As we strive to produce a cleaner, healthier environment, there are simple choices we can regularly make that make a big difference. From recycling plastic to minimizing water usage to turning off our electronics when they aren’t in use, there are many small habits you can take up to improve the state of the environment. In line with this way of thinking, here are eight sustainable products you need to make a difference.
1. Natural Cleaning Sprays
Avoid purchasing cleaners that contain chemicals and other harsh ingredients. These ingredients can contribute to adverse environmental effects, including pollution.
Instead of using these harmful things, opt for natural alternatives like vinegar-based sprays, or better yet, make your own cleaners from home using vinegar and baking soda. Look for options that say ‘plant-based’ to find cleaners that rely on natural ingredients to keep bacteria away.
2. Minimalist Coffee Options
Instead of brewing an entire pot of coffee, go for small cups at a time using espresso pods. You waste less water, conserve energy, and avoid accumulating waste that ends up in landfills. While you may recycle your bag of coffee, many people do not, causing more pollution and destruction to the environment.
3. Switch to Cloths
We waste valuable resources by relying on paper towels to clean our surfaces. Instead of killing trees for a clean kitchen counter, use washable cloth rags to get the job done.
If you have old t-shirts you no longer wear, cut them up and use them as rags. These simple acts are great ways to use natural resources and avoid excess paper production.
4. Natural Kitchen Sponges
Switch out regular sponges for plant-based or natural alternatives. Look for all-natural plant fiber sponges to get the same good clean without the environmental waste. You avoid chemical production, landfill growth, and the potential for harmful bacteria to fester on sponges by switching to plant-based sponges.
5. A Reusable Mop Head
Instead of buying disposable pads for cleaning your floors, don’t waste the paper or the plastic and go with reusable, cloth-based mop heads instead.
Not only will you get a reliable clean every time, but you can wash your mop head for repetitive use. With reusable mop heads, you can improve your home environment, and the overall environment at large!
6. Ceramic Storage Containers
Instead of buying plastic containers to store leftovers, get ceramic storage containers so you can reuse them as often as needed. You also won’t have to worry about the plastic breaking down over time and the need to spend more money to replace leftover bins that end up breaking.
Additionally, you can more effectively wash ceramic by hand than you can plastic, saving energy if you decide not to use your dishwasher for these containers.
7. A Cordless Vacuum
Although the use of batteries isn’t great, it’s better than plugging in a vacuum and wasting energy for the hour-long vacuum you plan on completing to keep your home clean. Many cordless vacuums are also easier to work with because you don’t have to worry about dragging the cord along to every room.
8. Mesh Coffee Filters
Avoid the overuse of paper products by sticking to one mesh coffee filter rather than a million other disposable filters. You can do this for your home coffee pot as well as for the one at work!
Make Your Household Eco-Friendly
You can keep your home in tip-top shape and running order by switching to sustainable household products. Keep your home clean without negatively impacting the environment. Consider the eight products above as you work to make your home eco-friendly.