To say plastic pollution is a problem is a massive understatement. I gathered a couple insane facts from a National Geographic article:
- A whopping 91% of plastic isn’t recycled.
- Of the 8.3 billion metric tons that has been produced, 6.3 billion metric tons has become plastic waste.
- Plastic takes more than 400 years to degrade, so most of it still exists in some form. Only 12 percent has been incinerated.
- Prediction that by mid-century, the oceans will contain more plastic waste than fish, ton for ton.
It’s crazy to think about the effects of plastic, and the sheer volume that we have of it. Take a look around where you’re sitting right now. Chances are, you’re going to see a lot of plastic. The more and more I learn about the effects of plastic –– and easy things we can do to reduce our consumption of it –– the more I get sickened by it. This isn’t political. This is about Earth, and things we can do to not make shitty. And, guys.. we’re making it shitty.
I’ve never been one of those people who rants and raves and makes a big scene over my beliefs. But I am someone who’s going to do their research, find out what’s important to me, and start trying to live it.
Recently, I’ve been doing a lot more research on our plastic consumption, and easy ways we can limit it. Like, simple ways. I’m not ready to switch out every little thing in my home, but I am starting to find simple things to switch out that will make a difference! And that’s all we can do, right? Making a conscious effort to improve is what I live for 🙂
So, I’ve decided to share a list of 6 eco-friendly items that I’m starting to switch over to! Maybe I’ll add more in the future, maybe I’ll take some of these out… stay tuned!
By the way, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Which meeeeeans, if you that if you click on one of the product links in this post and make a purchase, I get some money to support my coffee habit… 🙂 Thanks for your support!
I’m a loofah-lover, and never feel quite as clean without one. The ones I tend to go for are actually poufs, and are synthetic or plastic. You know the ones –– they’ve got them in every color and look like little afros. But, I started to realize that I use about one per month before throwing it out. Woof! Actual loofah’s are natural and come from a plant that can be re-grown, ergo eco-friendly!
Eco-Friendly Bamboo Toothbrushes
Brian and I switch out our toothbrushes every 3 months, which means we go through 8 per year. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but go ahead and add a few years and a few billion people…. and the fact that it takes plastic toothbrushes 400 years to decompose. WHAT! Yea, easy switch for us. Even the nylon bristles on these can be recycled.
We don’t realize how much we use Ziploc bags… until we do. And most of the time, they’re only in use for a few hours then they’re thrown away! These reusable bags are awesome because you can throw them in the dishwasher, freezer and microwave! And, should the time come where you look to replace them, they’re recyclable!
We go through so many paper towels, it’s ridiculous! These Bamboo towels are machine washable and reusable up to 120 times before discarding. One roll replaces 60 conventional paper towel rolls! Sooooo much better for the environment and my wallet. Win-win!
We have dogs, and dogs poop. And where we live requires us to pick up said poop. Sure, there are poop bags provided to us… but they’re plastic! Earth-Rated Poop Bags are made from recycled materials, they’re compostable, and contain an EPI additive which helps them to break down, unlike traditional plastic bags.
I’ve started to carry bags with me, more and more. We do most of our shopping at Costco and typically use the cardboard boxes at checkout, which can be recycled. However, we go to the main grocery store for fruits and veggies, and any other odds and ends –– which means these babies will get a lot of use! We can wash them and they’re very sturdy!
That’s my list so far. See, not too crazy! I’ve doing some more research on dishwasher pods, and laundry washer pods, as well as toothpaste. If you have any suggestions, or more products you think I should look into, send them my way!
Weet woot for eco-friendly living!
Allie Uffda 