With the end of the year quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to set some intentions for the year ahead. Going greener at home and making a commitment to reduce waste is a great resolution for 2020 - plus, you can get the whole family involved too!
Creating a more eco-friendly home doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Keep reading for 10 super simple ways you can go greener in 2020 to make a difference.
Switch plastic for sustainable alternatives
From the kitchen to the bathroom, there are countless eco-friendly products now available to replace single-use plastics. Take some time to look around your home and identify where you might be able to swap unnecessary plastics for a greener alternative. For example: swap your plastic kitchen wrap for beeswax wraps or vegan wraps, or switch your takeaway coffee cup to a reusable eco cup.
Commit to reusable bags and containers
Instead of relying on plastic bags, packaging and boxes, why not invest in some reusable (and durable!) options that you can use time and time again? From reusable produce bags made from cotton and muslin to reusable lunch boxes made from sturdy stainless steel, you’ll find reusable options are extremely well-made and offer maximum value for money.
Ditch bottled water
Make a commitment to ditch bottled water and instead opt for a reusable drink bottle instead. If you only drink filtered water, you can also invest in a water filtration unit for the home.
Be mindful of electricity
With the summer season now upon us, there’s plenty of natural light to enjoy! Be mindful of your electricity consumption in 2020 by getting your family into the routine of embracing natural light, checking powerpoints before leaving the house, and turning appliances off as needed.
Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot
Did you know an estimated 75 – 90% of the energy your washing machine uses actually goes towards heating up the water? To combat this, try to wash your laundry in cold water whenever possible. Many fabrics actually do better in cold water anyway, as cold water can reduce shrinkage, wrinkles or fading.
Walk, carpool or ride
Reduce your car emissions by walking, riding or carpooling where possible. Instead of driving down to your local cafe, why not hop on the bikes or walk down with your family instead? Carpooling is also a great idea when attending events or social occasions.
Use a menstrual cup
Did you know that if 1 million of us switched to menstrual cups, we would divert 240 million tampons (and their packaging) from landfill every year? Consider switching to a menstrual cup, reusable cloth pads or period-proof underwear for your monthly cycle to help reduce unnecessary waste.
Switch to digital mail
Are you still receiving snail mail for things like bank statements, phone bills or newsletters? Most providers now offer the option to receive correspondence digitally, so make the switch to emails and ditch the paper trail.
Embrace minimalism
Minimalism has been growing in popularity over recent years, and we think it’s a great mindset to practice! Instead of filling your home and wardrobe with new “stuff”, try to focus on just the key pieces you need. You could create a rule such as donating 2 items for every 1 new item you introduce into your home, or opt for pre-loved items where possible.
Make your own cleaning products
Instead of purchasing new bottles of cleaning products again and again, why not make your own at home? Not only do DIY cleaning products help you reduce plastic, but they also reduce toxins throughout the home. You can create your own cleaning products using natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, essential oils and more.
We’d love to help you go greener in 2020. Shop our range of reusable products online, with sustainable packaging used for every purchase.
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