Climate change and the environmental crisis is a hot topic that is increasingly becoming harder to ignore. Lots of people want to do something about it to help, but all the data, statistics, and jargon can be overwhelming, and difficult to understand what it all means for day-to-day life and how you can do your bit to help make a difference. So, we’ve put together a list of simple and easy swaps you can make around your home to reduce your impact on our planet. These ‘Zero Waste’ swaps aim to reduce the amount of waste and plastics that end up in landfills or the ocean but will also save you money in the long run!
1. Plastic bottle VS Reusable bottle
Investing in a reusable water bottle is an easy way to cut out single-use plastic water bottles and will even save you money in the long run. Chilly bottles for example are very popular but you can also get a reusable bottle from your local supermarket.
2. Plastic straw VS Bamboo or Metal straws
The UK government placed a ban on plastic straws in October 2020 as it’s estimated we use roughly 4.7 billion plastic straws, many of which find their way into our oceans. Instead of buying packs of paper straws why not buy a bunch of reusable straws that are great for at home and for in your bag when you’re out and about.
3. Plastic bags VS Tote bag
Plastic bags are not only bad for the environment but they can also take up too much space when they build up and are left lying around your home. Keeping a tote bag or fold-away reusable bag with you or in your car stops the need to use plastic bags. Another good idea is to have a small collection of bags in your car, so you never need to buy one if you spontaneously stop at the shops.
4. Take-away cup VS Reusable cup
Did you know most takeaway coffee cups are not normally accepted in household recycling collection schemes? Taking your own cup when buying your morning coffee is a simple way to reduce your waste. There are so many options when buying a reusable cup, you can even buy collapsible cups, like Stojo cups, that folds away after use making it easy to carry in your bag.
5. Cling film VS Beeswax wraps or silicone lids
There are so many alternatives to clingfilm or plastic sandwich bags, it is simply about finding which works best for you. Did you know, you could try Beeswax Wraps, which are sticky due to the wax and used just like clingfilm to wrap food or cover plates? Alternatively, stretchy silicone lids come in different sizes and fit snugly over your plates, bowls, or pots to preserve food.
6. Kitchen towel or wipes VS Bamboo towels or dishcloths
So many of us use kitchen towels or cleaning wipes as it’s just so easy to clean something up and then throw them away, but actually, a dishcloth works in the exact same way except you just throw it into the washing machine when it’s dirty instead of the bin. You can also get reusable or bamboo kitchen towels which again you just wash before using them again.
7. Laundry liquid VS Eco Egg
Typically, laundry liquid comes in big plastic bottles or plastic tubs with washing pods that we buy every couple of weeks. The Eco Egg is a product that goes in with your washing and replaces the laundry liquid. The egg is filled with two types of mineral pellets and a small amount of detergent that cleans your clothes; these ego eggs are also proved to be great for sensitive skin!
Photo from Instagram Ecoegg UK
8. Liquid soap VS Bar of soap
Most homes have hand soap in the kitchen and bathroom that comes in a plastic bottle, this can simply be swapped for a bar of soap to reduce your waste and plastic. High street shops like Lush offer a huge range of gorgeous soap bars. Alternatively, you can refill your old soap bottle, which again reduces your use of plastic.
9. Cleaning products VS Refills
Did you know, the lifespan of a plastic bottle is over 500 years? Most popular cleaning products are sold in plastic bottles and we buy a whole new bottle every time we need more cleaning supplies. Company’s like Ocean Saver have created Eco Drops which are concentrated cleaning pods that can be used in any spray bottle and all you do is add water and shake!
10. TP Paper VS Who gives a crap
Toilet paper is totally essential but comes wrapped in plastic! Who gives a crap offers one-off boxes or a subscription to 100% recycled toilet paper that is completely plastic-free. Another great thing about Who gives a crap is they donate 50% of the profits to ensure everyone has access to clean water and a toilet within our lifetime.
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Written by the SO Resi In-House Team