Zero Waste Essentials from Package Free
So … the climate crisis … yikes!
With each day that passes, we see more and more plainly the effects of the climate crisis and it is not pretty. Natural disasters are occurring more frequently. Extreme and unusual weather patterns are happening across the globe, and recent reports reveal how dire the situation actually is.
As we all know, corporations and big businesses are, in large, responsible for most harmful environmental practices. No matter how much we reduce, reuse, and recycle, Jeff Bezos is still burning outrageous amounts of rocket fuel on his vicarious trips into space.
However, the little we can do — we probably should.
Shifting consumer habits have forced certain industries – such as fashion – to seriously reckon with sustainability. Sustainable buzzwords have made their way into product descriptions and companies claim to be moving towards greener manufacturing. But the bar is super low, and there is still so much waste out there.
To combat this, some people are radically changing their lifestyles to minimize their personal waste. Meet: The Zero Waste Movement.
But, what is Zero Waste? When most people hear about it, that’s their first question. Then they go on to ask: Isn’t it hard? Isn’t it expensive? And can someone really produce zero waste?
According to the Zero Waste International Alliance, the lifestyle is defined as: “The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”
For most people, this is too much of a lifestyle shift. But it doesn’t have to be impossible. The brand Package Free was founded to help people find alternatives to their everyday items, without having all the research and hassle.
They curate the best of the best Zero Waste products to help you switch out your single-use and plastic items for responsibly made, biodegradable, or reusable versions of the things you use and mindlessly throw away.
By gradually changing your lifestyle in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming, Package Free helps people live more mindful lives. Perhaps your goal is to be completely Zero Waste or you just want to reduce your trash and consumption in small but impactful ways.
But where do you get started?
Here are some of our favorite, essential Package Free products to start your Zero Waste journey.
Bamboo Toothbrush ($4.50)
via Package Free
Every toothbrush you’ve ever owned is still out there. That musical toothbrush from grade school, the ones your dentist gave you — all still intact, swimming in an ocean somewhere, sitting in a landfill. It’s chilling to think that our daily routines have such an unfathomable and terrible impact on the environment. By using a bamboo toothbrush, you remove plastic from your morning routine and replace it with a compostable alternative. Plus, these toothbrushes from Brush With Bamboo have durable bristles that probably clean better than the complimentary ones you’ve been hoarding from airports or hotels or whatever.
Toothpaste Tablets ($13)
via Package Free
Bet you didn’t know your morning routine was so wasteful. Toothpaste tablets are the next step in being both hygienic and more sustainable. Instead of struggling with the toothpaste tube, squeezing out the toothpaste dregs at the end of each tube, try Natural Toothpaste Tablets from Geoorganics. Made with Cream of Tartar and Baking Soda, these fluoride-free tablets foam in your mouth to give you a brushing experience without all the waste.
Beeswax Food Wrap ($18)
via Package Free
Keep your perishables fresh without using single-use cling film or tin foil. This reusable Beeswax Food Wrap from Abeego is made from beeswax, tree resin, organic jojoba oil infused into a hemp and organic cotton cloth. With it, you can cover and store food without resorting to non-recyclable materials. It’s easy to use, clean, and reuse with minimal bother and waste.
Compost Bin Container ($18)
Zero Waste isn’t just about replacing plastic, though that is part of it — it’s a lifestyle change. Consistent intentionality about consumption and waste will change your habits. Many people are starting to compost in their home. But the major drawback is it smells. Keeping rotting food in your house does not sound ideal, so that’s where the Stainless Steel Compost Bin comes in. With the replaceable cotton and charcoal filter, you don’t have to worry about stinking up your home in an attempt to be more sustainable.
Sustainable Dish Washing Brush ($9.50)
Keep your kitchen clean by switching out your plastic and petroleum-based sponges with the Sustainable Dish Washing Brush. The brush is made of plant-based fibers and the long handle makes it easier to clean tricky objects like water bottles and mason jars. Get a deeper clean with this sturdy brush while being kind to the planet.
Being sustainable doesn’t have to be a pain. Sometimes it just means switching out some of the items you reach for out of habit. These small, daily steps can add up to make a huge difference. And thanks to Package Free, it’s easier than ever to be more intentional and less wasteful.
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A Hotter Future Is Certain, According to UN Climate Report — NY Times