For decades, consumers have relished the convenience of single-use products. These products are almost always made of plastic, allowing them to be inexpensive for both the producer and the consumer. However, consumers across the world are beginning to understand the impact of these products on the environment. I’m one of those consumers.
Here are some ways I have made environmentally friendly choices for my family.
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Eco-Friendly Household Purchases
1. Charcoal Water Filter
The first purchase our family made was when we moved into our first apartment more than a decade ago. Our city’s drinking water left much to be desired, so we bought a Brita water filter pitcher.
This allows us to simply use the water already supplied to us and only required a new filter six times a year (based on recommendations for a family size of three). We have used that same pitcher for years and it has improved the quality and taste of our drinking water.
At the cost of four or five cases of water, the pitcher paid for itself in a month or two. We do still have the cost of the filters, but we purchase them on sale at Costco for about $25 a pack (and a pack lasts about a year).
We also purchased reusable water bottles that allow us to take our filtered tap water on the road.
An adult who uses single-use bottles of water for their primary source of drinking water goes through more than 150 bottles per year. For the two of us, that would be 300 bottles of water per year. Since we purchased the water pitcher, we have likely saved 3,000 bottles from the landfill and/or recycling programs!
2. Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Navigating the shampoo and conditioner aisle at the store (or salon) is nothing short of overwhelming. It took me years to find an option that is both affordable, sustainable, nourishing, and gentle.
Viori shampoo and conditioner bars are made using rice water from the Red Yao tribe in Longsheng, China. Their bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced.
A variety of formulas are available to address frizz, volume, color, dryness, and skin sensitivities. With each bar costing $18 (or $12 with a subscription plan), I’ve been able to try nearly all the formulas in my three years as a customer. My preferred formula is Terrace Garden, ideal for normal to dry hair types and those with skin sensitivities.
And while the company offers collections for men and pets, my husband and toddler both use my shampoo and conditioner. For our family of three, we do a combined 15 hair washes a week, and both bars last about six weeks.
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3. Reusable Puree Pouches
The WeeSprout puree pouches have been a game changer in preparing meals for my toddler! We love the convenience of puree pouches, but were hesitant with the cost and environmental impact.
These pouches are fillable, reusable, recyclable, and dishwasher and freezer safe. I make homemade smoothies and fruit sauces to fill the pouches, or purchase premade products in bulk. As an added bonus, both options are cheaper than buying single-use food pouches.
4. Silicone Bags
Once I found a dependable and reusable storage bag, I’ve never looked back! The Stasher silicone reusable storage bags are, by far, my favorite sustainable purchase. They have exceeded every expectation and household need.
Initially, we made the switch from single-use bags to reduce our waste when packing daily lunches. Now, we have nearly a dozen of them that we use for storing fresh produce and baked goods, freezing leftovers, and packing snacks and medicine.
These bags are available in various colors and sizes. They’re dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe and are created with food-grade silicone (free of latex, BPA, lead, and BPS).
Since we transitioned to these bags over five years ago, we have purchased single-use bags only once or twice, when we needed a particular size unavailable with Stasher.
5. Stainless Steel Straws
Single-use plastic straws are one of the most detrimental waste products to our planet’s marine ecosystem. Although we’re thousands of miles from the nearest ocean, the single-use straws that we dispose of here in the Midwest can make their way to oceans through smaller waterways, strong winds, and the transport of waste products. Our family made the decision to eliminate our use of plastic straws after seeing them in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Now, we make every effort to avoid them.
At restaurants, we forego straws and instead drink directly from the cup or glass. For our toddler, we bring a sippy cup along or fill his glass only a small amount at a time.
When we carry-out food, we decline the straw and instead use a stainless-steel straw at home.
In the drive-thru, we’ll dump our beverage into a lidded, reusable cup or use a stainless steel straw. This situation has been the most difficult to manage and, at times, we still find ourselves unprepared and needing a single-use straw.
In recent years, alternatives to single-use straws have emerged that are both eco-friendly and user-friendly. Any big box store or home goods retailer is going to have an option or two available for purpose, nearly all of which are going to be dishwasher/temperature safe and available in various sizes.
Tip: While stainless steel straws are marketed as dishwasher safe, I have found placing them in the dishwasher risks them being filled with food residue. Instead, I hand wash them with the included cleaning brush.
What purchases has your family made in an effort to be more sustainable? Are there products that you now consider to be staples in your household?
Also, check out this Guide to Recycling in Fargo, West Fargo, & Moorhead!
