Every conscientious individual wants to be eco-friendly, but in the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, it is easy to let the environmental issues slip from your list of priorities. But our planet depends on us each day of the week. To help you do your part, here are four simple acts of ecological kindness that allow you to care for our environment every day for a better world.
Use Reusable Grocery Bags
It’s estimated that Americans use up to one trillion plastic bags each year, generating an exorbitant amount of waste that could easily be avoided, reports Conserving Now. We all know that using non-disposable bags is a simple method of cutting back on this kind of waste but need to commit to actually using them.
For a quick instance, Earthwise is an eco-friendly company that manufactures sustainable and conscientious products ranging from lawn-mowers to lunch bags. The company also makes collapsible, reusable shopping box grocery bags with reinforced bottoms. These bags eliminate many issues that shoppers complain about with reusable bags. It’s sturdy, can fit a great number of groceries in it, and it collapses so that it does not awkwardly take up space in your car or closet. They’re a little more expensive than the standard $1-2 bags at $13.97 for a set of two, but they’re designed to last. Also, that extra investment might remind you to actually take them with you to the store.
Shop Responsibly Online
There is no shortage of green-focused products on the Web, but as we all know, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. Some companies, though, go above and beyond to be transparent about their products. For instance, Amway’s blog offers great content and allows readers quick access to the company’s eco-friendly, everyday products with natural ingredients clearly indicated.
Amway has a history of and reputation for disclosing the ingredients of their Legacy of Clean products for all the world to see. That company uses naturally-derived ingredients that have been safely tested and their products contain no harsh chemicals like ammonia or chlorine.
Use the Right Toothbrush
Since toothbrushes are small and generally inexpensive, many consumers don’t think twice about tossing their old ones in the trash, but did you know that in the U.S. alone more than 850 million toothbrushes end up in landfills every year? There has to be a more sustainable way to clean your teeth, right?
There is. The Boie toothbrush is manufactured with BPA-free materials and lasts up to twice as long as a traditional toothbrush. The brush head is replaceable and is constructed with thermoplastic elastomer (TPS), which fuses the pliable quality of rubber with the advantages of thermoplastic, meaning that the brush head is both flexible and recyclable.
Recharge Your Batteries
Batteries are a necessary component of modern living, of course; however, when they are not recycled or disposed of properly, they cause serious pollution. Most batteries include a concoction of toxins including mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel, and lithium. If a battery is tossed in with the household trash, it ends up in a landfill, and as the casing corrodes, those chemicals seep into the ground soil and can make their way into the drinking water. When you use rechargeable batteries, you not only prevent this poisoning, but you also save money.
Companies like Energizer offer rechargeable batteries, but non-battery manufactures like Amazon offer compatible models. You can purchase an eight-bay AA and AAA battery charger with a set of four AA and four AAA batteries for about $16.
We are all aware that we could do more to help promote sustainability and green living, and committing to taking eco-friendly steps every day can help us all do so. By purchasing reusable products, purchasing products from trustworthy companies, and recycling (or recharging) what we can, we can make a difference one day at a time.