Photos By: Unsplash

Who doesn’t love knowing they’re doing good for the environment? Unfortunately, our planet could use some of our help. Approximately half of the world’s plastic manufactured from 1950 to 2105 was made in the last 13 years and only 9% has been recycled. We can make small changes to our lifestyles to help save the planet. However, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to make the necessary changes. There are a wide variety of common household items you use every single week–if not every single day– that can be replaced with eco-friendly alternatives. This post is going to introduce you to some cool new sustainable items that you may not have known existed before.

1. A Pack of Wool Dryer Balls 

For times when you’re dryer doesn’t get the job done, and you’re left with damp or rough clothes– dryer balls can save your life! They are also an excellent alternative to disposable dryer sheets as they don’t produce more waste in the environment.

2. Reusable Utensils

If you pack a lunch for your children at school or yourself at work, reusable utensils are great. You never have to worry about buying plastic forks or knives again!

3. Organic Cotton Sheets 

Yes, there are a variety of great options out there for sheets that feel amazing while also remaining sustainable. Additionally, organic cotton is cultivated using environmentally friendly methods. It does not contain genetically modified chemicals or pesticides. 

4. A Plant-Derived All-Purpose Cleaner 

Obviously, you still need to clean around the house and tackle those nasty spills. However, there are great options, such as better life , that don’t use harsh chemicals to get the job done. Besides, if you have small children living with you this is better for their health too. 

5. Bamboo Toothbrush 

Keep those teeth super clean and white while also saving the environment. The great news is that bamboo toothbrushes function exactly the same as plastic ones, so you don’t have to worry about a lack of quality after switching. The toothbrush is biodegradable and the bristles are so effective on your teeth!

6. Rechargeable Batteries

Yes, they exist! Batteries are made up of toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Therefore, the more you prolong your usage of them, the better. Batteries are also expensive, so rechargeable ones can help you save money too!

7. Biodegradable Trash Bags 

You can find trash bags that are 100% compostable and half the price of regular ones. 

8. LED Lightbulbs 

According to energy.gov, Residential LEDs — especially ENERGY STAR-rated products– use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting. They also use much less power, which lowers the demand on power plants. It’s a win-win situation here!

9. A Shower Timer

A shower timer can help you keep track of how long you’ve been zoned out under the hot water. It can help you monitor your time, so if you’re trying to cut down on your water bill, you’ve got an easy way to slim down.

10. Reusable Coffee Filters 

Disposable coffee filters are wasteful and build up if you drink coffee every day. There are reusable organic coffee filters such as coffeesock , that provide an effective alternative to the disposable ones. 

11. 100% Recycled Aluminum Foil 

Aluminum foil is one of the most used household items. Whether you bake potatoes in the oven for big family dinners or use foil out in the backyard grill– it can’t hurt to switch to a sustainable version. 

12. Reusable Food Storage Bag

How many plastic bags do you use a week? Guilty as charged. But now, there are a plethora of options for reusable food bags to take to school, work, or outdoors. 

13. Eco- friendly Hair Care

There are many hair care lines that offer eco-friendly or vegan shampoo and conditioner.  The results will be healthier looking hair and an environment. 

14. Reusable Grocery Bags 

You have probably already heard of this one, as there are many laws in place across the US that now have merchants charge customers for plastic bags– further incentivizing the use of reusable bags. To find a reusable bag, you can visit your local grocery store or purchase online. They are often very cheap– ranging from approximately 99 cents to 5 dollars.