Whenever Earth Day rolls around, I like to reflect on what changes I’ve made and what changes I’d like to make. I consider if I’ve stuck with it and how easily it integrates into life as it usually runs. I’ve found many items that are second nature. I don’t even think about them or remember them right away. Those are the perfect changes. If I can do it, so could others. So today I wanted to share how to be earth friendly all year.
In an Average Day:
Using the Grove replaceable head dish brush with Meliora dish soap bar, I wash the dishes in the sink.
I then make my way to the first aid supplies to grab a PATCH bamboo bandage and Foille medicated ointment.
Then I hop in the shower and wash with the Grove hydrating bar soap and konjac sponge, HiBar moisturizing shampoo and conditioner bars, and shave with the Peach moisturizing hand and body bar soap and Leaf razor.
Following that, I chew a toothpaste tablet and brush with a bamboo toothbrush, floss with biodegradable floss, and rinse with a mouthwash tablet in a bit of water.
Moving on with my routine, I refresh my face with an essence and Prados reusable bamboo rounds and swipe on Primal Life Organics stick up deodorant.
Finishing up my self care routine, I apply Pacifica super peptide cream and Grace & Stella hyaluronic serum.
The day continues with surface cleaning using a glass spray bottle filled with a concentrated cleaner and water and an old cut up towel.
In the sink I sprinkle Bon Ami powder cleaner and scrub with Grove’s tub handler with replaceable deep cleaner brush.
I wash my hands with another Grove hydrating bar soap.
I wrap up the cleaning by running the steam mop with washable pads over the floors.
Finally, the day ends with laundry washed with ECOS laundry detergent squares.
That’s how to be earth friendly all year in my home. More ways below!
The Master List: How to be earth friendly all year
Bar Soaps
Bar soaps are one of those things that felt easy. Eventually all my soaps became bar soaps – shampoo, body wash, face wash, hand soap, dish soap. It’s a really easy change because there’s very little to adjust to.
moisturizing hand and body bar soap
Lotion Bars
This past year I began making and using my own lotion bars. I had the supplies on hand from when I’d made lip balms a few years back. Lotion bars are easily bought in stores, at markets, and online nowadays. Their ingredients are much simpler than traditional lotions making them gentler. Every ingredient is there for the sole purpose of skin nourishment and softening.
Lip Balm
Before I’d even intentionally started switching out products, I came upon a paper tube lip balm. It came in a subscription box, I can’t even be sure which one anymore. The company doesn’t seem active anymore but there’s loads of alternatives on the market thankfully. Perfect for those who aren’t a fan of dipping their finger into a tin – though if you don’t mind those are awesome for lip balms too.
Personal Care Tools
I stopped using disposable razors, cotton pads, and loofahs years ago. Konjac sponges are gentle enough for the whole body and are made from konjac plant roots. Another plant coming through with the sustainability is bamboo. Faster growing and less resource hogging than cotton, bamboo based reusable pads are an overall great addition. If you’re a seasoned low waster, you’ve probably experienced safety razors. I promise, the Leaf razor is infinitely better.
Deodorant
Something that had not yet worked out for me was deodorant. I’d tried a few and they didn’t work. And none would’ve been worth the price if they were. I didn’t lose hope though. I have a couple of paper tube and metal tube deodorants on my radar right now. So far they’re working wonderfully.
Dental care
Bamboo toothbrushes were a no brainer for me. But I had already stocked up on toothpaste in a tube so it took me much longer to explore replacements. Toothpaste tablets are fantastic. And I’m on board with the floss and mouthwash tablets. It’s truly just a difference of packaging.
Household Cleaners
tinned hand soap and bathroom cleaners
heavy duty concentrated cleaner
Cleaning Tools
tub handler with replaceable deep cleaner brush
Washing Dishes
Laundry
I’ve been using laundry sheets for years now! I don’t miss sticky caps and heavy jugs at all. They’re easy to store and use and they’re affordable.
Beauty Products
You don’t have to miss out on pampering. There’s so many brands creating luxurious products full of thoughtful ingredients and packaged responsibly.
First Aid
Have you considered how much plastic hangs out in your first aid kit? I recently went to replace some missing items in my kit and that started my awareness and search. Bamboo is sustainable and the adhesive in these don’t irritate my skin. Most bandages do. And I found a medicated ointment in a metal tube.
Bars Not Your Thing?
Look, I get it. Change doesn’t happen over night and we are all trying our best. Here are some phenomenal products that still truly make a difference.
This is a continuation of Eco Week. A weeklong earth celebration as we are having our solar panels installed. Yesterday I shared Eco Fashion, did you catch it? Check back tomorrow for more tips how to be earth friendly all year.
