How to Be More Sustainable in 2021
Psst . . . Want to Shop and Live Greener This Year? Here, I'll Show You
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Being home during the pandemic has given me a renewed inspiration to make more eco-conscious choices in my everyday life. With all the extra time I've fortunately 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 growing concern over climate change, I'm feeling more motivated now.
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 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 Multi-Surface Cleaner
We've ditched our old cleaning products in favour of this non-toxic, natural and eco-friendly PUR Home Multi-Surface Cleaner ($9).
16 oz. Bathroom Cleaner
Add this 16 oz. Bathroom Cleaner ($9) to your shopping list. You won't regret it.
16 oz Glass & Window Cleaner
Seventh Generation Lavender Fabric Softener
This Seventh Generation Lavender Fabric Softener ($10) will make your clothes smell good while preserving the quality of the fabric.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Packs
Once you start using these Seventh Generation Free & 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 as well. 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 instilling the habit of being 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 travelling, this Back to Life Sport Bottle ($44) will be your go-to.
FROST 500 ML
I love a crisp white water bottle, and this FROST 500 ML ($38) is exactly that. The blank canvas is a good base to accessorise 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 them 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 + 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 + Wellness Kit ($150, originally $165) is the ultimate treat.
Eugenia Flats
These stylish and extremely versatile 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 non-toxic and cruelty-free way, they are 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.
Ocean Cleanser
As the name might suggest, 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 Ocean Cleanser ($48), which I've been using in the past three months.
Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Face Toner
Similarly, Herbivore delivers products that look and feel good. As mentioned on their website, all of the products emphasise organic, high quality and food-grade ingredients. You'd just have to try the Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Face Toner ($22) (or any of their formulas for that matter) to know it's true.
