Ways to Create an Eco-Friendly Home
Over the past few decades, the human population has become more conscientious about our impact on the environment and planet. Businesses and consumers have developed eco-friendly and sustainable practices for products and we’ve learned the value of reducing, reusing, and recycling. With heightened safety measures in place due to the current pandemic, understandably, single use plastic consumption has been on the rise. However, we can still be mindful of our impact on the environment by being eco-conscious at home. Whether you’ve already been practicing an eco-conscious lifestyle or you’re looking to start, we’re sharing a few ideas to support your efforts. Enjoy making your own products? We’ll even include a few DIY tutorials that will help you go green AND save some green.
Buy second hand or repurposed
Whether its household decor, furniture, kitchenware, or clothing buying second hand or from vendors that repurpose can save you money and minimize pollution from mass production of goods. Missoula has a number of local businesses that you can purchase second hand or repurposed goods like Restyle Clothing Exchange, Upcycled (who also feature other upcycle vendors) and Donation Warehouse (owned by 406 Families Co-Founder Laci Rathbun). Purchasing gently used toys from a second hand store and/or repurposing something to create a one of a kind gift is also a great way to be mindful of our planet. Check out this adorable rocking horse that 406 Families Co-Founder Charity Stubb found second-hand and re-finished for her daughter’s second birthday.
Purchase eco-friendly or locally made toys
This is probably one of the easiest and rewarding ways to be eco-conscious. Whether you’re purchasing toys for your own children or as a gift for someone special, there are so many options for eco-friendly and zero waste toys. There are also a number of local vendors who take pride in crafting one of a kind gifts like The Colyer Co. and Hand Taylored MT. Local businesses like Imagination Station and Rockin’ Rudys also carry toys made from recycled materials.
Use glass spray bottles and dish soap dispensers
Rather than purchase individual use household cleaners or soap, consider purchasing a few glass spray bottles and glass soap dispensers. You can then purchase cleaning products in bulk and often concentrate which saves money and minimizes waste. Bonus if you make your own cleaners and soap! Companies like Grove.Co are making trendy and inexpensive options to purchase safe, natural and eco-friendly cleaning options.
Use eco-friendly household cleaners or make your own
Eco-friendly household cleaners like Mrs. Meyers and Method are naturally derived, biodegradable and non-toxic plus they use recycled materials for their package, leaving your home and the environment a cleaner place. DIY household cleaners are relatively easy to make but even simple things like vinegar and baking soda make great cleaning options as well.
Commit to Change
Change can be hard but committing to purchasing or making your own goods to minimize the impact on our environment will create positive change for future generations. Consider switching out one hygiene product a month for something more sustainable. Switch from traditional shampoo and conditioner in plastic containers to purchasing shampoo and conditioner bars. Change out your traditional deodorant for something more non-toxic like Tom’s of Maine or Native. Bamboo is a great alternative to plastic, paper and other non-renewable resources because it's biodegradable and compostable. Check out these bamboo toothbrushes below.
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