My journey to sustainable living did not happen overnight. There was a time when I got take out every night, Starbucks every morning, bought ‘fast fashion’ that lasted a season and beauty supplies in single-use packaging that were full of toxins. I did not realize the impact my lifestyle had on my body, landfills, the oceans, or our wildlife.
Over time I’ve become more aware of changes I can make to protect our planet and my body. Once my eyes were opened, it was hard to shut them again. I started to make small shifts in my lifestyle to live more sustainably. This year, I launched Good Soul Shop, which is an online marketplace to help #goodsouls (like you) reduce waste, non-recyclable plastic, and toxins from their lives. We commit to bringing high quality, carefully curated products to our online marketplace. We run a judgment-free zone, and meet people where they are on their sustainability journey.
Here are ten of our favorite sustainable swaps for everyday items.
Dental Lace
If everyone flossed every day as recommended by the ADA, our empty non-recyclable containers would fill a football field six stories high. Those plastic containers go straight to landfill and serve no other purpose (not to mention they are pretty ugly).
Dental Lace is a sustainable alternative. The fact that dental floss is stylishly packaged is a side benefit. Containers are metal and glass, which are reusable and 100% recyclable. Each glass container replaces SEVEN plastic containers. Once you empty your reusable container, simply purchase a Dental Lace refill and you extend the life of the packaging without sending it to landfill.
Beeswax Wrap Set
How many times do you find yourself in the kitchen reaching for the plastic wrap, only to find you’re completely out? This kitchen staple, while convenient, is not recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable. Beeswax wrap is a completely safe reusable wrap that covers containers, cheese, sandwiches, bread, leftover pizza, and that half-used onion or lemon. Made with cloth, beeswax, jojoba oil, and pine rosin, beeswax wrap is reusable, washable, and compostable. And our sets of 3 prints will brighten up your kitchen and your kiddo’s school lunch.
Stainless Steel Straw and Brush Set
One of the easiest swaps you can make is to ditch the plastic straw. More than 500,000,000 plastic straws are used in the US every day! That’s a lot of plastic pollution on a daily basis. When in restaurants, ask them to hold the straw. And carry your own stainless steel straws as a sustainable alternative. Some places, such as coffee shops, will discount your order if you bring your own cup. So grab that tumbler and reusable straw next time you crave that icy Frappuccino.
Stainless Steel Sandwich Lunchbox
There are many reusable lunch boxes on the market. We avoid plastic because even though some are BPA-free, there are other chemicals that can leach into food, disrupt hormones, and even cause cancer. This is why we prefer to use stainless steel for lunchboxes. Our first option is a one- or two-layer sandwich box, which comes in multiple sizes. Keep your bread from getting soggy by separating your sandwich from your other snacks, such as fruit, veggies, or salad).
Stainless Steel Insulated Lunchbox
Our stainless steel insulated lunch box comes in a design that is common in India, a tiffin lunchbox. This stackable lunchbox separates portions and keeps them warm. You can put pasta in the bottom and salad on top without flavors mixing.
Stainless Steel Travel Cutlery Set
How many times do you grab takeout and cringe when you have to get the single-use plastic utensils? Now you can carry your own travel set without the guilt. Keep a set in the car, at work, or in your purse/computer bag. Each stainless steel cutlery set includes a set of chopsticks too, so you can enjoy splinter-free sushi anytime. Sets come a variety of colors, including gender-neutral.
Stainless Steel Ice Pop Molds
This summer, when your kids are craving a cool snack on a hot summer day, grab a homemade ice pop. Avoid the sugar and high-fructose corn syrup by making your own healthy treats. These stainless steel ice pop molds are reusable, recyclable, and replace the unhealthy store alternatives. The recipes are endless. Our go-to favorite is to make a batch of smoothies and fill each ice pop, pop in the freezer overnight, and they are ready the next day.
Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Baby Bottle + Sippy Cup
Keep your bundle of joy safe from toxic plastic with a 100% recyclable Thinkbaby stainless steel baby bottle. Now you don’t have to worry about any toxins, and can focus on quality time with your baby (and those sleepless nights)!
And when it’s time to transition, switch to the Thinkbaby stainless steel sippy cup, with the easy-to-grip handle. These are safer for your child and the environment. The silicone mouthpieces are 100% compostable by burning and the metal is 100% recyclable.
Insulated Tumbler
Keep your favorite beverage hot (or cold) for hours with this steel vacuum tumbler. With commercial-grade powder coating, this tumbler can handle whatever you (or life) throws at it. Each insulated tumbler matches your personality with a unique lifestyle statement. Check out our collection of eight sassy tumblers in a variety of colors, including gender-neutral.
Reusable Mesh Produce Bags
These stylish mesh produce bags come in a variety of colors and are the perfect size for produce big and small. Grab a stack and head to the farmer’s market for some Saturday morning shopping. Each bag has an easy-to-grip handle and expands to fit your fruit and veggies.
I hope you’ll check out Good Soul Shop and support a woman-owned small business the next time you need a household item or gift. Together, we can make a difference with our wallets while protecting our planet.
About the author Heather Rolinski:
goodsoulshop.com
@goodsoulshop on Instagram
Heather is the founder of Good Soul Shop, Indiana’s premier online marketplace for sustainable living. She helps #goodsouls reduce waste, non-recyclable plastic, and toxins from their lives. She commits to bringing high quality, carefully curated products to her online marketplace. She knows the journey to sustainability is not an overnight process and wants to help you get there!
