10 Simple Steps Towards a Greener Life
Welcome to "10 Simple Changes for an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle"! I'm Belen Micaela Staudenmaier, and I’m so glad you’ve stopped by. In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in convenience, but I’ve found joy in making small, meaningful changes that reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Through this blog, I’m excited to share practical tips and eco-friendly alternatives that I’ve discovered along the way.
Whether you're new to sustainable living or looking to deepen your commitment, I hope these recommendations inspire you to make positive changes in your daily life.
Simple Change #1:
Brew Plastic Free Coffee or Tea
One of the best ways to enjoy your daily coffee or tea is by using methods that produce minimal waste; check them all out here! This isn’t new or groundbreaking—people have been making coffee this way for centuries. However, modern trends and technology often make us believe that convenience is better. I, too, once jumped on the Keurig bandwagon (which wasn’t something I enjoyed too long!) and still sometimes dream of a Nespresso. But these conveniences come with a higher cost, much more waste, and unnecessary exposure to toxins.
If you are family with a good-ole coffee maker, that’s a fantastic option. It produces minimal waste and last for a very long time, especially if you get a stainless steel pot!
If you are a family of two (or just a few in the family like coffee), or single, you have other options too. One of the most popular options that produces even less waste than a coffee pot is a french press. I enjoy that you can use this versatile tool to make loose leaf tea or bagged tea. However, french press coffee isn’t everyones favorite as it can taste highly concentrated or often maybe have leaked grounds.
Other options that produce really minimal and plastic-free waste include the aeropress, stovetop espresso maker or a pour over.
Additionally, buying coffee in bulk or choosing brands that use eco-friendly packaging further reduces your environmental impact. By making these small but mindful choices, you not only enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea but also contribute to a healthier planet.
Simple change #2
Use re-usable shopping bags
I am the worst at remembering to bring my own bags to grocery stores that still provide free plastic bags, but when I do, I am glad for the following reasons:
There is less clutter to bring home. Whether you store the bags or you throw them away they just add to the clutter of your home or the world! I have whole corner of my home dedicated to storing grocery bags, ugh!
You can get a discount for bringing your own bags! Yes, there are stores out there that will pay you for using your own bags. These stores include Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Kroger, Safeway... among others. I’ve heard that if you ask Wal-Mart will too. The issue lies in asking. You might not receive any discounts if you do not ask.
You won’t need to double bag. When you use your own bags you won’t have to worry about double bagging for heavy items (which is less waste) because your bags will be more sturdy and durable.
You’ll need fewer bags and you will make fewer trips carrying in groceries. YEAH! That’s right, your bags will be able to carry more than the average grocery store bag making your loading and unloading so much more efficient.
Find my favorite reusable & eco-friendly bags through the following affiliate links:
Simple change #3
Stop using plastic single-use straws
It’s been reported that Americans use 500 million drinking straws every day, this fills 125 school buses. We really don’t NEED them but I do understand your concern for germs. So for those who cannot give up straws completely, for fear of letting your mouth touch glass, there are silicone reusable straws that you and your family can use instead. I recommend silicone over glass or metal primarily due to safety.
+ Silicone Straws (Safe for everyone in the family!)
Simple change #4
Don’t buy trends. Hard, I know.
Trends are tempting but they are short-lived, cheap, and create so much waste for you and for the earth!
Trendy clothes are usually:
Cheaply made
Low value/cost
Run out of style quick
Designed for certain types of body
Usually displayed in the front of the store
Always found on clearance aisles
The alternative to shopping trendy is to shop slow fashion/ timeless. These items are usually plain, solid colors and so versatile. These items will stay in your closet awhile and some examples include jeans, black slacks, striped tee’s, plaid shirts, wool cardigans...etc.
Simple change #5
Use cloth over paper
This can be one of the hardest changes to get used to because paper is just so practical & easy. Let’s start with napkins. Cloth napkins are much better for the environment because they are reusable and normally one is enough for one person. With napkins sometimes people use a minimum of 2-3 at a time.
+ Soft Broad Striped Linen Cotton Dinner Cloth Napkins
+ 12 Pack Oversized Flax with Lace Dinner Napkins
Another change you can make is to use reusable cleaning rags. If you find the right material these will be awesome, I especially love using microfiber because it does not leave as much residue as cotton and they last longer, however, they are technically not an all-natural fabric. The secret to keeping them from smelling bad or gathering germs is to let them dry and wash as often as possible. I prefer to use white ones for this reason and recommend washing them in your sink at the end of EVERY DAY.
+ SmartChoice Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (12-pack)
+ Pure Cotton White Kitchen Towels (12 Pack)
Simple change #6
Bring your own cup
Any drive-thru lovers here? Whether you like hot or cold drinks- how often do you buy some? I’ve done this before and though I always get weird looks most baristas happily agree. I have not tried doing this at any fast-food drive-thru’s just coffee shops. By doing this you’ll bring less clutter to your car & home and reduce plastic waste. If you get in the habit, you might even find yourself driving less through drive-thru’s.
Standard coffee cups are are 8oz (short), 12oz (tall), 16oz (grande) and 20oz (venti). If you are in the market for some, here are affiliate links for my favorite to-go cups for hot & cold beverages. I like secure lids and I stay away from anything that breaks easily because I’m clumsy.
Also, you can bring your own cups to birthday parties or outdoor events to avoid single waste there too!
Simple change #7
Give green gifts
During holidays like Easter, Valentine's day, and Christmas we are tempted to buy and give candy and other plastic-filled/wasteful gifts that may be unnecessary and add clutter to your home (or someone else’s home). As you celebrate the holidays, make it green! You can gift plants, books, gift cards for a date, subscriptions, zoo tickets, cash, or other sustainable gifts. More value & less waste, trust me most people would rather get experiences, or cash than a material gift. Gift-giving can be the toughest when we try to gift material things but become so easy when we add more meaning!
Simple change #8
Clean with less
We are all used to buying plastic scrubs & brushes and highly toxic products like bleach or harsh disinfectants. These in excess can be bad for your health but also highly unsustainable. A few switches you can make include using using bamboo brushes and minimal cleaning solutions like baking soda, essential oils, lemon-vinegar, or other eco-friendly alternatives. See the following affiliate links for great ideas as you slowly use what you have & replace them with these eco-friendly substitutes.
+ Classic Long-Handle Dish Brush
+ Silicone Sponge and Scrubbers
+ Extra Large Bag of Baking Soda
Simple change #9
Unsubscribe from spam mail
I’m sure you don’t love getting all those credit card offers from 10 different financial institutions. Not only does it clutter your home, but it also wastes so much paper. Did you know that you can actually opt-out? Here are a few steps you can take to stop junk mail. To be removed from marketing lists visit DMACHOICE.org or to reduce credit card offers use OptOutPrescreen.com. Both services are independent of each other, so make sure to sign up for both. For more specific details, click here.
Simple change #10
Shop used
When shopping I’d encourage you to try second-hand by sourcing locally (friends, neighbors, co-workers), facebook market-place or thrifts stops. If you can’t find what you need second-hand, opt to buy quality items so that they last you a long time. Stay away from disposable items or trends. Finally, as you de-clutter and get rid of items, make sure to donate to your local thrift stores before sending them to the trash! One man's trash can be another man's treasure.
Shop all my recommended products here.
Thank you for joining me on this journey toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle. By making these simple changes, we can all play a part in reducing our environmental footprint and living more consciously. Remember, sustainability isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Each small step you take not only benefits the planet but also enriches your own life in ways you might not expect. I hope you found these tips helpful and empowering, and I encourage you to start incorporating them into your routine today. Together, we can make a big difference, one simple change at a time.
Disclaimer
Welcome to A Swell Space! I'm sharing what I've learned through my own experiences and research. I'm not a doctor, therapist, or professional expert, so please don't take my content as professional advice. Always check with a healthcare provider or other professional before making important decisions about your health, finances, or life.
Affiliate Links
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