If you’ve ever sighed at your kid’s cheap plastic toys, bought BPA-free water bottles, or switched to reusable straws, then you know the eco-guilt is real. Every parent knows the struggle of trying to live a zero-waste lifestyle — and let’s face it, some eco-friendly products like organic produce and plastic-free (and pricey) home goods aren’t always accessible to everyone.
No matter your means, we’ve rounded up some of the ways that we can incorporate environmentalism into our busy lives.
Go Electric with Your Ride
We’re fans of BMW’s i3 all-electric vehicle not just for its sleek design and family–friendly safety features — it eliminates carbon emissions and fully charges in as little as six hours. It handles smoothly and comes with a host of high-tech features (including Bluetooth, keyless entry, and hands-free trunk opening). If the BMW is out of your budget, there are plenty of other great electric cars in a range of price points.
Remember Your Reusables
We all know that reducing single-use plastics in our lives is one of the simplest ways to save waste from ending up in our waterways and oceans (where they’re harmful to aquatic and land life). While reusable straws are great, why not go the extra step with a reusable cup to avoid the extra plastic? We love the triple-insulated reusable cup by Corkcicle and Rifle Paper Co., which keeps liquids cold for 9 hours and hot for 3 hours.
Corkcicle x Rifle Paper Co. Sporty Girls Tumbler, $35
Swap Your Ziplocs
Plastic bags are so, so convenient — but at the cost of the environment. That’s why we love Stasher’s reusable silicone bags, which are easy to wash and are also great for marinating your lunch and dinner!
Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag Set, $38
Nix Your Plastic Razors
Switching to a safety razor may sound intimidating, but it’s a lot easier than you think. This zero-waste shave kit from Package-Free Shop replaces the need to use disposable plastic razors and cartridges. And no need to use your shaving cream, either — the lathering soap bar delivers the same smooth shave, minus the waste.
Zero Waste Shave Kit, $40 at Package-Free Shop
Keep Microfibers Out of the Ocean
You know your favorite recycled polyester leggings? Even that eco-friendly synthetic material has unexpected effects, as they shed tiny fibers (which don’t biodegrade) that drain from your washing machine and eventually into the ocean. This microfiber wash bag collects up to 90% of those microfilaments, so you can collect the material and safely dispose of them in the trash (no fish harmed).
The Fixx Collective Microfiber Filter Wash Bag, $24
Clean Your Toothbrushing Routine
Keeping our pearly whites squeaky clean is just as important as making sure our oral hygiene routine isn’t adding more waste to landfills. Our go-to plastic toothbrushes and floss containers don’t biodegrade, so the next best thing is to go with a bamboo brush and refillable dental floss. Just note that you’ll have to remove the bristles of the toothbrush before you toss the compostable handle.
Zero Waste Oral Hygiene Set, $25 at Package-Free Shop
Turn Your Green Leftovers Into Garden Food
Don’t let your produce trimmings go to waste — throw them in Bamboozle’s sleek countertop composter instead. It’ll convert your green waste into healthy fuel for your landscaping, windowsill herbs, or backyard yeggie garden.