Written by Lauren Vincent, Class of 2023
Let’s start 2021 off right by swapping out some common household items for more sustainable options! Approximately 14 billion tons of trash are dumped into the ocean each year and by 2050 scientists predict that there will be more plastic in the ocean by weight than fish. Becoming more conscious of our impact on the environment is the perfect addition to our list of New Year’s resolutions. Here are our top five picks to avoid single-use plastic bottles and reduce your carbon footprint (plus they make excellent gifts!).*
1. Reusable Beverage Container
Americans use 7 million plastic water bottles per day, with less than a quarter of those getting recycled. Brands, like Hydro Flask and Kleen Kanteen, sell a selection of reusable containers for water and other beverages! Plus, they come in an assortment of fun colors to satisfy everyone’s unique taste.
Shop Here: https://www.hydroflask.com/ or
https://www.kleankanteen.com/
2. Hand Soap & Cleaning Supplies
Reusable glass bottles are a great option to replace your plastic hand soap containers. Some brands
have also innovated a way to reduce the plastic waste associated with the purchase of common household cleaning supplies themselves. Brands, such as Blue Land, produce cleaning supplies in quarter-sized tablets which are placed in the glass
bottles and dissolved in water. The hand soap comes in an assortment of scents, and the cleaning products include multipurpose, glass + mirror, and bathroom formulas.
Shop here: https://www.blueland.com/
3. Laundry Detergent
Eco-friendly alternatives to heavy plastic jugs of laundry detergent are also hitting the marked. Brands, such as Tru Earth, have created laundry strips, save on waste and create an easy lifting alternative to normal laundry detergent. Each strip dissolves completely in the wash and releases a concentrated detergent to clean your clothes. Plus, their formula is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, vegan, and good for sensitive skin!
Shop here: https://www.tru.earth/
4. Toothpaste
Have you yet heard of toothpaste bits? The brand Bite has revolutionized the way we can brush our teeth with the creation of their toothpaste bits. Swap out your single-use plastic tubes for a refillable glass jar of bite-sized tablets that come in a variety of
flavors including mint, mint-charcoal, berry, and limited-edition champagne. Bite also sells toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwash in their sustainable packaging.
Shop here: https://bitetoothpastebits.com/
5. Food Storage
Plastic wrap, foil, and plastic bags can also be a way of the past with sustainable products like those from Bee’s Wrap. Their design uses cloth coated in beeswax to provide a reusable, washable, and compostable way to store our food. They sell a wide range of sizes and
colors to meet all your food storage needs!
Shop here: https://www.beeswrap.com/
We hope you have a happy and healthy new year! Happy conserving!
*The Wildlife Medical Clinic does not have any affiliation with nor do we endorse any of the products mentioned in this article. We encourage you to consider similar products from other brands until you find one that is right for you!
