You probably already know I’ve cut out single-use straws and I have a deep love for composting, so it won’t be any surprise to you that I try my best to be environmentally friendly. I’m passionate about making choices that will benefit the earth now, as well as in the future, and some of my favorite eco-friendly products help me do just that.
I was surprised to find how simple these small changes — like using reusable straws — can be to make around the house. There are actually a lot of really useful substitutes out there!
Reusable Ziplock // Reusable Snack Packs // Sippy Cup Toppers // Wool Dryer Balls // Green Pan // Stainless Steel Bento Box // Food Huggers for Fruit and Veggie Storage // Bees Wax Wrap // Reusable Food Pouches // Reusable Produce Bags
1. Reusable “Ziplock” Bags
I try my best to avoid using Ziplock bags, especially when it’s just as easy to reach for a reusable bag. I often use the resuable snack bags in an attempt to reduce my plastic use. This bag holds more than the snack packs below and it seals tight if you want to hold/transport something that would be at risk of leaking. I love it for PB&J’s!
2. Reusable Snack Packs
I love these food pouches for sandwiches, goldfish, veggie straws… you know the drill — all the lunch and snack staples when you’re on the go. These are the perfect size! Once you get them you’ll always wonder how you’ve lived without them for so long.
3. Sippy Cup Toppers
If your kid loves to drink from a sippy cup, these are fantastic because you can turn any cup into a sippy one. Throw one in your bag when you go out to eat to transform the kid cup to a sippy. Let your waiter know ahead of time that you won’t be needing a lid or a straw and you can save the landfill from a straw in the process!
4. Wool Dryer Balls
Pair these dryer balls with a few drops of your favorite essential oil and you’ll never look at a dryer sheet again. If you need extra static control, place some safety pins throughout the wool balls to help diffuse it. Science!
5. Green Pan
I have a love/hate relationship with nonstick pans. Did you know you’re not supposed to use cooking spray on them? That’s probably why I have never found one that actually stays nonstick. I read about these green pans and how they are healthy ceramic nonstick pans, and I had to try it out. I love mine!
6. Stainless Steel Bento Box
This little guy is probably one of the most-used item in my kitchen. It’s great for picnics and snacks! I love the separate compartments for whatever you decide to pack for your or your little one’s lunch, and there’s something old school and classic about the design that I just love.
7. Food Huggers for Fruit and Veggie Storage
As much as my kids love fruit, they don’t always finish what they start. If my history of half-finished craft projects is any indicator, this is deeply genetic. These food savers are a great way to save the fruit until they’re hungry again. Which is always about five minutes away, right??
8. Bees Wax Wrap
I’ll never lie to you, which is why I won’t say this works 100% as well as plastic wrap. But! It works really well for your home fridge (I wouldn’t trust it for travel), and once you get used to it it’s pretty easy to maneuver. Plus you can feel good about saving some plastic from the landfill or ocean.
9. Reusable Food Pouches
Both of my boys absolutely loved food pouches when they first started eating real food — and still do if I’m being completely honest. Problem is, the store-bought pouches are not recyclable and neither are their lids.
By switching to these reusable pouches, I can control what goes into them as well as keeping my trash under control. These snack packs are dishwasher safe and I promise your kids won’t know the difference. Pro tip: copy the combinations from the store-bought packets!
10. Reusable Produce Bags
If your kids eat as much fruit as mine do, you are probably drowning in all those flimsy plastic produce bags. I try to reuse them as diaper or pet waste disposal, but I still have a ton! Enter: reusable produce bags. These little babies take the “bring your own bag” movement to the next level.
Do you have anything you’d add to my list? I’m always looking for new, earth friendly products to make our lives easier!