I’m writing this blog on Earth Day, which is why the topic is focused on reducing waste and helping the environment. But every single day in my world is a health-focused day, so I’m naturally drawn to sharing ideas that will strengthen our beautiful planet while benefiting your health at the same time.
So let’s look at 3 simple changes you can make that will have a HUGE impact on helping the environment and improving your health.
#1: Ditch Bottled Water
Americans used about 50 billion plastic water bottles last year, and the majority (over 70%) of them were not recycled. Yikes, that’s a lot of waste!
What’s even more disturbing is that many people buy bottled water for drinking, because they think it has much better quality than tap water. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. Plus, water that’s bottled in plastic containers may be basking in toxic chemicals that leach out of the plastic.
A super effective way to create high-quality water right in your own home, while totally eliminating plastic water bottle waste, is to invest in a reverse osmosis water filtration system. Why reverse osmosis?
Typical water filters only remove about 5 contaminants from tap water, while reverse osmosis water filtration systems remove around 78 (including hormones and antibiotics).
Here are the two simplest ways to incorporate a reverse osmosis water filtration system into your home
(1) Install a system under your kitchen sink that’s connected to your water line. I have this one from iSpring and love it! Click HERE to get yours.
(2) Get a countertop filtration system that doesn’t have to be connected to your water line, allowing you to put it wherever you want. The best one currently on the market is this one from AquaTru. Click HERE to learn more or order yours today!
CONFESSION: This mobile system came out after I already had my under-sink unit installed. Otherwise, I would’ve gone this route to have the flexibility of having a mobile water filtration system that doesn’t have to be connected to my water line.
#2: Say Goodbye to Disposable Baggies & Plastic Food Containers
When taking food on the go or storing food in your fridge, it seems convenient to use disposable plastic baggies and food containers that you can simply toss when you’re done with them. Unfortunately, this increases the load in our landfills and takes a toll on the environment.
It also ends up costing you LOADS of money in the long run. Worst of all, it increases your exposure to toxic plastic elements leaching into your food.
The great news is there are tons of reusable food containers on the market for you to enjoy. Here are some of my favorites:
Glass Snapware: It lasts for a very ling time and doesn’t get warped, stained or stinky like plastic containers. Click HERE to get a great starter set on amazon.
Reusable Snack/Sandwich Bags: There are several brands that make quality reusable bags free of toxic plastic components like BPA. You can explore them on amazon using the links below.
Multi-Compartment Stainless Steel Lunch Box: If you like to keep your foods separate but don’t want to carry around multiple glass snapware containers, stainless steel lunch boxes with multiple compartments are a great option!
Click HERE to check out some options on amazon. I’m in love with the PlanetBox! It’s a little pricey, but totally worth it.
#3: Get Rid of Disposable Dryer Sheets
Not only do disposable dryer sheets add to our landfills and pollute the air, they are extremely toxic and bad for your health! That means you can improve your wellness and help the environment at the same time by getting rid of them.
There is a super simple eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets that will save you LOADS of money in the long run…wool dryer balls!
They are 100% natural, contain zero chemicals and will last for over 1,000 loads. Plus, they shorten drying time by 25-30%. SCORE! Click HERE to get yours on amazon.
If you want to add a refreshing scent to your laundry, simply rub a few drops of essential oils into the wool dryer balls. My favorite essential oils for laundry are lavender, lemon and orange.
Click HERE to shop the brand of essential oils I personally use, love and highly recommend (Plant Therapy).
BONUS TIP: Speaking of essential oils, they provide an eco-friendly and totally natural way to scent your home, car or office with zero chemicals or disposable spray bottles. They come with a side of health benefits, too! (Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of essential oils.)
Simply diffuse them into the air using an essential oil diffuser like this. Or, fill a reusable 2-ounce spray bottle like this with water, add 10 drops of essential oil, shake and spray. These natural air fresheners make excellent gifts!
Cheers to reducing waste, helping the environment and improving your health at the same time. You’ll save loads of money, too!
With love and gratitude,
Kandi
DISCLOSURE: Many of the links above are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission – at no additional cost to you – if you purchase a product through them. (Click here to view my full Disclaimer & Disclosure statement.) This helps me continue providing FREE content to help you live a fit and fabulous life without busting your bank account. Thanks for your support!