I’ve been on a mission to implement more sustainable practices in our home. Why? Because it makes me feel better and because oftentimes making these switches is more efficient in the long run. So, I present to you in today’s post the 5 products I think are easy, affordable switches for more sustainable and cost-friendly living!
1. STASHER BAGS
If you’re like us over here, you use plastic baggies for everything. Snacks, leftovers, marinating, etc. Stasher bags are a GREAT alternative. They’re pricey, but last forever (we’ve had our originals for over 3 years), and can be used for so much more than baggies. You can bake, steam, store, marinate, freeze, boil…you get the point. I have them in a variety sizes – I use the snack size to pack Carmen’s lunch for the nanny, the standard size for boat snacks, cut up veggies in the fridge, etc., and the large size to frozen prepped foods (think: meatballs, grilled brats, salmon fillets). I love that they offer multi-size packs, those are a great way to try them out and see what size you find yourself using the most before you purchase more (which I bet you will!!).
2. SILICONE WRAPS OR BEESWAX WRAPS
Full confession, I hated the silicone wraps at first because I wasn’t using them correctly, once I was taught how to use them…I’ve never looked back and 100% prefer those over the beeswax wraps majority of the time. Either way, both of these options are ALWAYS better than trying to wrestle Saran Wrap into submission.
3. REUSABLE COFFEE FILTERS
I had no clue these existed, but will never, EVER use a paper filter again. There’s no reason to, these things clean up so nicely and do a BETTER job than the paper guys. Good riddance. The one I linked above is what I use with my Chemex, but they make reusable filters for pretty much any method you use and need a filter for.
4. SILICONE BAKING MATS
Turns out, these mats aren’t just for baking cookies LOL…we use them for everything that goes in the oven that we would’ve previously used aluminum foil for. Periodically, we still prefer foil for certain things, but I would say 90% of the time we’re using these mats. Don’t just take my word for it, after my sister spend over 60 days with us during the peak of quarantine life, she was converted and bought some to start using in her place.
5. REUSABLE MAKE-UP REMOVERS/SKINCARE APPLICATORS
The easiest of all switches. I have 10 or so of these and use them daily in my skincare routine. If you’re primarily using the cotton disposable wipes for removing makeup you can either swap those out for these OR start using one of these washable makeup erasers instead. Both are great, waste-limiting options!
I have to say, making these 5 simple switches in our home has led us to making a handful of other sustainable switches too! I never, in a million years, thought I would be someone “thinking green”, but the older I’ve gotten the more I’ve grown in my appreciation for sustainability. It’s truly never too late to get started and I would love to hear what switches you’ve already made or are eager to try in your home.
