Sacred Tones Healing

The Zero Waste movement is alive and growing, and for good reason. The average American produces 1,704 pounds of trash each year, and the vast majority of that is not recycled. Instead, it is dumped in a landfill, where it may or may not ever biodegrade. Even organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings are extra slow to decompose in the highly compressed, anaerobic environment of a landfill. And to be frank, we’re running out of places to put our trash. The US is projected to run out of landfill space within the next few decades.

While scientists are hard at work looking for ways to handle this growing problem, it remains that the best action we can take as consumers is to contribute as little waste as possible to those massive trash heaps. But if you’ve ever taken a step back to look at the trash created by even a single meal, the idea of paring down waste to “zero” may sound daunting. Lucky, there are some simple swaps to be made in your everyday life that can add up to make a huge difference. And not only will they be better for the environment, but zero-waste strategies are often better for your health as well and will save you money in the long run.

Here are some of the zero waste swaps I swear by. 

Shampoo Bars

This is one of those swaps that comes with the bonus feature of being better for you! Many conventional shampoos contain harmful chemicals that enter your body through your skin and harsh additives that strip your hair of its natural oils. With shampoo bars, it’s easy to find one you like with clean ingredients and often even made locally! Check out nearby craft fairs or farmers’ markets to find local artisans selling handmade soap with simple, natural ingredients. 

Kitchen Cloths

If you’re like most Americans, you go through a roll of paper towels every few days. That number quickly adds up, both for your wallet and for the planet. Kitchen cloths are a convenient solution that can be thrown into the dishwasher after use. Many brands and crafters even sell them in a roll with sheets that snap together and come apart easily so they’re just as convenient as paper towels, but they can be used over and over again.

Metal Straws

If you’re still using disposable plastic straws, what are you doing? It’s time to step it up. There are a variety of reusable straw options available for only a few dollars. Many even come with convenient little cases and a cleaning brush, making them a super convenient and eco-friendly choice whether you’re at home or on the go.

Deodorant

Deodorant is another one of those personal care items that can be full of harmful chemicals. Even deodorants marketed as “natural” or “for sensitive skin” often contain aluminum which is absorbed into the body through the lymph nodes in your armpits. That’s not to mention the fact that they almost always come in plastic containers. I prefer to make my own with safe ingredients purchased in bulk, and I store it in the empty bamboo jars Matcha Face Love is sold in. 

Bamboo toothbrushes

This is perhaps the easiest switch of all to make. After all, you have to get a new toothbrush every few months anyway. Why not make your next one a biodegradable bamboo brush and refrain from adding one more piece of plastic to a landfill? You can ever order one right alongside your order of our all-natural toothpaste TEA-th Love here. 

There you have it: my top five zero-waste products. This is far from an exhaustive list of zero waste items, or even of the simple swaps available, but it should get you headed down the right path and reduce your contributions to the global community’s waste problem.

What are your favorite products or brands for eco-friendly living? Share in the comments to help spread the word!