For those of us who are worried about climate change and how we treat our planet, the best place to start making a difference is at home. Swapping out daily consumer or household products can make a huge difference in your household’s waste.
Most people are already aware of the most common swaps we should make, like reusable water bottles and bags, so there’s no need to preach to the choir. In this guide, we’ll provide a few surprising eco-friendly swaps or alternatives you may not immediately think of to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. French Press
It’s no secret that coffee machines that use individual plastic pods, such as the Keurig coffee makers, aren’t good for the environment. Those coffee pods lead to a lot of unnecessary waste. Further, you should consider doing away with coffee machines that still use disposable paper filters, like pour-over devices or drip coffee machines.
The best alternative is the French press since it doesn’t require individual coffee pods or paper filters. It produces the least waste, uses the least amount of energy, and produces the most compostable waste. You just have to add ground coffee to the empty beaker of the French press. Then you pour hot water inside and steep it for a few minutes.
2. Vape Pens
Vape pens aren’t necessarily the most environmentally-friendly swaps, they’re greener than traditional cigarettes. They may have some harmful effects after prolonged use, but they could help us reduce toxic waste due to discarded cigarettes. If you’re a smoker, you could help the environment by switching to vapes.
You may be wondering, “are disposable vapes safe?” While they are not the healthiest thing to do, there are nicotine-free options available, which can potentially help people quit smoking. Vapes also don’t produce cigarette butts or ash, a major environmental pollution source. If you decide to use vape pens, you’ll want to responsibly recycle recyclable components, such as the battery, to prevent e-waste.
3. Bidet System
Bidets are nifty plumbing fixtures that clean your tush. It sprays water to your lower region after you finish your toilet business, eliminating the need for toilet paper. Using a bidet can significantly reduce your toilet paper usage and help to benefit the environment.
Many offer high-tech features like a dry mode, so you aren’t left wet after the cleanse. This reduces the amount of trees that need to be cut down in toilet paper production. Bidets can help reduce deforestation and the greenhouse gas emissions involved in production and transportation.
Not to mention, bidets are considered more sanitary since you’re less likely to be exposed to bacteria or fecal matter on your hands. It’s gentler on the skin and, most importantly, more eco-friendly.
Wrapping It Up
Building a sustainable future will require everyone to step up, but it starts with us taking personal responsibility to make simple changes. It doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, either. You can start small by choosing these eco-friendly swaps and reduce your overall consumption to cultivate a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Not to mention, they often are healthier and save you more money in the long run.
