In an era where ecology is a top priority, it's essential to adopt simple actions to reduce our environmental footprint. Did you know that replacing single-use items can save money? Replacing certain everyday items with eco-friendly alternatives is an accessible and beneficial approach. Here are 10 products you can easily replace for a greener, more economical lifestyle.
1. Disposable bags → Reusable bags
Single-use plastic bags are still ubiquitous and have a considerable environmental impact. We offer reusable bags made from recycled plastic bottles: a sustainable and stylish alternative. These bags are made in Quebec, with RecyPUL™ fabric, a fiber made from recycled water bottles, and locally produced YKK zippers.
Economy : By opting for these reusable bags, you reduce your expenses related to the recurring purchase of disposable bags and contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Tip : No need to put them in the laundry after every use. A slightly soapy, damp cloth will do the trick! Simple, simple...
2. Plastic water bottles → Reusable water bottles
Single-use plastic water bottles generate a massive amount of waste. By switching to reusable water bottles , you can reduce your environmental impact while saving money. There's a wide variety of eco-friendly water bottles available, all BPA-, lead-, and PVC-free, making them ideal for transporting your water or drinks responsibly.
Savings : One reusable bottle replaces hundreds of plastic bottles, reducing your long-term expenses and your environmental footprint.
Tip : Choose a water bottle with a capacity that suits your needs and a design that you like to encourage its regular use.
3. Paper towels → Paper towels and washable wipes
Disposable paper towels may seem convenient, but they contribute significantly to household waste. For reusable alternatives, you can opt for paper towels and washable microfiber wipes . Both products are made from sustainable materials and designed to effectively replace paper towels.
Savings : By using washable paper towels or microfiber cloths , you eliminate the need to constantly purchase paper towels, thus saving substantial money and reducing your environmental footprint.
Tip : Incorporate washable paper towels and microfiber cloths into your daily routine to gradually replace disposable products.
4. Chemical cleaning products → Ecological household products
Conventional cleaning products often contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to our health and the environment. For the sake of our families, it's better to turn to more natural household cleaning products. Eco Loco offers eco-friendly alternatives that allow you to use them as is or create your own homemade household cleaning recipes using natural ingredients like baking soda , washing soda , citric acid , or sodium percarbonate .
Economy : Natural ingredients are generally less expensive and allow for the production of a large quantity and variety of homemade cleaning products.
Tip : Make your own cleaners by combining these simple ingredients, reducing packaging waste and chemical use. It's child's play!
5. Smells good for car → Essential oil diffuser for car
There are many perfumes and air fresheners on the market that can help eliminate odors inside a vehicle. However, most of these air fresheners use synthetic fragrances, are made of plastic, are disposable, and are expensive. There is a great alternative: a reusable car essential oil diffuser .
Savings : Investing in a reusable essential oil diffuser pays for itself after a year of use and will last longer than the life of a car!
Tip : Choose a quality essential oil ! You can alternate depending on your mood and the aromatherapy you're looking for.
6. Plastic wrap → Reusable dish covers
Plastic wrap used to wrap food is harmful to the environment. An effective eco-friendly alternative is the use of reusable dish covers . We offer dish covers made from fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, waterproof and durable. They are ideal for covering your dishes of all shapes and sizes to preserve your food. These dish covers are washable and can be reused hundreds of times.
Savings : These reusable dish covers allow you to avoid the constant purchase of plastic wrap and even aluminum foil. They save you money while reducing your environmental footprint.
Tip : Use them to cover your containers in a practical and eco-friendly way, they will even allow you to wrap cheese or a sandwich!
7. Plastic bags for fruits and vegetables → Reusable vegetable storage bags
Plastic bags used for buying fruits and vegetables are often single-use and promote plant rot. Fortunately, reusable alternatives exist! The first solution is a washable, reusable fruit and vegetable shopping bag made of undyed organic cotton! The second solution is a reusable vegetable storage bag (the Fresco!). Made of organic cotton, it will allow your lettuce, for example, to stay fresh and crisp for 2 weeks!
Economy : By using reusable bags and a vegetable storage bag, you reduce your purchases of plastic bags and extend the life of your fresh produce.
Tip : Use multiple reusable bags for your shopping to better organize fruits and vegetables without mixing them up.
8. Plastic cotton buds → Bamboo or stainless steel cotton buds (oriculis)
Plastic cotton swabs are another source of pollution. They often have a plastic handle and cotton wool, and are disposable. Fortunately, eco-friendly alternatives exist! Bamboo cotton swabs are fully compostable, and stainless steel ones are certainly just as effective as plastic ones.
Economy : These ear cleaners are washable and you avoid having to buy them regularly.
Tip : Opt for bamboo or stainless steel cotton swabs and ditch the plastic versions!
*** The same hygiene and safety rules apply to ear cleaners. They are designed to clean the auricle. Do not insert into the ear! Do not leave unattended by children!
9. Fabric softener → Dryer balls
Conventional fabric softeners can be dangerous for your health (skin and respiratory irritant), for the environment (chemical, sometimes petrochemical, compounds that disrupt the ecosystem), and for your dryer (fire risk). Dryer balls, on the other hand, can be made of natural wool, compostable, hypoallergenic, and safe for your health and the environment. Not only do they naturally soften clothing fibers, they significantly reduce drying time and are anti-static.
Economy : Dryer balls last between 500 and 750 loads. They replace a dozen fabric softener bottles or 750 dryer sheets. They also reduce drying time by 20%, a significant difference in energy consumption!
Tip : To really stop static from your clothes, it's important to reduce your drying time by using dryer balls .
10. Disposable wipes → Reusable microfiber wipes
Disposable wipes are convenient, but they generate a lot of waste and are often laden with chemicals. Replace them with reusable microfiber wipes ! These wipes are durable, effective for cleaning, and can be used again and again. Microfiber wipes will be a great choice for cleaning windows, mirrors, and stainless steel.
Savings : By switching to reusable wipes, you'll no longer have to buy disposable wipes, reducing your expenses while reducing your waste.
Tip : Keep microfiber cloths handy to quickly clean kitchen or bathroom surfaces and even the car!
Conclusion
Adopting a low-waste lifestyle isn't as difficult or expensive as popular belief would have us believe. The changes you make can have a positive impact on the planet and your wallet. By simply replacing these 10 everyday items with sustainable, reusable alternatives, you can reduce your waste and save significant money. It only takes small steps to start transforming your habits and helping protect the environment, while keeping money in your pocket!
So, what are you waiting for to make these changes and become a more conscious consumer?
Ecologically yours
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