If you are transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle, you’re making a powerful stand toward a better world. From limiting your consumption to being more conscious about your lifestyle’s impact, adopting eco-friendly practices is one of the best things you can do to help the planet. The more people who make the switch, the more our vital ecosystems can reap the benefits.
If you haven’t seen my guide on the do’s and don’ts of transitioning to sustainable living, go and give that a read, and meet us back here.
And without further ado, here are some handy gadgets and items that offer incredible ways to be sustainable in everyday life.
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. But don’t worry — I only share products that I love and trust!
Countertop composter
Transform your kitchen into a sustainability hub with a countertop composter. This innovative device allows you to conveniently compost fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and other organic waste right in your kitchen. It’s a particularly great tool to have if you don’t have space for an outdoor composter.
How does having your own composter help you live a more sustainable day-to-day life? The composter helps divert biodegradable materials from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (food scraps are actually a major problem as they release methane) while producing nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
So, embrace a circular economy and turn your food waste into a valuable resource!
eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets
Bid adieu to plastic bottles and hello to the future of laundry care with these sustainable laundry detergent sheets. These sheets are pre-measured and dissolve easily in the wash, leaving no trace of waste behind. Made with plant-based and biodegradable ingredients, they offer effective cleaning power without the harmful chemicals found in conventional detergents.
With laundry detergent sheets, you can achieve spotless and sustainable laundry without the hassle of measuring gooey liquid or carrying around a bulky plastic jug (which contains an unnecessary amount of water, by the way). That’s why I love SaltyLama. They combine in Kraft paper packaging and since your laundry is already getting mixed with water, there’s literally no need to have a liquid-based detergent.
If you’d like to support me, you can use the code CHRISTA at checkout whcn purchasing direclty on www.saltylama.com. You’ll get free shipping & 10% off and I’ll get a small percentage of the sale. Opportunities like this help keep the blog running!
Wool dryer balls
Stop buying single-use dryer sheets and try out eco-friendly wool dryer balls instead. These reusable balls are crafted from natural wool and help reduce drying time by improving air circulation. They also soften fabrics and minimize static cling without the need for chemical-laden fabric softeners. Add a few drops of essential oil to the dryer balls for a delightful, natural fragrance boost. With wool dryer balls, your laundry will be fluffier, quicker, and kinder to the environment.
Espresso Maker
Make your morning routine more sustainable with an espresso maker. By brewing your coffee at home, you reduce single-use coffee cup waste and minimize your carbon footprint associated with daily coffee shop trips. This is assuming you’re driving. If you’re walking to a coffee shop and having a sit-in coffee in a reusable cup, keep on keepin’ on!
Nonetheless, if you want to reduce your waste and carbon footprint, consider getting your own espresso machine. Look for espresso makers that prioritize energy efficiency, use non-toxic materials, and be conscious of the coffee you choose as well! Look for Rainforest Alliance symbols or otherwise.
Then, if you really need a takeaway coffee, bring a reusable cup. I always bring this Columbia stainless steel cup.
Silicone storage bags
These reusable silicone storage bags are a fantastic eco-friendly alternative for storing snacks, leftovers, and other food items. Made from food-grade silicone, they are safe, durable, and free from harmful chemicals. With their airtight seal, they keep your food fresh while reducing plastic waste. Make the switch to silicone storage bags and wave goodbye to single-use alternatives. (Your bank account will also thank you!)
Bamboo toilet paper
This is a great way to save the trees and be more sustainable in everyday life. Unlike traditional toilet paper made from trees, bamboo toilet paper is crafted from fast-growing, renewable bamboo fibers. It is soft, absorbent, and biodegradable, ensuring a comfortable experience without sacrificing sustainability. By choosing bamboo toilet paper, you help protect forests and promote sustainable forestry practices.
Eco-friendly refillable cleaning sprays
Ditch the disposable plastic spray bottles and opt for eco-friendly, refillable cleaning sprays. These innovative cleaning solutions come in reusable bottles and often offer concentrated refills that you can mix with water at home. By eliminating single-use plastic waste, you can clean your home effectively while reducing your environmental impact. Look for non-toxic formulas that prioritize plant-based ingredients and ensure a sparkling, eco-friendly space.
Electric bamboo toothbrush
You might already use a regular bamboo toothbrush, but I know many of us love the ease and cleanliness that electric brushes provide.
Luckily, these toothbrushes combine the benefits of electric brushing with sustainable materials. The handles are crafted from bamboo, a fast-growing and renewable resource, while the bristle heads can be replaced to minimize waste. Enjoy efficient and eco-friendly brushing, knowing that you’re reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives.
Combine it with sustainable tooth powder (I love this stuff) and you’re in for an eco-friendly daily routine!
Clothes drying rack
Harness the power of the sun and air with a clothes drying rack. This is one of my favorite ways to be more sustainable!
This simple yet effective method allows you to air dry your clothes instead of relying on energy-consuming dryers (producing all that hot hair is a big emitter of carbon emissions). So, choose a sturdy and collapsible drying rack made from sustainable materials like bamboo, metal, or even recycled plastic. Not only will you save energy and money, but your clothes will also last longer without the wear and tear caused by high heat.
Breadmaker
You don’t have to be a breadwinner to be a breadmaker (sorry I just really felt like saying that). Anywho, take control of the bread-making process and reduce packaging waste ” target=”_blank”>with a breadmaker. I mean – have you ever looked at the ingredient list on supermarket bread? It’s unnecessarily long, and for what? “To retain freshness?” “To add flavor?” WHAT.
Bread is typically made of flour, yeast, water, and salt. That’s it! Of course, you can get creative with seeds, sugars, and other seasonings, but at its core bread contains four ingredients. Your store-bought option shouldn’t have upwards of 20 ingredients, most of which are additives and preservatives.
With a bread-making device, you can easily whip delicious homemade bread, free from preservatives and unnecessary packaging. By making your own bread, you’ll also have the freedom to choose organic and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable option for you and your family.
