People in mass quantities are finally getting excited about sustainability and I’m all for it! It’s translating not only in consumers actively choosing affordable sustainable products, but also just in the general increase of the acceptance of climate change.
The media’s focused attention on scientific stats is really helping. If you didn’t know, it was recently estimated that only 9% of the world’s plastic ever made has actually been recycled. That’s insane! If it isn’t being recycled, that means tons of plastic is ending up in our oceans and in overflowing landfills.
Not only is our current lack of recycling an issue, but the rise of gas emission and waste. So by choosing more eco-friendly and sustainable products, you’re actually helping to reduce use in all areas. And choosing to live a more sustainable life doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of small and affordable products out there that can help make an impact.
While it’s no secret that the major change needs to come via government regulations and a change in how large factories and companies handle their environmental impact, by fostering this new sense of environment responsibility as a consumer, you’re sending a powerful message to the big guys at the top. Your dollars have power even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Making the change to cut back on waste and reduce use is actually so easy once you make a few minor adjustments. Sometimes it’s as easy as starting with small sustainable products to incorporate into your daily life. To get you started, here are my favorite 10 affordable sustainable products that I currently love – and the best part? They’re super great for travel too!
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10 Affordable and Sustainable Things I Love
1. Menstrual Cup
I can’t stop raving about my Diva menstrual cup. Not only has making the change brought more freedom and convenience to my life, but it’s also completely cut out menstrual waste. No more single-use tampons or pads for me – I’m completely reusable! Just boil your cup to sanitize it when you’re done, and save it for next month.
» Read more: Guide for Traveling with a Menstrual Cup
Reusable Face Cotton Pads
Reusable Face Cotton Pads I’ve recently jumped on board the skincare wagon and try to take good care of my skin. When I initially started my skincare journey, I was using 2-4 single-use cotton pads every day, which adds up fast! I found these reusable face cotton pads and grabbed them right away. I love how soft they are against my skin and how easy they are to clean. Just throw them in the wash with everything else!
Reusable Straws
Reusable Straws Plastic straws are in my opinion one of the most useless ways to create waste. We use it for maybe an hour, and then it’s tossed aside like nothing. Skip the straw or opt for one of many cute styles of reusable straws instead. They make glass, bamboo, silicone, metal – they’ve got it all and it adds a stylish touch to your kitchen.
Reusable Coffee Mug
Reusable Coffee Mug The U.S. is responsible for the waste of roughly 120 billion disposable coffee cups. For my fellow coffee addicts out there, we can make a difference by choosing reusable. It’s also such a great way to flash your personal style with a cute reusable mug instead.
There’s obviously a huge market for reusable coffee mugs as it seems the whole world has fallen down the coffee addiction rabbit hole! Choose one from a company that puts some of their profits to good use – like this bamboo cup from Surfers Against Sewage. The company works hard to reduce waste in all areas – from its production to packaging and retail – you can rest assured you’ve contributed to a good cause when purchasing their reusable coffee cup.
Or go cute and choose something that’s reusable and adds flare to your daily style!
Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Bars Until recently, I myself have never thought about the waste I was generating from hygiene and beauty products. It’s estimated that more than 50% of plastic from traditional liquid shampoos, conditioners and liquid soap doesn’t make it to the recycling bin.
Skip the plastic all together and try a shampoo or conditioner bar instead. These bars not only save on plastic, but save on money. You use a significantly smaller amount of the actual product and it lasts much longer than the bottled stuff.
Patagonia Jacket
Patagonia Jacket Bringing sustainability to our wardrobe is another great way to live a more eco-friendly life. Patagonia is often praised for the work they do to cut down production waste and they use a lot of recycled materials in their products. This jacket has become a travel and outdoor staple for me and is perfect for chilly days and hiking.
Water Filter / Lifestraw
Water Filter / Lifestraw Plastic waste from water consumption in the US is insanely high and is an excessive financial burden for families purchasing single-serve water bottles. Buying your home a quality water filter ensures that your family is getting safe drinking water while also cutting down on plastic waste.
Reusable Snack Bags
Reusable Snack Bags These reusable snack bags are so cute and they cut out yet another single-use plastic item from your life. These specific ones are also BPA free and easy to wipe clean adding convenience to your waste-free pursuit. These have become more than just a favorite affordable sustainable product – these have become an absolute necessity! I use them every day in my packed lunch.
There you have it! My fave affordable sustainable products! What are some of your faves? Share below!
