How to Be More Sustainable in 2021
I'm Committed to Helping the Planet Every Day — Let Me Show You How
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Being home during the pandemic has given me a renewed determination to make more eco-conscious choices in my everyday life. With all the extra time I've had, I've been able to reflect on my pre-Covid lifestyle and come up with simple yet lasting ways to change past habits. To start, I've taken steps to make my daily routine greener. Admittedly, this resolution was set in previous years, but with the ever-growing concern over climate change, I'm feeling more motivated than ever.
I'm mainly focusing on home products and shopping habits, before making the change a more holistic one. I ditched my old laundry and dish soaps for more ethical and sustainably made alternatives. This way, I not only get the benefits of these healthier products, but I also support smaller, majority-BIPOC-owned businesses. I'm no longer letting "convenience" be the reason I don't look for eco-friendly options or make wiser decisions. I also only go for reusable bottles and use reusable grocery totes for errands and outings.
If adopting greener habits is also on your list of resolutions, I've curated the products I use, as well as other suggestions to help you achieve your goal.
Here's to giving back to Mother Nature.
Pur Home Multisurface Cleaner
We've ditched our old cleaning products in favor of this nontoxic, natural, and eco-friendly Pur Home Multisurface Cleaner ($9).
Pur Home 16 Oz. Bathroom Cleaner
Add this Pur Home 16 Oz. Bathroom Cleaner ($9) to your shopping list. You won't regret it.
Pur Home 16 Oz. Glass and Window Cleaner
Grab this eco-friendly Pur Home 16 Oz. Glass and Window Cleaner ($9) as well.
Seventh Generation Lavender Fabric Softener
This Seventh Generation Lavender Fabric Softener ($10) will make your clothes smell so good while preserving the quality of the fabric.
Seventh Generation Free and Clear Laundry Packs
Once you start using these Seventh Generation Free and Clear Laundry Packs ($12), you'll never go back.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap
The Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap ($4, originally $7) is a great sustainable option. It's cruelty-free and made with essential oils in a recyclable container.
Daisy Flower Bag
Remember plastic bags? I don't. Totes like this Daisy Flower Bag ($18) have been a game changer in my pursuit to be more sustainable.
Plastic-Free Produce Bags
These Plastic-Free Produce Bags ($15) have gone a long way in helping me discard single-use plastic items.
Pure Active 16 Oz. Stainless-Steel Water Bottle
This Pure Active 16 Oz. Stainless-Steel Water Bottle ($20) is a quirky reminder to stay active.
Back to Life Sport Bottle
From working out to traveling, this Back to Life Sport Bottle ($44) will be your go-to.
Bkr Frost 500 ML. Water Bottle
I love a crisp white water bottle, and this Bkr Frost 500 ML. Water Bottle ($38) is exactly that. The blank canvas is a good base to accessorize should you choose to decorate it with stickers.
Reel Bamboo Toilet Paper
This Reel Bamboo Toilet Paper ($30) is an innovative take on a living essential. Made from sustainable bamboo, using it is one way to give back to the environment. I have it on my list for when my current toiler-paper stock runs out.
Reusable Cotton Rounds (Set of 10 )
I'm totally sold on these Reusable Cotton Rounds (Set of 10 ) ($10). They are so handy for makeup removal or wiping surfaces.
Golde Complete Beauty and Wellness Kit
The founders of Golde are on a mission to make self-care accessible, easy, and, most importantly, clean. Their products are designed to make you look and feel good, and this Golde Complete Beauty and Wellness Kit ($150, originally $165) is the ultimate treat.
Zou Xou Eugenia Flats
These stylish and extremely versatile Zou Xou Eugenia Flats ($268) are produced in small quantities, and designed to reduce waste and energy.
Aaks Hand-Crafted Raffia Bag
The Aaks Hand-Crafted Raffia Bag ($237) is made in Ghana using ecologically grown raffia from family farmers.
Klur Supreme Seed Purification Mask
This brand is committed to clean, ethical, and inclusive beauty. Not only are the products made in a nontoxic and cruelty-free way, but they are also designed to promote self-care and a sense of simple luxury. I ordered this Klur Supreme Seed Purification Mask ($60) today, and I simply can't wait to try it.
Osea Ocean Cleanser
Osea is committed to sourcing the highest-quality ingredients, using innovative formulations of certified organic, bioavailable seaweed that are blended with pure steam-distilled and cold-pressed essential oils. This dedication reflects in the quality and feel of each product, including the Osea Ocean Cleanser ($48), which I've been using in the past three months.
Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Face Toner
Similarly, Herbivore Botanicals delivers products that look and feel good. As mentioned on their website, all of the products emphasize organic, high-quality, and food-grade ingredients. You'd just have to try the Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Face Toner ($22) (or any of their formulas for that matter) to know it's true.
