When it comes to boosting your friendly factor with the environment, small changes in everyday habits can make a big difference. Simple swaps from plastic to paper or reduce-reuse-recycle routines can go a long way toward creating a healthier space at home for you and your family.
Here are 5 tips to green up your skincare and cleaning routine.
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Shampoo and conditioner bars. Cleanse your hair without all the harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates and sulfates. These concentrated cleaners don’t need plastic containers that end up in landfills. One more bonus – a bar lasts longer than a bottle or two of the liquid stuff.
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Reusable cotton rounds. Switch to a more sustainable version of single-use cotton balls for your beauty routine. Most rounds are made from bamboo, an eco-friendly plant that grows quickly and regenerates on its own. The natural fiber is hypoallergenic, breathable and less irritating – a great choice for sensitive skin. Plus, you can wash, dry and reuse these rounds up to 1,000 times!
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Wool dryer balls. Swap out sheets for these natural fiber balls to keep your clothes wrinkle free and cut back on static in the dryer. As the balls bounce around a laundry load, they create air pockets that promote faster drying time. That means you use less energy and save money, all while cleaning up your carbon footprint a bit more. Want that clean, fresh fragrance? Add a drop or two of essential oils onto the balls for a natural scent.
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Reusable lint rollers. Brush off a jacket full of pet hair with a zero-waste alternative to plastic lint removers. The silicon surface does the job of sticky tape sheets – over and over. It’s also safe to use on delicate fabrics, like silk or wool.
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Toothpaste tablets. Chew on a plastic-free, zero-waste tooth tab for a sustainable solution to your oral hygiene routine. The waterless powder needs no landfill-destined toothpaste tube. Just pop in a tablet, chew it into a paste, and brush as usual. Then smile, knowing these tablets have fewer chemical preservatives and additives and need less packaging that goes to waste. Want more reasons to switch? You can find options with or without fluoride. Plus, tablets are travel friendly and pass through security checks with ease.
LaToya Lewis, ND, is a naturopathic medicine resident at Goshen Center for Cancer Care. She offers natural therapies and lifestyle recommendations that support a healthy quality of life for patients with cancer.