20 Fabulously Green Items To Start 2017 Off Right

As we enter a new year, many of us are looking for ways to make positive changes in our lives. One area where we can all make a difference is by adopting a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. From reducing our carbon footprint to supporting ethical and green businesses, there are countless ways to incorporate green practices into our daily lives. To help you kickstart your eco-friendly journey in 2017, we have compiled a list of 20 fabulously green items that will not only benefit the planet but also enhance your everyday life.

1. Reusable Water Bottles

One of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make is to switch from single-use plastic water bottles to reusable ones. Not only will this help reduce plastic waste, but it will also save you money in the long run. Look for bottles made from materials like stainless steel or glass, which are both durable and free from harmful chemicals.

2. Sustainable Food Containers

Investing in reusable food containers is a great way to reduce your reliance on single-use plastics while keeping your food fresh. Look for options made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo or stainless steel. These containers are not only better for the environment but also safer for your health.

3. Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs

Switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs, like LED or CFL bulbs, can significantly reduce your energy consumption and carbon emissions. These bulbs last longer and use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, saving you money on your electricity bills as well.

4. Solar-Powered Chargers

With our increasing reliance on electronic devices, it’s important to find sustainable ways to keep them charged. Solar-powered chargers harness the power of the sun to charge your devices, reducing your dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity. They are portable and convenient, making them a great option for outdoor enthusiasts.

5. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but also pose health risks to you and your family. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products, such as those made from natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, can help protect both your health and the planet.

6. Organic Cotton Bedding

Investing in organic cotton bedding is not only a luxurious choice but also an eco-friendly one. Conventional cotton farming involves the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, which can have a devastating impact on the environment. Organic cotton is grown using sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity.

7. Bamboo Toothbrushes

Next time you replace your toothbrush, consider switching to a bamboo alternative. Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to plastic ones. They are also naturally antimicrobial and durable, making them a great choice for your oral hygiene routine.

8. Energy-Efficient Appliances

When shopping for new appliances, look for models with a high energy-efficiency rating. Energy-efficient appliances use less electricity, which not only saves you money but also reduces your carbon footprint. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that the appliance meets strict energy efficiency guidelines.

9. Compost Bin

Starting a compost bin is an excellent way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Composting not only reduces methane emissions from landfills but also helps conserve water and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. You can compost food scraps, yard waste, and even certain paper products.

10. Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services

Adopting a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint. However, cooking plant-based meals every day can be time-consuming. Luckily, there are now several plant-based meal delivery services that make it easy to enjoy delicious and sustainable meals without the hassle.

11. Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

Traditional laundry detergents often contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and irritate your skin. Switching to eco-friendly laundry detergents, which are made from biodegradable and plant-based ingredients, can help reduce water pollution and minimize your exposure to harmful substances.

12. Reusable Shopping Bags

Plastic bags are a major source of pollution, clogging up landfills and harming wildlife. By bringing your own reusable shopping bags, you can significantly reduce your plastic waste. Look for bags made from durable materials like canvas or recycled plastic.

13. Ethical Clothing Brands

The fashion industry is known for its environmental and ethical issues. By supporting ethical clothing brands that prioritize sustainable and fair practices, you can help drive positive change in the industry. Look for brands that use organic or recycled materials, pay fair wages to workers, and promote transparency in their supply chains.

14. Low-Flow Showerheads

Installing low-flow showerheads can help you conserve water without sacrificing your shower experience. These showerheads reduce water flow while maintaining adequate water pressure, saving both water and energy. In fact, you can save up to 2,700 gallons of water per year by switching to a low-flow showerhead.

15. Electric Vehicles

If you’re in the market for a new car, consider investing in an electric vehicle (EV). EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. With advancements in technology, EVs are becoming more affordable and accessible, making them a greener alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

16. Beeswax Wraps

Reduce your use of plastic wrap and aluminum foil by switching to beeswax wraps. Beeswax wraps are a sustainable and reusable alternative that can be used to cover bowls, wrap sandwiches, or keep produce fresh. They are made from cotton fabric coated in beeswax, which has natural antibacterial properties.

17. Green Cleaning Service

If you don’t have the time or inclination to clean your home yourself, consider hiring a green cleaning service. These services use eco-friendly cleaning products and practices to keep your home clean and healthy. They often prioritize the use of non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning agents, ensuring a safer environment for you and your family.

18. Bike Sharing Membership

Reduce your carbon footprint and stay active by joining a bike sharing program in your city. Bike sharing programs allow you to rent a bike for a short period, making it a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to driving or using public transportation. Look for programs that offer electric bikes for longer distances or hilly terrains.

19. Sustainable Beauty Products

The beauty industry is notorious for its excessive packaging and harmful ingredients. By opting for sustainable beauty products, you can reduce your environmental impact while still looking and feeling your best. Look for brands that use organic or natural ingredients, prioritize recyclable packaging, and are transparent about their sourcing and production practices.

20. Renewable Energy Providers

If you have the option to choose your energy provider, consider switching to a renewable energy company. Renewable energy providers harness clean and sustainable sources of energy, such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. By supporting these companies, you can help drive the transition to a greener and more sustainable energy system.

Conclusion

By incorporating these 20 fabulously green items into your life, you can make a significant positive impact on the environment while improving your own well-being. From reducing plastic waste to supporting ethical and sustainable practices, these choices empower you to live a greener and more conscious lifestyle. Remember, every small change counts, and together we can create a more sustainable future.

FAQs

1. How can reusable water bottles benefit the environment?

Reusable water bottles help reduce plastic waste by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. They also save energy and resources required for the production and transportation of plastic bottles.

2. Why are bamboo toothbrushes a sustainable choice?

Bamboo toothbrushes are sustainable because bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal resources and pesticides to grow. Additionally, bamboo is biodegradable, making it a better alternative to plastic toothbrushes that can take hundreds of years to decompose.

3. How do low-flow showerheads conserve water?

Low-flow showerheads reduce the amount of water used during showers without compromising water pressure. This helps conserve water and reduces the energy required to heat the water.

4. Why should I consider an electric vehicle?

Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. They also help decrease our dependence on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

5. How do sustainable beauty products benefit the environment?

Sustainable beauty products often use natural and organic ingredients that are less harmful to the environment. Additionally, many sustainable beauty brands prioritize recyclable packaging and implement eco-friendly manufacturing practices, reducing their overall environmental impact.

Summary

Embracing a more sustainable lifestyle in 2017means making conscious choices to reduce our impact on the environment. By incorporating the 20 fabulously green items mentioned in this article, you can start off the year on the right foot and make a positive difference in the world.

Switching to reusable water bottles and sustainable food containers not only reduces plastic waste but also saves you money in the long run. Energy-efficient lightbulbs and solar-powered chargers help decrease your energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels. Eco-friendly cleaning products and laundry detergents protect both the environment and your health, while organic cotton bedding promotes sustainable farming practices.

Making small changes like switching to bamboo toothbrushes, using low-flow showerheads, and investing in energy-efficient appliances can have a significant impact on reducing your carbon footprint. Composting your food waste and supporting plant-based meal delivery services are effective ways to reduce food waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Choosing reusable shopping bags, supporting ethical clothing brands, and driving electric vehicles all contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Beeswax wraps offer a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap, while green cleaning services ensure a clean home without harming the environment.

Joining a bike sharing program, using sustainable beauty products, and choosing a renewable energy provider are all steps you can take to live a greener and more conscious lifestyle. These choices not only benefit the environment but also enhance your own well-being.

Remember, every small change counts. By incorporating these green items into your life, you are contributing to a more sustainable future for our planet. Start 2017 off right by making these eco-friendly choices and inspire others to do the same.

FAQs

1. How can reusable water bottles benefit the environment?

Reusable water bottles help reduce plastic waste by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. They also save energy and resources required for the production and transportation of plastic bottles.

2. Why are bamboo toothbrushes a sustainable choice?

Bamboo toothbrushes are sustainable because bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal resources and pesticides to grow. Additionally, bamboo is biodegradable, making it a better alternative to plastic toothbrushes that can take hundreds of years to decompose.

3. How do low-flow showerheads conserve water?

Low-flow showerheads reduce the amount of water used during showers without compromising water pressure. This helps conserve water and reduces the energy required to heat the water.

4. Why should I consider an electric vehicle?

Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. They also help decrease our dependence on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

5. How do sustainable beauty products benefit the environment?

Sustainable beauty products often use natural and organic ingredients that are less harmful to the environment. Additionally, many sustainable beauty brands prioritize recyclable packaging and implement eco-friendly manufacturing practices, reducing their overall environmental impact.

Summary

Embracing a more sustainable lifestyle in 2017 means making conscious choices to reduce our impact on the environment. By incorporating the 20 fabulously green items mentioned in this article, you can start off the year on the right foot and make a positive difference in the world. From reusable water bottles and sustainable food containers to energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy providers, these choices help reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote ethical and sustainable practices. Remember, every small change counts, and together we can create a greener and more sustainable future.

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