Every year one of my resolutions for the New Year is to live a more sustainable life. I start looking at ideas of how limit my carbon footprint, then I get overwhelmed with all the things I could and should be doing better, and I give up. But then I realize that every little swap that I make towards a minimalist lifestyle is a step in the right direction. I don´t have to be perfect, I just have to keep trying.
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1. Tru Earth Laundry Detergent
The first eco-friendly swap I ever made was with my laundry detergent. I typically used name brand laundry detergents, and never had any issues. However, I noticed my husband getting frequent rashes.
We changed out our soap and his deodorant, but the rashes continued. I decided it might be the mainstream liquid laundry detergent that was causing the issue. So I switched to Tru Earth. Let me tell you...life changing. Not only does it smell so clean (not a synthetic clean like what I had been using), but there was no mess.
You just put a sheet of the laundry detergent in with your laundry, and it dissolves in the washing machine. It lasts forever, and makes me feel good about washing our clothes, and our baby´s clothes, in natural laundry detergent. They have different ones to choose from, I usually get the unscented ones.
2. Glass Food Storage Containers
If you take stock at how much plastic is in your home, you would probably be surprised. That is why I always choose an eco-friendly replacement when something plastic is no longer usable. Also, when reheating leftovers in a glass container, you don´t have to worry about any BPA or harsh chemicals getting into your food.
3. Buy Local Cosmetics
One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is to shop at my local farmers market. Not only do they have fresh, locally grown produce and meats, but there are always various soaps and cosmetics available. Even if you don´t have a larger farmers market to shop at, even smaller ones usually have a soap vendor. I always stock up on all natural bar soaps, shampoo bars, and lip balms.
4. EcoRoots
EcoRoots has quickly become one of my favorite websites. They have shaving kids, cotton produce bags, laundry detergent, and all kinds of different soap bars. Their pricing is affordable, and they ship very quickly. I always stock up on their all natural deodorant and have been super pleased with their shaving kit.
5. Eat Local Food
This isn't a product, but I think buying food locally makes such a difference. My goal is to grow as much as I can on my small quarter of an acre, and supplement the rest with local farms. I still go to the grocery to get food, but the bulk of my fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meats and dairy products, all come from local farms or my backyard. If you don't already go to your local farmers market, I would definitely recommend checking it out. A quick google search of "farmers markets near me" should show you some options. I have a wonderful farmers market just a few miles down the road that offers meats, produce, eggs, flowers, soaps, and canned goods. But even if your farmers market is smaller, you're sure to find yummy fresh produce to add to your weekly shopping.
And those are my favorite ways to go more minimalist and be more eco-friendly. What are your favorite eco-friendly products and tips?
