10 swaps you can make

1) Swapping laundry sheets to wool balls. Not only does it help reduce waste (packaging, and chemicals/fragrance, etc) but it dries clothes faster, reduces static, and is a cheaper alternative in the long run. I have 2 sets that I've had for over a year now, I dab a couple of drops of lavender essential oil for a bit of a scent. For a set of 3 they usually run about $5-$10, where as laundry sheets typically run $5-$10 for 100ish sheets.

2) Repurposing clothes that's reached the end of it's life. Whether it's rags, turning pants into shorts- and using scraps for art projects, or turning it into reusable produce bags. I frequently go thru pants because the inner thighs always get defeated in the battle with my thunder thighs. If the hole is at a reasonable length- I makeshift them into shorts. And have used scraps for art projects.

3) Thrifting- buying things 2nd hand. Whether it's going to a consignment store, boutique, charity shops, or buying off fb market for clothes, shoes, accessories or things around the house. Going to 2nd hand book stores, instead of buying brand new. And also, instead of just donating- selling things whether it's independently or thru a 2nd hand store, usually increases the likelihood that the item will find another home/another purpose than relying for donation centers to determine if it's sellable/goes thru more steps.

4) Buying/shopping more local- the more you shop local brands, the less packaging/more aware of how it was created. Less traveling and negative impact on the environment for shipping. Purchasing things directly from a store or business that has higher craftsmanship than buying online gambling on the quality- or more inexpensive places that manufacture elsewhere decreases a lot more negative impact in the world that is not just in the environmentalism realm.

5) Cutting out or reducing red meat. Cows are one of the highest forms of CO2 emissions, reducing eating beef, trying to advocate for less red meat in general - is a step in the right direction. Swapping out alternatives like beyond meat or impossible burgers/ground "beef" makes a difference.

6) Recycling! Returning bottles is one of the best/easiest ways to be kind to the earth. Picking up stragglers out in the wild; places like parks, parking lots, urban and rural areas- bottles can easily be found. Whether it's intentional or always having a bag on had to pick them up en route to your day to day errands. Recycling paper, cardboard, etc whether it's a bin system thru your municipality/you already have one with your trash bin or going to a recycling center- makes a large difference in less material going to landfills.

7) Having re-usable straws at home, and in your purse/backpack. Supporting local businesses, restaurants, and take out that have alternatives to plastic straws saves turtles & wild life. And less waste going to the junk yard. Less plastic is always a good thing.

8) Reducing food waste (and the package along with it). Most households waste a fair percentage of food they purchase- by overstocking, or not being aware of what they already have- hurts the wallet & the environment. Before heading off to the grocery store; having an idea of what you already have & making a list of new items to compliment the ones you already have makes food waste less likely. Routinely checking expiry dates ( about once a month or so) - makes you aware of what is going to be turning quickly/quicker, and having it front facing/at the front of your line of cans or package makes it more likely you will use it & put that's in your mind to use it or try to incorporate it in upcoming snacks/meals/drinks.

9) Reducing unnecessary packaging. By bringing in your own tote- reusing plastics/bags you already own, choosing items in cardboard, paper, or aluminum packaging. Or no packaging at all. Bringing mesh bags to use while produce shopping- eliminating the need for plastic produce bags.

10) Going to refill stations/stores near you. Whether it's refilling your shampoos, conditioners, laundry detergent, deodorants, tooth paste -tabs (routine is an amazing one for deodorant, and lush for shampoo/conditioner & toothpaste but there usually is local alternatives ), etc. There is even places where you can make your own peanut butter! Getting familiarized with options near you, can make a large difference in the amount of plastic you use. Often times- these stores allow you to bring your own container as long as it's sanitized beforehand, so having to purchase a reusable container makes it less of an expensive to be mindful.