Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about how I can make it easier for other families to live a little more environmentally friendly. I have always said that I am no way an expert. However, I do try to make a conscious effort whenever I can. With this is mind I thought I would share my top 10 easy eco swaps that you can make with your family.
My top 10 Easy Eco Swaps
Reusable drinks bottle – The main one for me is my drinks bottle. I think I would be shocked at the number of plastic bottles I would have gotten through if I hadn’t made the switch. I prefer bottles that are insulated as it means it keeps my drinks really cold!
Reusable bags – I think it is fair to say pretty much most people are doing this anyway, especially since the plastic bag tax. However, remembering to bring the bags out with you can be a bit of a problem for me. So, I have bags that easily fold in itself and store them everywhere; car, handbags (all of them), within my bag of bags, door bin, porch windowsill you name it, there is probably a bag there.
Sandwich wraps – The boys have been using a sandwich wrap as part of their packed lunch for school. Previously we used a Yumbox for their lunches however they needed something with more space in for food. The Sandwich wraps are ideal and they are made using a beeswax alternative, and they work wonders!
Menstrual cup/pads – Us women can go through hundreds/thousands of towels and tampons throughout our lives. So for me, it seemed pretty obvious to try and do something about the waste, Since switching to a menstrual cup my periods have been lighter, I have had fewer cramps and of course, it is adding to the humungous landfill problem we have.
Repurpose what you already own
Reuse takeaway tubs – Sometimes we can be adding to the problem than actually solving it. Rather than going out buying “environmentally friendly products” take a look at what you already own. We have lots of old takeaway tubs that we have repurposed as either fridge storage for vegetable sticks or storage for general bits and pieces.
Cloth wipes – Rather than buying disposable cleaning wipes make your own. Use old bath towels/ tea towels etc and cut them up to size. It makes perfect sense to use a towel which is absorbant for spillages too!
DIY Toilet Bombs – Our toilet has been a lot cleaner since switching to homemade toilet bombs. It probably has more to do with the fact the boys drop one in pretty much every time they go toilet. They are fun to make too!
Shampoo/body bars – Plastic bottles are just as much an issue in the bathroom as it is anywhere else. Switching to a bar alternative can help prevent plastic bottles being used and they are cheaper and last just as long!
Rechargeable batteries – Batteries isn’t something that comes to most minds when thinking of what to swap over too. However, simply buying reusable can prevent batteries from going in the bin. Did you know that dead batteries can not be disposed of in normal household waste?
Straws! – Top of most news reports are straws! I mean everyone is switching to paper and they are utterly useless! So be prepared and bring your own!
If you want to go further and reduce more waste coming into your home then have a look here. I have written and shared 50 plastic free/zero waste ideas.
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