8 Easy Swaps For A Low Waste Lifestyle
It was back in 2016 when I started giving away my things intentionally. I thought of ways to buy less, consume less, and save more.
From that time on, every 6 months or so, I look at items I purchased in the past and think of how I can get rid of them if they have become useless and turned into clutter.
It’s an eyeopener. Aside from feeling great afterward, it also reveals how much my choices change in a matter of months.
The more I did it, the easier it was for me to let my possessions go. I’d like to believe that I place more value on experiences and ideas more now than objects that I can keep.
Being forced to stay at home this year, I had more time to look at my possessions. I thought of ways on how I can lessen my waste and impact while I do ‘regular’ things like bathing, taking care of my skin, and brushing my teeth. These are the swaps I have made so far.
Swap No. 1: Hair Products and Hair Treatment
My hair is not very easy to deal with. Aside from being mega-thick, it falls out. I was worried about using these products because I’ve read reviews about how bars make hair difficult to comb and sticky but I didn’t experience this.
I purchased my first pair of shampoo bar and conditioner bar from EcoShift. The bars convinced me to do the switch. No more bottled hair products in the future. I have to admit, I’m excited to order from this store again to try other scents. Bonus points for plastic-free shipping.
From going for hair treatments, I gave myself frequent oil treatments using aloe vera gel cooked in virgin coconut oil.
Papa has been growing aloe vera plants and they’re so easy to take care of.
Tip: Read about the products that you use and see if you can find ones that use natural ingredients. Your body will love you for it. Use raw materials that can be found at home. Be resourceful.
Swap №2: Soaps and Body Wash
From using Dove, Safeguard, and different brands of soaps, I’ve switched to using one brand of body wash. I found Love Beauty and Planet body wash about 2 years ago and have been using it since then. It’s made out of recycled bottles and not tested on animals. Their products smell great too! Each 400mL bottle lasts me for almost half a year.
I also started making my own soaps. It’s so much fun to do. I love that I can decide on the ingredients & fragrances. Most of the ingredients are available at home like turmeric, aloe vera, honey, and oatmeal.
Tip: Give your business to brands that care about the planet.
Swap №3: Facial Napkins
To stop using disposable tissues, I got these reusable napkins that came with a silicone case. It’s a set of white handkerchiefs that look like napkins and can be pulled out easily. I ordered this from Shopee.
Tip: Take note of the items you easily and mindlessly throw away and look for a way to replace it with an item that will use for a longer period.
Swap №4: Dental Care
From using Colgate’s plastic toothbrush, I have shifted to using a bamboo toothbrush.
I have also started making my own toothpaste and mouthwash. They work well so far and my teeth are still intact!
Swap №.5: Facial Care
I was using Simple Moisturizer after toning my face and it was good to my skin. I bought it in California and it’s not very easy to find here in Manila.
I’ve shifted to a local brand called Lana. I’ve been using their gentle cleanser, DNA Repair Elixir and Pure Argan Oil. Elixir is a great product. I love how my skin looks and feels each time I use it. The gentle cleanser feels so pure and it’s soap-free! I love their products, period. I think found a new go-to brand. Another great thing about Lana is they offer refills!
Tip: When changing brands, look for businesses that you can go back to easily. Perfect if it’s close to where you live, if they offer refills, or stand for a cause that you believe in.
Swap №6: Reusable Cotton Pads
Cotton does not cost much but it’s something that I use at least once a day and throw away. I looked for a cotton shirt that I wasn’t to use going to use anymore and a thick scarf-like fabric that I can place in between to make it absorbent and cushiony.
Swap №7: Doing Things Yourself
From last month’s reading of blogs and recipes, I started making the following products to replace purchasing their store counterparts: toothpaste, mouthwash, lip balm, deodorant, and solid body lotion, and soaps.
The recipes will be posted here once I know the ones that work best for me and my parents. They use my products too.
Tip: There is an introductory investment when starting to make your own products at home. Some oils and a few kinds of butter need to be on hand, but take things slowly and don’t buy everything at the same time. Consume the products you have now, look for simple recipes to start, and build from there.
Swap №8: Growing Herbs
We never used herbs for cooking. Out of being influenced by my father who likes to take care of his plants, I bought rosemary, tarragon, peppermint, and lavender. I’ve made some trimmings grow. Some died.
I like seeing the small changes on my plants every morning. Waiting for roots and leaves to grow is teaching me patience. Indeed, it takes time to grow and change.
Tip: Find a hobby that will nourish your overall well-being. It gets better as you do it with a family member, friends, or community.
Our possessions — no matter how small or big — carry physical and mental weight.
Do you also feel lighter after decluttering? Do you feel good when you give away or donate your unused clothes?
There’s a reason why Mari Kondo earned millions of followers worldwide. This idea of keeping things that ‘spark joy’ or increase the quality of your life, makes sense.
I highly recommend her book, Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It will make you want to clean up, or at least prepare for it. Here are the lessons I picked up from her.
Here’s a helpful video that tells us where our things come from and where they go when we throw them away.
Simply by Christine is an excellent resource for ideas and instructions on keeping a low-key and minimalist lifestyle. She is on Instagram, Youtube and I recently became a patron.
This is where I’m at in my less-waste journey and I am in no way imposing my choices and beliefs on anyone.
These choices make me feel good. I throw away less, spend less, and there’s so much space for real experiences, interactions, and ideas. To me, this is what real life is all about.
With these small choices, I know I am making a difference.
This is not a sponsored post and I have no affiliate links. I bought all these products and currently using them.
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