Living sustainably doesn’t mean you have to live without luxuries but instead be aware of your resource consumption and choose options that reduce unnecessary waste.
Living sustainably doesn’t mean you have to live without luxuries but instead be aware of your resource consumption and choose options that reduce unnecessary waste.
Urban consumption contributes 10% of global emissions, so by switching products you use every day to reusable brands made of environmentally friendly materials, you can contribute to global sustainability.
Here at Soul Tree Design we have trialled and tested a range of sustainable everyday products that are affordable and less detrimental to our environment. Here are some simple swaps you can make to reduce your plastic pollution and unnecessary waste!
1. THE BAM & BOO – Bamboo toothbrush
Plastic toothbrushes are amongst those everyday household items that are essential, usually not recyclable, but very easily replaceable.
The brand sells toothbrushes that are 95% biodegradable and last as long as conventional plastic brushes. The bamboo is also sustainably sourced!
With the Bam & Boo, you have the additional benefit to sign-up for a repeating subscription, being able to choose how frequently you’d like a new toothbrush, the size, type of bristle and colour. We found this aspect of the brand really helpful as older bamboo toothbrushes tend to lose their bristles!
2. Beeswax Wraps – Reusable food wrap
Up to half of food packaging is non-recyclable, and these Beeswax Wraps are a great reusable alternative to keep your food in at home.
The wraps, made of organic cotton, pine resin, organic jojoba oil and locally sourced beeswax and handmade in Nailsworth, UK. Food stays fresher for up to 3-4 days. In these 100% natural and biodegradable food wraps. After 2 – 3 months of use, Beeswax Wraps can be refreshed using your oven or iron.
Their wraps can be put in the freezer and come in 4 different sizes, suiting all your wrapping requirements!
We tried out the wraps in the cupboard, fridge and freezer, and found our food stayed just as fresh as with foil and cling film (and we also appreciated the designs of our pretty patterns!).
3. Double Headed – Cotton Buds
Switch up your plastic cotton buds for bamboo cotton buds. Bamboo cotton buds will do the exact same job as a plastic cotton bud but they’re much better for the environment. Bamboo cotton buds are just as strong and effective as plastic cotton buds, but they can go straight into a home compost bin. If you don’t have a compost bin at home, remember to bin the bud, never flush it. Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed down the toilet.
Biodegradable cotton buds that feature a bamboo stick. Bamboo cotton buds are a sustainable alternative to plastic cotton buds, they are compostable & 100% biodegradable.
Ideal for makeup application and removal and cleaning small areas. Pack of 200 bamboo cotton buds.
4. Wearthy Bamboo Fiber – Coffee Drink cups
Cups that are the centring zero waste ethos and sustainable goods. These cups are 100% made of sustainably farmed bamboo fibre, in a lightweight, colourful and elegant design. We have tested these cups and discovered you can use them 1,095 times before any wearing down – a coffee every day for three years. Well.. no bad eh!
We are also proud to share that 10% of profits made from this product go to our charities and eco partners; 1% For the Planet and Plastic Oceans. Be sure to check out this sustainable product 🙂
5. Natural Sisal Soap – Exfoliating Pouch
Our natural sisal soap pouch is perfect for getting every last lather out of your bar soaps. The soap pouch is made of natural sisal fibres derived from agave plants. Once your soap shrinks and breaks into smaller pieces the soap pouch will keep them together nicely, extending the life of your soap. Provides lather and exfoliates.
A beautifully made, hand-crocheted soap sack made from strong and long-lasting hemp fibre string. Designed to collect all your leftover soap pieces, while the textured surface offers gentle exfoliation while you wash. This zero-waste bathroom essential is naturally antimicrobial, washable and reusable, and can even be composted at the end of its useful life.
We hope we’ve given you the inspiration to lead a more sustainable everyday life and proved these lifestyle changes don’t have to be radical – the sustainable options are often more effective and long-lasting!
Background photo by Elton Sipp on Unsplash
