ECO-FRIENDLY HABITS

Being environmentally cautious is the need of the hour, it is an idea we are much too familiar with but often have trouble knowing where to start. With hordes of plastic mounting up in landfills and choking the earth, it’s not simply enough to acknowledge it but to actually do something about it. Granted large corporations have had a huge role to play in the current climate crisis we are in but while that might not change in a day or two, what can change is what you bring into your own homes.

It’s these tiny changes that help make a greater impact. Let’s take a look at some swaps you can make by investing in some of the best organic cleaning products and much more.

Eco-friendly Kitchenware 

This is the time to invest in cutleries and utensils that are meant to last ages. If there is one thing that may have remained constant through the years, in most of our households is probably our stainless steel cutleries and ‘bartans’. That’s because they were meant to stand the test of time. Stainless steel utensils are an environment-friendly option we should get right back to.

For a more microwave-safe dish, go for a clear glassware option. Ditch those single-use plastic forks and spoons, better yet don’t let them enter your house. They are not safe for you either, heat can cause them to melt and release super harmful toxins into your food. Go for a more biodegradable bamboo option. There is an array of options available online now in India. 

Planning a gathering? Say goodbye to styrofoam, they’re a big no-no for the Earth anyway. Check out this greener option by  Ecoware - a homegrown brand that uses biomass and crop leftovers to create their products. 

Sustainable Storage

The age-old practice of keeping your veggies wrapped in plastic bags, and storing them away in your fridge, needs to be done away with. That’s so last century. Plastic is toxic to your veggies and can alter their freshness. For starters, the greener way of vegetable and fruit upkeep begins from the market itself. 

Buy organic and buy wise, don’t overstock unless you absolutely need to. Use canvas/cloth bags for shopping and storing. Mesh cotton bags for storage is a perfect alternative, take a look this bag by Ecoright.  Airtight glass containers and silicon containers (which is recyclable, by the way) work wonders too. 

Forget about plastic cling wraps, and move over to beeswax wraps. Hoopoe On a Hill provides an excellent alternative to your plastic clings with the beeswax wrap roll. Not only are they reusable, and biodegradable, but they also come in beautiful designs! All you need to do is wash again before using which is kind of cool if you ask us.

Clean and waste-free home

We can’t forget about the daunting task of kitchen cleaning, but it’s possible to make that green too. Eco-Friendly Cleaners are your best friends here. Koparo’s Dishwashing Liquid for your dishes and All-Purpose Cleaner for the countertop is the way to go. There are no harmful toxins and residue and it's 100% organic, so it’s super safe for you and the environment.

Chuck your synthetic disposable sponges and wipes and switch to cloth wipes. Cotton wipes are great but upcycled cloth wipes are better. Your old shirts or bed covers can be turned into excellent kitchen rag cloth. Beco’s Towel Rolls and tissues made of bamboo are worth checking out.

Separate your waste and start making compost today. This might take a little bit of research but here is where you can start. For compost bins try Eco Bin or Trust Basket.

3 colors of Bins-:

• Blue- For plastic and metal waste

• Green- For organic waste

• Brown- For E-waste

Skin and Haircare

Natural cleaning products aren’t just for your house but your body too. Your regular handwash may seem like it’s doing the trick but it’s also exposing you to unwanted toxins, dyes, and parabens that can be seriously harmful, not to forget the single-use plastic dispensers they come in. Koparo’s natural handwash liquid is devoid of all of the above and it comes in recyclable plastic that can be refilled. 

Shampoo bottles are choking landfills in millions every single year and this number only seems to go up. Unlike plastic water bottles, we rarely seem to recycle our shampoo bottles. Why not leave the idea of buying these bottles entirely and opt for an environmentally safe alternative - shampoo bars. There are many local Indian brands to check out in the arena that offers a range of products. 

Take a look at Earthy Sapo, Da Amor and Ancient Living for your skincare and toiletry needs (and some superb organic soap bars). 

Eco - friendly menstruation 

If you are a person who menstruates, you can always discover more eco friendly products to help you out during your time of the month. Plastic pads and tampons are not exactly biodegradable and in some cases may not be user-friendly as they may lead to discomfort and rashes. Menstrual cups are an excellent alternative as they’re made of silicone and last for 5-8 years. Not only do they eliminate plastic usage but also help with savings as it’s only a one-time cost. Take a look at Boondh or Sirona.

Menstrual cups, however, need a little bit of time and conviction to get used to, due to both psychological and physical reasons. So if you feel you’re not ready for a change that drastic, don’t worry, periods are stressful enough. There are other eco-friendly alternatives too. You can check out The Woman’s Company’s biodegradable sanitary pads. 

Upcycle Clothing

Upcycle old clothes to serve as rags around the house, or make new clothing out of them. Invest in eco friendly clothing brands, shop responsibility and avoid fast fashion. Thrift stores and second hand clothing stores are gaining prominence in India thanks to Instagram, this is an eco friendly way of shopping too. Maybe attend a cloth swap in your city.

Natural Floor Cleaners

Swap your old nasty chemical floor cleaner or bleach with a more natural cleaning product. Koparo’s Disinfectant Floor Cleaner does the heavy-duty work of disinfecting your house while being totally safe for your pets and babies. All the while ensuring there are no toxic runoffs that can harm the soil. 

Zero - Waste Stores

If you live in a metro city, find a local zero waste store and make it your go-to place for shopping. Adrish, Green Mantra (Bangalore folks this one’s for you) are just some homegrown names for you to take a look at.  These stores ensure there is no nasty plastic in your packaging and all the products you receive are organic and eco friendly.