m the greenest person on the earth. Sometimes I probably put the incorrect item in the wrong recycling bin, but what’s important is that I’m trying! It was this easy lifestyle change that has shown me it’s simple to make smart choices for your health and the environment.
I’m working on adding a few more green habits to my lifestyle and wanted to share those with you. They’re super simple, but I feel good about making these changes and want to continue to make small positive environmental and health changes. Maybe you already do these things or maybe they’ll give you some inspiration for small changes to make in your life too.
5 Easy Ways I’m Going Green
Metal Straws
When I unpacked all the kitchen gear that had been in storage for 8 months I found about 2,000 plastic straws. A year ago plastic straws were not considered the devil, but now they are a no-go. I’ve recycled those plastic straws and made the switch to metal (here are the ones I use). I love using them at home and I’m not so straw-obsessed that I bring them out with me, but if you’re a straw-lover, it’s easy to toss in your bag.
Reliable Water Bottle
I’ve always had a big stash of mediocre water bottles and finally found one I’m obsessed with and use regularly, it’s the Healthy Human 21 oz Stein. It’s BPA free, stainless steal, has a wide mouth for ice cubes and cleaning and is the perfect size to tote around. Add the Flip & Sip lid for easier drinking during workouts. I use this water bottle all the time, including at home, which cuts down on me washing glasses that I tend to drink from once then leave around the house.
Dish Towels
I will admit that I’m paper towel abuser. I use(d) them ALL THE TIME and it’s a horrible habit. It’s a waste environmentally speaking, plus it’s a waste of money having to replace rolls way too often. I made a recent purchase of a bunch of cheap dish towels from Bed, Bath & Beyond and have been making a conscious effort to reach for those instead of paper towels. Once they’re dirty enough I’ll toss a set in the laundry. I’m not sure I’d be so into dish towels if I didn’t have a washer and dryer in my house though. But for me, it’s a great way to cut down on paper towel use.
Natural Products
This is definitely one of those to-do action items that takes time–unless you’re able to throw out all of your cleaning/beauty/health items at once and invest in new ones. I’m taking this slow (because $). As products run out I look for natural options as my replacement. A few natural items I’ve added to my stash and am enjoying: Tom’s of Maine toothpaste, Kopari deodorant, Cocokind Skin Butter. I’ve got my eye on BeautyCounter products as I continue to replace used items.
Stasher Bags
Ok confession, I haven’t started this habit yet, but it’s next on my list! I have a pile of plastic bags I’m going through (again, ones that were in storage from months ago) but then I’m switching to Stasher Bags, the reusable, non-toxic, plastic-free storage bags. It’s great that you can cook, freeze and store in these bags without any damage being done, plus it’s safe for your food.
I will admit that I’m not the greenest person on the planet, and that’s okay. It’s all these little things that add up. If we each do things just a tiny bit greener, it will go a long way.
In what ways do you keep a green lifestyle? Any things I should add to my life?
