The entire world has united with one cause in mind and that is the reduction in the usage of single-use plastic. Apart from this, people are getting more focused on reducing their carbon footprint in general and are opting for items that do not harm the environment. This is why eco-friendly products are gaining popularity and more people are looking for better alternatives. Sustainability is being addressed internationally and there are laws laid down by the government to contribute toward a cleaner tomorrow. Although this transition will take a moment, here are some of the eco-friendly products you will benefit from.
- Natural detergents – Starting from the packaging, detergents have a lot of components that harm the environment. Even when they are used and the dirty water is expelled from our houses, it contains chemicals that can cause harm to the bodies of water where the water is disposed of. This is why the best step is to use natural detergents. There are plenty of options in the market that give you alternatives for dishwashing soap, shampoos, body wash, and so on. The key ingredient in natural alternatives that helps the water foam is soap nuts. These milder options are better for your skin as well. You can find a lot of eco friendly cleaning products in India that will help you make the transition to better products.
- Traveling cutlery – Every time you order food from outside, they send disposable cutlery and disposable boxes. Many restaurants have resorted to using bamboo packaging materials to ensure the quality of the food is not compromised and the use of plastics is avoided. At the same time, you can choose to omit the cutlery from the set. Buy a set of cutleries that includes a metal straw to use at home. You can also use this when you are out on the road and you stop at a roadside joint to enjoy local cuisines.
- Scrubbers and cleaners – You may not realize the number of plastic scrubbers you go through in a month, but it is quite high. Instead, look at naturally occurring alternatives like coconut coir. There are ready-made scrubbers from naturally occurring substances too.
- Recyclable cleaners – Every time you run out of cleaners you buy a new bottle. Every new bottle comes in plastic packaging. To avoid this problem, there are companies that have introduced a set of bottles with the chemicals in tablet form. Whenever your cleaning chemical is over, you just need to put a tablet in water to replenish it. Natural home cleaners are better for your furniture and for your hands as well. They keep your hands soft and moisturized and you can avoid dealing with harsh chemicals.
- Kitchen paper and toilet paper – If you pay attention to how much kitchen paper you use, you will be surprised. This is why I try looking at paper rolls that have been made with bamboo. There are some companies that make paper out of sugarcane as well. These are just as good as the regular paper but eco friendly. At the same time, if you use diaries or other stationery to write, use recycled paper for the same.
- Multipurpose bags – Many grocery stores have stopped giving out plastic bags and instead charge customers for a sturdy cloth bag that can be reused. When you are stepping out to shop for groceries, take your bags along and avoid using plastic bags. When you are storing your veggies in the fridge, opt for a bag made out of a mesh to keep them fresh for a longer time.
- Eco friendly hygiene products – There are many hygiene products that have plastic. For example, disposable razors, earbuds, toothbrushes, combs, and soon. You can switch to an epilator or a more sustainable method of hair removal that does not produce so much waste. There are reusable earbuds available in the market which are hygienic and can also serve the purpose. There are wooden combs and toothbrushes available which give you the option to choose responsibly when you do. There are also kits of sustainable toothpaste and bamboo and charcoal dental floss to keep it 100% eco friendly.
- Multipurpose containers – We cannot really do without plastic containers or airtight lids. What can be a good idea is to invest in silicone lids that fit on any container and to buy containers that have more than one use. These multipurpose containers can serve as tiffin boxes, and storage boxes and the collapsible ones are especially space-saving too. Avoid using cling wrap to store items in the fridge or otherwise. Buy containers that can be used for other items too like jewelry, stationery, and so on so that you can use them in various ways. If you are looking for utensils for the kitchen only, then it is wise to go for items that are microwave and OTG safe.
These things will make a lot of difference in each household. Do your bit and encourage the next person to do so too.