Better For Your Health, Better For The Earth: 7 Eco-Friendly Swaps To Improve Your Wellbeing

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There’s little doubt about it: your health should always come first! But did you know that some swaps can benefit both your well-being and the environment?

Sometimes, we put little choice into our daily choices, and we continue purchasing the same products out of habit. However, when mindfully assessing the items we buy, we can start looking at options that are better for our health, the environment, and the wallet alike!

In this quick-start guide, we’ll offer some inspiration to help you get started, and maybe provide you with a few swaps you may not have thought of! Let’s get started!

1. Swap Out Your Standard Sanitary Pads

As women, something we use every month for many years of our lives is period supplies. Certainly, standard tampons and sanitary pads are among the most common options, also because they have been on the market the longest. Nonetheless, before filling up your supply again, you may stop and consider other alternatives, which may be better for your health and the environment alike.

For example, today, you can find menstrual cups, sustainable and safe organic tampons, or reusable sanitary pads made of cloth. These can help you avoid putting your skin into contact with chemicals and help reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills each day.

2. Try Washable Makeup Cloths Instead of Wipes

Makeup and skincare products play a key role in helping us feel confident. However, these may contain chemicals and synthetic materials that should not stay in contact with our skin for longer than necessary. However, when taking them off, what about swapping wipes with washable makeup cloths?

These are reusable, helping you reduce your daily household waste, and may even be kinder on your skin! In fact, they are often made of natural fibers, like cotton, instead of synthetic components.

3. Choose Natural Cleaners Over Chemicals

Nothing is as satisfying as keeping the house a clean, healthy, calming environment where the whole family can relax and enjoy hobbies and activities. However, often, we don’t stop to consider the impact that using harsh cleaning chemicals can have on our health and well-being!

Fortunately, a lot of other natural and homemade options exist. Take white vinegar for example! Not only is this great for cleaning, but it also has endless benefits and uses, including:

Cleaning glass surfaces
Removing stubborn fabric stains
Neutralizing odors in rooms
Disinfecting cutting boards
Unclogging blocked drains
Softening laundry without chemicals
Killing unwanted garden weeds
Freshening refrigerators
Deodorizing garbage disposals
Removing labels and stickers
Brightening tile grout
Repelling ants
Easing sore throat irritation
Deterring fruit flies naturally
Alleviating dandruff

4. Use Reusable Bottles Instead of Plastic

We all know the impact that plastic, and, in particular, plastic bottles, can have on the environment. However, using old plastic bottles or containers that have been exposed to heat can be detrimental for our health too! To avoid this, consider opting for more eco-friendly alternatives, like reusable water bottles. Today, you can find options made in stainless steel and even copper. Studies have found that drinking out of copper bottles can have many benefits, including improved immune health. Plus, copper has antibacterial effects, meaning that it will keep your water healthy for as long as possible, even when reusing your bottle!

5. Switch to Bamboo Toothbrushes

Next up, let’s briefly talk about bamboo toothbrushes. These are an excellent choice if you are looking to cut down on plastic waste. Plus, they may be a better option for those preferring a softer brushing experience. However, be sure to change your toothbrush as often as needed, and dispose of the old ones responsibly, even if made in bamboo!

Additionally, you may consider switching to a rechargeable electric toothbrush, which can last for years when properly cared for.

6. Eat More Plant-Based Meals

Over the past years, studies have confirmed the benefits of a more plant-based lifestyle for health. Eating more plants, coupled with a reduction in processed foods, can help improve heart health, aid in weight management, and prevent diseases that are common as we age, like diabetes.

However, moving toward a plant based diet can also have environmental benefits. In fact, plant-based foods require fewer resources, like water, to be produced. And, thanks to new technologies and recipes, some products do an excellent job at emulating the flavor of animal products.

Of course, even processed plant-based foods should be eaten sparingly! Any balanced, healthy diet should be based on seasonal fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, and whole grains. However, the availability of plant-based alternatives to meat products can make the transition easier!

7. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables

Last but not least, even if you have a small balcony or terrace, you may consider planting your own herbs and vegetables. This can help you reduce the plastic you purchase and give you the satisfaction of seasoning your meals with your own herbs!

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.