Imperfect low/no waste is the only way I know to be sustainable as a lifestyle. There are conveniences, exceptions, and splurges where I know I’m not making the most Earth-friendly choices. Here are a few ways I’ve found sustainability work in my home.
Bar Soap
The rate of plastic recycling is abysmal, with no hope for many bathroom products containing mixed materials, such as pumps. Bar soap is often minimally packaged and serves a variety of uses. From hand soap to facial bars and a growing offering of shampoo bars, solid bathroom products are a solid sustainable choice.
Cloth Towels
I have one roll of paper towels under my sink I do use, but that one roll has lasted me over a year already. Critically looking at anything warranting a towel, most of the time, cloth can get the job done in a reusable way. One way this transition worked well for me was making the paper towels out of sight, way in a lower cabinet. I also have a few hand towels from my family home growing up I now enjoy getting to use instead of storing them away.
Decline
As someone who has increased their to-go purchases, I can say the inclusion of plastic ware is usually unnecessary (I’m eating at home). I make it a point to say, “I don’t need any plastic ware,” and most of the time, it’s omitted. This might seem inconsequential, but it’s one of those things easy to add up.
I don’t need to make perfect choices every day to make an impact. There are many ways, most days, I can make a sustainable choice. Hopefully some of these you’ll find encouraging.
