5 Simple Tricks to Live a More Eco-Friendly Life
Did you know that Australia recycles and reuses 63% of its waste? This is a solid number taking into consideration the constant increase in population. However, we can always do better. More and more people should contribute to the eco-friendly way of life by buying recyclable products, avoiding plastic as much as they can and using alternative transportation methods when they’re out and about.
Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic waste has increased to astounding levels over the last several years. We will soon be drowning in plastic if we keep going at this rate, which is rather alarming. Plastic bottles are one of the main causes of this environmental disaster. However, there is an easy fix to this issue, it’s reusable, eco-friendly water bottles.
These bottles can be made of many materials but the most common ones are stainless steel, aluminium, glass, ceramic and silicone. Some manufacturers even use a combination of a few materials to create the perfect bottle for you. Stainless steel is among the favourites because of its durability, rust resistance, and odour resistance.
It won’t change the water’s flavour and it’s dishwasher safe, which is perfect for keeping it clean. When it comes to design, there are thousands of options, classy, stylish, sporty, plain, detailed, in bright or neutral colours, with patterns or even with 3D details. Glass and ceramic are good options but they can get damaged easily.
Once you decide on the material, it’s time for the size. Choose a size according to your daily water intake. There are bottles from 300ml to 1.5l. Some of these bottles have vacuum insulation, meaning they have a double wall that keeps the contents inside hot or cold for a certain period of time. Some of them can even keep the liquids at the same temperature for up to 36 hours.
The least common are bottles with copper linings, which reflect and transfer heat back to the liquid on the inside. These bottles can have different lids as well. The screw-top ones are the most popular. They’re simple to use and very practical. There are also straw lids and sport caps. No matter which lid you choose, make sure the bottle has an ergonomic design and it’s easy to handle. This way you won’t fumble with it while at the gym, in the bus or while walking the trails.
Reusable Straws
There are studies that show that there are at least 14.4 million tons of microplastics at the bottom of the ocean right now. And this number is increasing every day. Single-use plastic straws are one of the main pollutants. Now that you know these scare numbers, maybe it’s time to switch to a more sustainable solution, reusable straws.
They can significantly reduce the plastic waste around us. You can be sure they won’t end up at the bottom of the ocean because they’re made of recyclable materials like stainless steel and glass. Both materials are eco-friendly, toxic-free and simple to clean and maintain. Most of them come with their own cleaning kit with small brushes. Plus, you can take them with you anywhere you go and pair them with your reusable water bottles.
Bamboo Toothbrush
There’s a “rule” that says you should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. That’s 3 toothbrushes in one year for one person only. By adding the numbers, we can say that in Australia, there are over 50 million toothbrushes that end up in the garbage every year. However, with their bamboo replacement, we can make the world a better place.
This is an eco-friendly alternative in several ways. Number one, bamboo is a fast-growing plant that won’t get extinct and it’s easy to grow. Number two, it has antibacterial properties. And number three, once you’re done using it, you can recycle it. It will decompose in just 4 months. Overall, a great non-toxic and safe alternative, just like the reusable drink bottle.
Reusable Shopping Bags
Grocery shopping is something we do regularly. Buying a plastic bag from the store each time you shop is not a very sustainable way to live. Instead, buy a few reusable shopping bags and you’re supplied for a lifetime. These bags can be made of several materials. Cotton and canvas are durable, eco-friendly and thick.
Jute is also sustainable, strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Mesh is breathable and perfect for your fruits and veggies you love. Insulated bags are good when you’re carrying frozen products. All of these bags come in many different designs. From sun and colourful to plain and one coloured.
Compost Bins
It’s always a good idea to spend your money on something eco-friendly, productive, long-lasting, and practical. A compost bin is one of those items. These bins function by blending food waste—which includes fruits, vegetables, peals, dead leaves, soil, and branches—with water, which is the primary component. The bin is like a magic box that mixes everything together.
Its main purpose is to compost everything you place inside. Once the process is done, you can use the product in several ways:
- Use it as mulch;
- Add it to potting soil;
- Feed it to the plants;
- Mix it in garden beds;
- Spread it around the trees.
This will add a lot of nutrition to the soil. These bins come in many sizes. Some of them can fit inside the house, and bigger ones should stay outside. The size you choose mainly depends on the number of people in the house. More people mean more waste, which means a bigger bin and vice versa. Don’t be concerned about the odour. You won’t notice any difference when these containers are closed because they’re odour-free.