Do you wish you could be better at reducing your footprint but don't know where to start or feel overwhelmed by the money and time invested? The following are small affordable steps that can make a big difference...
Beginning your journey to minimising waste can be overwhelming if you're looking at the big picture, but let's break it down. It doesn't need to be perfect, any change is better than none. I began my journey with what I felt worked for me at the time and then grew from there.
Swap This for That
Throw away dish sponges → washable dishcloths
Plastic shopping bags → reusable bags, keep some in your car for ease
Plastic bags for small produce such as beans → reusable small produce bags (can easily be purchased at the supermarket or health food store and kept in your car or handbag) OR use the mushroom brown paper bags if needed
Cling wrap → glass jars, containers, beeswax wraps, washable cotton bowl covers
Paper towel → do you really need it or is it just something you've gotten used to using? Use a tea towel, wash your hands instead of using the paper towel after meals or use your washable dish cloth to wipe up spills
Plastic drink bottles → purchase a stainless steel or glass drink bottle that you can carry around with you throughout the day
Plastic containers → glass containers (k-mart have a great cheap range) or keep your old glass jars—they make great travel containers for small snacks, salads, or smoothies
Single use tea bags → loose leaf tea used in a tea infuser
Plastic clothesline pegs → wooden or stainless steel pegs. The wooden pegs can be placed into your compost bin when they no longer serve their purpose. I personally would suggest paying the bit extra for stainless steel as I found the wooden ones didn't last long. Alternatively, don't use pegs! Sorry mum!
Plastic scrubbing brushes → wooden, compostable scrub brushes
Plastic toothbrush → wooden, compostable toothbrush
The list really could go on. Take a look around your home, I'm sure there are small or large changes you could make that will contribute to keeping our planet safe.
Seed & sprout are an environmentally conscious brand that have a wide range of practical household items that can help get you started.
Thanks for reading!