Let's face it, single-use plastic is all around our homes. The largest culprits are likely our kitchens and bathrooms. Plastic provides many amazing uses, however it also clogs our landfills and pollutes our planet when it is not recycled properly. Many items found in our homes are actually not recyclable because of their unique shape and properties. I have spent years trying out different products and learning which ones are practical and "worth it". Today, I am sharing my must-have list.
1. Bar Shampoo
Bar shampoo is one of the easiest transitions to make. The shampoo bars I have used are frothy, effective, and long-lasting. My current favorite bar is from Love Beauty and Planet. It is currently $4.99 on Amazon. Other bars that I have tried from byHumanKind, Lush, and Ethique are equally as good, but are more expensive.
2. Refillable Deodorant
This concept took me a while to adopt and I had to try some different products to land on a winner. The non-winners in the group were Lush bar deodorant and Myro refillable deodorant. They each had their drawbacks on both texture, effectiveness, and scent. My current favorite is byHumanKind. They have a selection of different colored containers, scents, and the option to subscribe for refills. This deodorant is both effective and pleasant smelling.
3. Hand Soap Tablets
2020 has been a year full of hand washing! Foaming hand soap is a favorite in my house as it seems to be the most effective type of soap for children to use. Blueland offers a tablet-based hand soap. You simply fill the soap container to the fill line with warm water and drop a dissolvable soap tablet in. Blueland offers a variety of scents as well as a subscription service. Tablets are $2 or less.
4. Stasher Food Storage Containers
Storing left overs and packing school lunches can end up creating more waste than we ever intended. Plastic bags are convenient and reliable but are also terrible for the environment. These Stasher food storage bags are the perfect solution. They preserve food with their airtight seal, are microwave and dishwasher-safe, and great for freezer storage. I started using them as snack bags for school and have ended up using them for nearly everything!
5. Bite Toothpaste
Let's face it, toothpaste containers are not eco-friendly. They have to be thrown out ofter use - whether they are travel-size or Costco-size. I have tried a few different toothpaste options in tablet form, however this one is my favorite! Bite toothpaste bits are easy to use, effective, and able to be filled by a subscription. They also offer one-time purchase. They are easy to travel with and share throughout members of your household.
If you are just dipping your toe into reducing the single-use plastic consumption in your home, these five items are the perfect place to start. You will find that at each site, there are even more options to continue to expand your journey!
In our home, we have been using the Blueland cleaning products, dishwasher detergent, and laundry tablets. Don't be afraid to try out a new product. The worst that can happen is that it is not your favorite and you continue on your search. I never thought I would find a bar conditioner that was actually effective, but, eventually, I found one at byHumanKind! Reducing the plastic in your home is both rewarding for your family and the environment.
