12 Easy Ways to Get More Eco-Friendly AND Save Money

I’ve been thinking a lot in the past few years about how we (as individuals) can make changes in our immediate environment that can really make a difference in shifting consumer demand AND saving money and the environment! (Everyone wins!)

I already use metal/paper straws, carry a fabric bag with me to shop, never drink bottled water (suck it Nestle) and don’t run the water while I brush my teeth, turn lights off as I go and have been recycling.  I do buy in season local produce from a farm nearby and I try to use as much of it as I can so that there’s barely any waste. Plus I use dryer balls to speed up drying time and I don’t have to purchase dryer sheets. (Thanks Scott and Nano for that tip over 12 years ago!)

This year, I’m trying to add more things I can do to be a little more sustainable/less harmful for the environment and cut down on my plastic use.

 In The Bathroom

Bamboo Toothbrushes 

I’ve swapped out my regular plastic/nylon toothbrushes for natural bamboo ones that can be composted, simply snap off the head to toss out the bristles and compost the handle. (I am using my old plastic toothbrushes as cleaning tools)  I’m excited to make this easy switch. Not to mention, you can have fun customizing your toothbrush too.. more on that in another post. These toothbrushes came 10 in a pack for $12.

Toothpaste 

I’m opting to try out toothpaste in a glass jar. I know. It sounds gross. Dipping your toothbrush into the jar, but because I am a single person household,I’m not stressing it too much.  More on my mind is the fact that I do have sensitive teeth and I don’t know how they’ll react to something not geared towards that. This is a test to see if I like it and how it works.  I love the fact that it is made in Canada too!

Solid Shampoo and Conditioner

I am trying this to see if product will last longer and how my hair will react to it. I did buy the conditioner at Homesense and cost $5.99  Considering I go through far more conditioner than shampoo, this is definitely a test,but makes me feel that there’s no plastic to toss away, so I’m ahead of the game!  I’ve tried solid shampoo bars in the past, so I’m hopeful these are a bit above, but I’m also on the lookout for a liquid alternative at some of the refill places I’ve seen around.

Razors

Instead of the plastic razors (which are rather expensive and are useless far too quickly after a shave), I’ve swapped out the plastic ones for an old school razor with replaceable blades.  Cost wise, the razor will pay for itself quickly AND it’ll be nice to not throw more plastic out. The one I opted for is a fun colourful choice from Weishi and now I just have to get comfortable with using it.  The way it works is that the handle twists to open the top part of the razor so you can drop a blade in.

Feminine Hygiene Products

Oh yeah. I’m going there. And to be honest, I can’t even believe it myself. I recently purchased some reusable menstrual pads. In this area, I’ve been extremely brand loyal for years.  So I wasn’t sure how these would live up to my regular routine. Originally it was the first thing I wasn’t interested in switching over at all.  I didn’t want to deal with not only the washing and maintenance of extra stuff to store and keep, but the gross factor was certainly in there. I also wasn’t too sure how they would feel or fit.  Very surprisingly, they fit and feel terrific.  Even better than my regular brand. Plus no chemicals, no irritation and they held up very well during the duration of my cycle. A minimal cost for maximum outcome. What I would normally spend in product each month,I paid in a one time fee as these will last a very long time.

In The Kitchen

Using Cooking Water

Oddly enough, this was something I hadn’t thought of last year when I started my mini container garden. But you can reuse the water you cook vegetables in!  Simply use that water to water your plants!  I’ll be trying to set up something for this this spring. Maybe an extra watering can?

Natural Brushes for Dish Cleaning

Rather than spending money on plastic dish brushes, (which honestly haven’t lasted that long for me) investing in a wood handled natural brush with natural bristles is something I’m planning on trying out this year. Ideally I will swap over to a dish washing soap block (or refill once I can locate a good source) as well,I just haven’t investigated enough into it.

Storage/Purchasing Plastic Free Groceries

I’m going to take advantage of the Bulk Barn and start bringing my own bags/jars to purchase dry goods. It’s definitely be an adjustment, but I’m hoping it saves me money as well.  At home, I am working my pantry area to be free of plastic bags and whatnot. (Yep, just like all those fancy instagrammers) 😉

Food Storage

I save all my veggie scraps in a silicon bag that I keep in my freezer. Once it’s full,I’ll usually make a stock or soup. Plus I keep an eye on all my best before dates and try to use up every bit I can. I use mesh bags for produce and I recently purchased cotton cloth bags for bringing home items from the bulk barn, etc.

Laundry Detergent

Soap Berries. Has anyone heard of these? They will be the next thing I experiment with before checking out a refillery (a place where I can buy liquid soap in my own container).  In future posts, I hope to be sharing more about refilleries!

Clothing

This year I don’t plan on buying anything new (shoes being the exception) and if I do need to shop or buy something, I’ll check out thrift shops and used clothing stores before making a purchase. I honestly haven’t purchased work clothes in about 4 years now, I just keep recycling the same pieces, so I feel I’ve gotten great use out of them. I have enough of a wardrobe that gets me through the seasons, with summer being the hardest (and fewest clothing options), but I have a ton of pretty dresses that I really need to wear more often.  It’s always a good idea to shop your own wardrobe first.

Shopping/Eating Out

Bringing My Own Take Out Containers. I don’t eat out that often and when I do, I rarely have leftovers. But sometimes, I do and it would be great to not have to use a Styrofoam container or plastic container when I can just bring one myself.

In The Car

I plan on creating a little kit to always have in the car. Mainly because I have been caught out without veggie bags or take out containers to hold things. So to keep a pretty decent car kit of things you might need, mine will include a couple of metal straws, cutlery and a linen napkin, a takeout lunch container thing for any leftovers if I eat out,a mason jar, my mesh veggie/produce bags, my fabric shopper bags, metal water bottle/thermos, notepad, pencil.

Now one thing I know is that this is never going to be a perfect system. There’s always going to be minor flaws and tests that come up. But the key thing is,I’m trying and it’s much better to try to make an effort than to make no effort at all.  Also,I’m not saying to abandon your plastics or ditch your current situation. In fact, reusing what you do have is key!  Once you need to replace something, then you can move ahead and find alternatives.

Have you made any environmentally friendly changes in 2020? What are they? What would you like to try?  Do you have any questions about these products or would like to know more about any of them?  Let me know in the comments!