How can you reduce your carbon footprint and protect Mother Earth? There are so many ways, and you don’t have to make all of the changes immediately. You can make small changes, and it might even save you money. Here are five eco-friendly alternatives that you can apply to your home and everyday life.
1. Swap paper towels for dish towels.
Single-use paper towels can be wasteful and costly. Think about how much and how often you get paper towel rolls. A good eco-friendly alternative is to switch to a cotton or bamboo towel! After using, you can easily toss them in the washing machine and use them again.
2. Swap plastic bags for reusable bags.
Unfortunately, we often find plastic grocery bags in the ocean, hurting our friends that live in the sea. It seems like we can’t live with them, and we can’t live without them — but you can! Some city ordinances even ban the use of plastic grocery bags, and grocery stores sometimes offer incentives for shoppers who bring in their reusable grocery bags. If you still have your old grocery plastic bags, reuse them at the store, or as a trash can liner at home.
3. Swap plastic water bottles for a reusable one.
According to the EPA, 1,500 plastic water bottles are used every second in the US. Often, you’ll find them floating in a river or they end up in a landfill. Buying a reusable water bottle can reduce the chances of this happening. You can express a little bit of your personality with the different designs that are available too. If you’re accustomed to buying cases of plastic water bottles, it might be a slower transition but it’s one that is worthwhile.
4. Swap your regular shower head for a low-flow showerhead.
This is an easy and affordable way to reduce your water consumption. Even though “low-flow” may sound like you lose pressure, the latest eco-friendly, low-flow shower heads give you that pressure without the extra water usage. And you end up saving money on your next water bill! Don’t forget to ask your water provider because they may have rebates for customers who change out their shower head.
5. Swap conventional skincare for products made with natural ingredients.
We’ve talked about why conventional soaps can irritate your skin, and how you may even experience an allergic reaction to the fragrance oils. Especially if you have sensitive skin, we recommend lotions and soaps made with natural ingredients and essential oils. However, switching to natural skincare products can be gentler and possibly more moisturizing for your skin. When you look at the ingredients, it will list that it is paraben-, sulfate-, and phosphate-free.
If you feel overwhelmed, remember that change doesn’t happen overnight! You can start with the first alternative, and when you get used to it (or even like it), you can add another eco-friendly alternative to your routine. It might not feel as if you’re making a big impact, but believe it! By changing one part of your routine, you are truly reducing your carbon footprint.
We’re Committed to You and the Environment
At Pure & Gentle, we create products with you and Mother Nature in mind. We believe in living a healthier life, inside and out. That is why our products are made with plant-based ingredients that are 100 percent biodegradable and non-toxic. If you’re allergy-sensitive, we carry a whole range of anti-allergy household products. To reduce our carbon footprint, we use carbon neutral shipping, which reduces our packaging waste by 75 percent. Little steps toward a greener life can help the whole planet, today and in the future.