These everyday alternatives to plastic are perfect for sustainable living
Do you think a sustainable lifestyle is difficult? And what if I tell you it’s simple and won’t disrupt your daily routine? I agree that we cannot eliminate plastic from our lives. But to whatever extent it is possible, why not go with that?
You have your monthly shopping list, and for all the listed products, if you search for their eco-friendly alternatives, then major work is done.
The only thing is that big companies have big budgets, and they easily dominate the market. They display what they sell, even if it’s infused with harmful chemicals. But now, as a consumer, you need to be cautious of your purchases.
And to help you, we have figured out products that are best suited as everyday alternatives to plastic products. See the list here.
1. Eco-friendly brush
Stainless steel straws or bamboo straws—both can work as the perfect alternative to plastic straws. However, if you buy a single-use cutlery set, straws will be included. But if you want to purchase a straw as an individual item, then go for the one made from stainless steel or bamboo.
This is the most basic, I guess. Bamboo brushes were the best escape when it became clear that plastic brushes were destroying the planet. Grab one for yourself from here.
Remember, before composting the brushes; remove the bristles, as they are non-biodegradable.
2. Wooden cleaning tools for your kitchen
Sustainable cleaning tools? Yes, they are made from bamboo and coconut fibers. All your needs to clean dishes, bottles, straws, and pans can be addressed with the set of 5 eco-friendly brushes. Grab one for yourself here.
3. Bio-degradable polybags
These polybags are made from cornstarch, which can biodegrade. If you are looking for biodegradable garbage bags or compostable polybags, both are available.
4. Sustainable toothpaste
Toothpaste and its tube are both harmful for the environment and for you. The toothpaste is loaded with chemicals, and the tube is hard to recycle.
Get rid of these harmful dental care products and switch to eco-friendly toothpaste. Both the packaging and the product are harmless to both you and the environment.
You can also make toothpaste at your home at choose all organic products for your needs.
5. Alternative to single-use cutlery
There is no harm if you choose to say no to plastic cutlery. You can always keep travel-friendly stainless steel cutlery with you, just like this one. Or you can also buy a bamboo cutlery set for yourself.
6. Eco-friendly Straws
Stainless steel straws or bamboo straws—both can work as the perfect alternative to plastic straws. However, if you buy a single-use cutlery set, straws will be included. But if you want to purchase a straw as an individual item, then go for the one made from stainless steel or bamboo.
7. Reusable storage containers
If you already have plastic boxes, then you can reuse them as storage containers in your kitchen. But if you are willing to buy one, then opt for stainless steel or glass storage containers. Wooden containers can also be an option, but I couldn’t trace one in the Indian market. If you know of a good wooden container, please recommend it.
8. Eco-friendly detergent
Detergents contain microplastics and chemicals, and we can’t ignore the plastic packaging they come in. All these things together make conventional detergents a big no-no for buying. Here we have already compiled a detailed list of eco-friendly detergents; choose the one that best suits your needs.
9. All-purpose cleaning spray
This is the product that should not be available on grocery store shelves. You really don’t need to invest in a cleaning spray when you can easily make one at home in minutes. This is not only cheap but plastic- and chemical-free as well.
10. Wooden comb
Wooden and bamboo combs are available. But, to be honest, the products I’ve encountered were not long-lasting. These combs work fine for fine or thin hair types. For thick hair, these combs break off easily.
Let us know if you have ever come across a durable wooden comb.
11. Cotton fridge storage bags
These storage bags are reusable, easily washable, and plastic-free. They are perfect for storing veggies, fruit, food, snacks, etc.
12. Disposable tableware
Tableware use and disposal must be prohibited. There are alternatives available on the market made from bagasse, acacia leaves, or recycled paper. Check out the detailed list here and choose the appropriate tableware for your needs.
13. Eco-friendly water bottles
Plastic water bottles are a big no. Switch to stainless steel or glass bottles. Plastic bottles contaminate your water, and the bottles themselves are not recyclable. Avoid plastic bottles for your needs.
14. Food wrap
Get rid of plastic wrap and switch to eco-friendly beeswax food wrap. These wraps are washable and can be used up to 100 times. Buy one from here.
15. Eco-friendly tapes
Tapes are mostly neglected, but they are also plastic. Eco-friendly alternatives are also available for plastic tapes. This detailed list might help you filter out the right one for you.
16. Loofah
Loofah is actually a plant, and mimicking that, we have made its synthetic and cheap alternative. Synthetic sponges are one of the biggest contributors to microplastics.
Eco-friendly loofah is plant-based. Remember to soak it in warm water for 5 minutes before using.
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