5 Lower Waste Products Since Learning About “Zero Waste”
It is nearly impossible for anyone to become zero waste. There will always be some sort of waste from the products you purchase, either from the packaging or in the process of how it was made. I have slowly transitioned to a lower waste life at a disabled turtle pace. Lower waste to me being aware of the whole life cycle of a of products I use. Here are 5 items I have swapped for a lower waste option.
Transitioning to a lower waste can be expensive at times and my purchase of the Leaf Razor was one of those purchases. But in the long run, I have saved a lot of money. A pack of blades has 50 blades which lasts me a long time. Since I purchased my razor in November 2020 I have since purchased one for all three of my children. The only issue I have had was the screw that holds the blades in broke. I filed a warranty claim which included; my original Leaf Shave order number, a picture of the front and back of your razor any additional images showing the issue, a description of the issue, and my current shipping address. The process was easy and quick. They got back to me in less than 24 hours stating that they were sending me a new razor and to return the broken razor. The return label was in the box and used that same box to return it so less packaging to have to deal with on my end which I always love.
2. Huppy Toothpaste Tabs
The waste from toothpaste tubes is estimated in the millions per year. Making the switch to tooth tabs was easy for me. Huppy was the first one I tried and the one I will be staying with. I tried the brand Bite because I wanted to try the fluoride tabs. Yuck. Huppy are bigger tabs, taste better, and have more foam. The packaging is compostable so I just throw it into my compost. I have not tried the watermelon strawberry flavor and probably will not. Getting my children on board the lower waste train has been a challenge. I feel if I had started when they were younger it would have been easier and believe having flavored tooth tabs would have helped.
3. Dropps Laundry Pods and Dishwasher Pods
I made this switch when we moved into our house in May of 2021. I love not having to lug heavy bottles from store to house. I now get 10% cash back for purchasing Dropps with my Aspiration Plus card. I have it delivered with a monthly subscription so no forgetting to get it when shopping (Got to love ADHD). My clothes come out clean. I do not like a lot of fragrance in laundry detergent the crisp breeze is the one I like best but use unscented for my work clothes. My dishes come clean. I forgot all about their rewards program until I logged into my account for this blog and found out I have 3,262 points which means I can get $30 off my next subscription. I also have a referral code for you, for 30% off your first order.
4. Blueland Foaming Hand Soap
Another switch I made when we bought our house. The foaming hand soap is my favorite product from Blueland but I have used toilet bowl cleaning tabs, bathroom, multi-purpose cleaner, and glass and mirror cleaner. You just fill the bottle with water drop the tab in and let it dissolve. The packaging is compostable. I purchased the scents of seasons soap refill set which included 12 holiday scents. As a secret Santa give at work I received a cheap hand soap that I am trying to use up first then go back to the foam. I did not want to waste the gift and I knew I was not going to donate it.
5. Skincare
This is more than one product that I have swapped. And has been tricky for me. I do not mind spending extra on sustainable products but I am also on a debt payoff journey so I can not be picky. Becoming debt-free will allow me more freedom not to be as picky. Finding the right skincare can be a challenge in a saturated industry. I do not have the perfect skincare routine yet but it is getting there. I live in Wyoming and have dry skin so moisturizer is a must, I love Activist Prious Oils Infusion to help. The refill comes in pouches which they state on the website that the pouches generate 99% less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and 75% less plastic waste than recycled glass containers due to efficiencies created by manufacturing and shipping less material. Skincare is an area where I have been influenced to try products, Osea is one of those. I follow Shelbizleee on YouTube and learned about it from her. I finally tried it presently and love the body and ocean cleaners.
Zero waste, lower waste or sustainability whatever term you want to use sending less to landfills is important. I will never be perfect at it and nor do I want to be. But I can do my share to send less to landfills.
