Holly is originally from Connecticut and is currently going to school in Boulder, CO for... Holly is originally from Connecticut and is currently going to school in Boulder, CO for a Masters in Dietetics. When she's not in school, she loves trying new vegan restaurants in my area with friends, creating her own recipes at home, and hiking with her dog! Read more about Holly Woodbury Read More
Consumerism tends to lean toward items that are convenient, disposable, and low-cost. These products are intentionally designed and manufactured to have a limited lifespan after which they are discarded or replaced, giving rise to single-use items. While they may seem to make our lives easier at times, their long-term effect on the planet is often overlooked. As consumerism has evolved over the years, many products which were once considered to be eco-friendly are not anymore. Luckily, there are many new sustainable products on the market to choose from!
@loveofearthco 3 items that were created eco friendly & now aren’t 😕 #zerowaste #ecofriendly #nostalgia ♬ original sound – Love of Earth Co.
With blades made from inexpensive steel and handles made from cheap plastic, disposable razors have always been made for single use. It is estimated that 2 billion razors and refill blades are discarded in the U.S. every year and because most of them can’t be reused or recycled, they find their way into landfills. An eco-friendly option is to invest in a durable electric shaver, refillable razor, or straight razor.
Similarly, every day, people in the U.S. throw away more than 60 million plastic water bottles, most of which end up in landfills. Glass bottles last longer than their plastic counterparts, and you’ll save money too!
Toothbrushes can also be bought recycled from yogurt containers and old water bottles if you must use plastic. However, a more eco-friendly option is to buy bamboo toothbrushes.
As you can see, it is possible to buy self-care and household items without using plastic, and you can make it as simple or as complicated (or as cheap or expensive) as you like. The most important thing is to make conscious choices. Look at your options, and decide what is practical and within your budget. Look around your house for plastic items that can easily be replaced with a reusable alternative and replace them accordingly. Armed with these tips, you will be on the path to getting plastic out of your life for good, no matter who you are!
For more zero-waste content, keep up with Love of Earth Co. on TikTok!
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