In recent years, there has been a not-so-subtle shift in the way people perceive their responsibility to contribute to environmental protection efforts. As large corporations place tremendous pressure on the earth’s resources and wreak havoc on delicate ecosystems, the calls for action have increased in volume, demanding that earth’s residents wake up and drastically reduce their daily waste.
While climate change and sustainable living have become hot topics on the political stage, many households are already changing their lifestyles to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s impressive to see how many people worldwide are willing to reduce, reuse, and recycle in an effort to restore melting ice caps, reduce landfill waste, and protect the planet.
With that said, sustainable living benefits more than just the planet. These eco-conscious lifestyle adjustments help ensure optimal physical health and protect the wellbeing of our communities.
For that reason, the price of eco-friendly products should be of little concern. Why? From a risk-reward perspective, the benefits simply outweigh the extra costs, which is especially true regarding buying household products. When homeowners switch to reusable water bottles and storage bins, they can save money otherwise spent on products that end up in the trash.
Below, you will find suggestions of ten must-have, eco-friendly home products every homeowner and apartment owner should purchase in 2020. By buying and using these products, you can do your part to slow the effects of excess waste and pollution.
Organic mattress
Because you spend about eight hours a day nestled in your bed, it’s probably in your best interest to make sure you own a mattress that’s comfortable and doesn’t negatively affect your health.
The mattresses sold by Essentia are second-to-none in quality. While they might cost a little bit more, these organic mattresses yield incredible benefits, including the following:
- Made with natural materials (trees, plants, and animals)
- Chemical and toxin-free to ensure respiratory and skin health
- Fire-retardant to prevent mattress fires
- The durability factor
- Regulates body temperature, which should reduce heating and A/C costs
Reusable water bottles
The plastic bottles that hold carbonated beverages, water, and other sugary drinks take decades to breakdown. In the meantime, they collectively pose one of the earth’s most significant challenges in terms of waste and pollution.
At home and work, you should have ready access to a clean water supply. If using a reusable water bottle can make a material difference, it makes sense to bring one with you wherever you go. While carrying a reusable water bottle on-the-go may occasionally inconvenience users, there’s no reason to sip on plastic water bottles in the comfort of your own home, especially with reusable cups and drinking water within walking distance.
Pressure cooker
Pressure cookers can reduce the time it takes to cook many foods by as much as 70%. If you can save time cooking with a pressure cooker, you can reduce the cost of electricity and gas from using a stove, oven, or microwave oven. Additionally, opting for a pressure cooker a few meals a week can reduce planet-destroying emissions.
Toaster oven
Did you know that cooking with a countertop toaster oven can reduce your energy costs by 50% compared to a conventional electric oven? It’s true because the smaller appliance requires less power to do the same job. When structuring your newfound eco-conscious lifestyle, consider purchasing a toaster oven.
LED light bulbs
For decades now, the U.S. Department of Energy has endorsed light-emitting diodes’ (LEDs) low-energy lamps’ effectiveness and energy-efficiency. Given that these LED light bulbs can reduce your energy costs by as much as 75% compared to incandescent lighting, opting for these alternatives can help homeowners significantly reduce their carbon footprint. The bulbs also last 20 to 25 times longer, sparing households from unnecessarily frequent light bulb repurchases.
Dishcloths and hand towels
While paper towels are appealing based on the convenience factor, they also generate a lot of waste. The eco-friendly option for drying your dishes and hands would be to use eco-friendly dishcloths that don’t create waste.
Silicone reusable storage bags
Anytime you can avoid plastic products, you should do so. Instead of using plastic containers and bags for food storage, you should use silicone reusable storage bags that are easy to wash and reuse.
Compostable sponges
Conventional spongers last about a week under regular use. Sponges made from plant-based cellulose can last for months. With this extended lifespan in mind, homeowners can save money with this simple switch.
House plants
It’s easy to forget how vital plant life is to the health of humans. Studies have found that potted plant soil can help absorb the toxins found in the air, relieving the symptoms of respiratory ailments.
Compost bin
Unbeknownst to most, a significant portion of food waste is easily degradable. This food waste also has lots of practical uses in bulk. Instead of tossing food waste in the garbage, a direct stream to a landfill, you can put these food scraps in a compost bin to be sold or donated.
Final thoughts
Saving the planet can be as simple as purchasing a compostable sponge or reusable water bottle. With these hassle-free options at your disposal, you can contribute to waste reduction initiatives for under $20.
