Living an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn't necessarily mean making big, drastic changes. In fact, it's often the small, everyday choices we make that can have the biggest impact on the environment. By making a few simple swaps, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the planet for future generations.
Here are some easy eco swaps to get you started:
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Bring your own bags
Plastic bags are one of the most common forms of litter, and they can take hundreds of years to decompose. Many stores, municipalities and organizations have moved away from plastic bags. We know, you often bring them and then forget them in your car, the MOM team knows that well and have made these foldable market bags which fit right in your purse, so no excuses. By bringing your own reusable bags to the grocery store, you can help reduce plastic waste and save resources.
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Use a refillable water bottle
Bottled water is a major source of plastic pollution, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering the ocean each year. We get it, people loooove their Stanleys, but really the best refillable water bottle is the one you already own. If thats a trusty-sturdy Nalgene, Hydroflask, Yeti or even S'Well of years past. By using a refillable water bottle, you can help reduce plastic waste and save money.
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Switch to LED light bulbs
LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 25 times longer. By making the switch, you can save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
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Choose paperless options
From bills to bank statements, many companies now offer paperless options that can help reduce paper waste. This usually takes no time at all, and for some companies they will actually give you money off your bill. What do you have to lose? By choosing electronic options, you can help save trees and reduce your carbon footprint.
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Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk can help reduce packaging waste and save money. Many grocery stores now offer bulk bins for grains, nuts, and other dry goods, and you can bring your own containers to fill up. BulkBarn is a great option, you can bring in any clean, dry reusable container or bag and refill your favourites. They also have discounts on Sunday if you bring in your own reusables. If you're in Ottawa there is also NU your no waste grocery store.
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Use cloth napkins and towels
Disposable paper napkins and paper towels contribute to deforestation and waste. By using cloth napkins and towels, you can help reduce waste and save resources. Plus making the switch to unpaper towels you can save up to 400$ a year (400!! that's like a lot of wine and dog treats)
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Choose reusable containers
Instead of using disposable containers for food storage and transportation, opt for reusable containers. This can help reduce waste and save money over time. Best part, these can be what you already own, reusing old jars (the glass ones can even be frozen). We also love beeswax wraps which replace the need for saran wrap
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Shop local
By shopping at local farmers markets and stores, you can support local businesses and reduce the carbon footprint of transporting goods long distances. This is not only good for the environment (we offer local pick up in Centretown and Etobicoke) but also good for your local economy. Win, win on all sides.
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Choose eco-friendly cleaning products
Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and to our health. By choosing eco-friendly cleaning products, you can help protect the planet and your family. Our dryer sheets are a great way to make that change and come with an easy to make solution.
These are just a few examples of small eco swaps that can have a big impact. By making conscious choices in our everyday lives, we can all do our part to protect the planet and create a more sustainable future.
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