In recent years, many people have become more conscious of their environmental impact, however the overwhelming number of eco-friendly products on the market can make it hard to know where to begin. If you're thinking about making the switch to sustainable products but aren't sure where to start, we’ve provided a list of products and brands that will make it easy to incorporate more sustainable choices into your daily routine.
Why make the switch?
Sustainability is about making choices that reduce your environmental impact and help preserve natural resources for future generations. By switching to eco-friendly products, you’re not only reducing waste but also supporting brands that prioritise ethical production, reducing pollution, and conserving resources. And the best part? Many sustainable products are now designed to be as practical, cost-effective, and stylish as their conventional counterparts.
How to get started
When transitioning to more sustainable products, remember that you don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. Start small by replacing single-use or plastic-heavy items with more durable, reusable, and eco-friendly alternatives. This gradual approach will not only make the switch more manageable but also allow you to find products that fit seamlessly into your routine. Here are some simple steps to help you get started:
- Take note of the everyday products you use and determine which ones could easily be replaced with sustainable alternatives.
- There are many eco-friendly brands on the market. To make it easier, find ones that align with your values and needs.
- Begin with products that you use regularly, such as food storage, cleaning supplies, and personal care items.
- Invest in products that are designed to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Look for companies that are committed to sustainability, ethical practices, and supporting their communities.
Sustainable products to kickstart your eco journey:
- Reusable coffee pods
Love your morning coffee but hate the waste? Reusable coffee pods are a fantastic alternative to single-use pods. Made from stainless steel, they are designed to be refilled with your choice of ground coffee and used repeatedly.
- Laundry detergent sheets
Skip the harsh chemicals and opt for a plastic-free alternative to traditional laundry detergent. Skipper laundry sheets dissolve in water, leave no residue or waste, and are just as effective at cleaning your clothes as conventional detergent but come with the added benefit of being vegan, cruelty-free and carbon-neutral.
- Toilet paper
Who would have thought that swapping your toilet paper could be so rewarding? Who Gives a Crap is a brand that offers toilet paper made from 100% recycled materials or bamboo, making it both sustainable and soft on the skin. Even better, 50% of their profits go towards building toilets for communities in need around the world.
- Beeswax wraps
Ditch the plastic wrap and opt for beeswax wraps, a reusable and biodegradable alternative for wrapping and storing food. These wraps help reduce the amount of cling-wrap you might typically use in your kitchen and can be washed a reused. You can purchase Beeswax wraps or even have a go at making them yourself.
- Beach towels
Perfect for summer beach days, Bok Beach Life sand-free towels have a high-quality waffle weave microfibre fabric which is designed to repel sand grains that typically stick onto everything. These eco-friendly towels are made from 20 recycled plastic bottles and are super absorbent, lightweight and quick drying.
- Cleaning pods
Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom or floors, cleaning products often consist of harsh chemicals which can be irritating to the skin and bad for the environment. Ecyo offers a range of dissolvable plant-based cleaning pods that you simply add to water in a reusable spray bottle. These pods are effective, plastic-free, and super affordable.
- Socks and underwear
If your everyday socks and underwear are in need of replacing, Australian brand Bamboozld offers a range of socks and underwear made from ethical and sustainable bamboo material and have been working with the same family-run businesses to produce our yarn since 2014.
- Reusable kitchenware
Onya is an Australian brand with a focus on practical household products that help reduce plastic waste. From reusable lunch wraps, bulk food bags, bread bags and produce bags; all their kitchenware range is made from recycled plastic drink bottles.
- Compostable bin liners and dog waste bags
For those looking to reduce their plastic use, compostable bin liners and dog waste bags are a must. These products are designed to break down more easily than traditional plastic bags, helping reduce landfill waste and are a fast easy switch to make.
- Stainless steel pegs
Plastic pegs tend to break and degrade over time, contributing to landfill waste. If your pegs are in need of an upgrade, consider replacing them with stainless steel pegs which are long-lasting, rust-proof, and incredibly durable.
- Silicon zip lock pouches
Instead of using single-use plastic bags, try silicon zip lock pouches. These reusable and durable pouches are great for storing snacks, leftovers or even toiletries, plus they’re dishwasher safe!
- Bamboo toothbrushes
Swap out your plastic toothbrush for one made from bamboo. Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable, making them an excellent alternative to plastic ones that end up in landfills.
- Ecosia search engine
While not a product you can hold, Ecosia is a search engine that uses its profits to plant trees around the world. Simply by searching the web, you can contribute to global reforestation with minimal effort.
Switching to more sustainable products doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By making small changes and incorporating eco-friendly alternatives into your everyday life, you can reduce your environmental impact while supporting brands that are working towards a greener future. Start with a few key swaps and gradually build from there—you might be surprised at how easy it is to make a positive difference.
Auswide Bank Ltd AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 239686. This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances.
