We’ve seen alarming photos of turtles strangled by soda can plastic rings and have heard about the detrimental impact air pollution has on our environment. In fact, one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals die each year from plastic in our oceans. It’s the climate emergency that’s not going to go away. We know about it, have acknowledged it, yet fail to do anything to resolve it – that’s until recently.
With more brands jumping on board to create sustainable alternatives to everyday products, making the switch to an eco-friendly lifestyle is easier now than ever before. In the past, it was kitchenware and keep-cups going plastic-free, but now there’s a whole range of environmentally friendly products that are ready to replace their traditional, not so animal-friendly counterparts.
1. Phone Cases
We’re all guilty of updating our phones every so often. While our previous phone model can be recycled, 60,000 plastic phone cases are thrown out each year because they no longer fit the current phone model of their consumer. Emerging eco-friendly phone case brands like Pela Case are making it their goal to turn this damaging trend around. They’ve created the world’s first 100 percent compostable phone case, so even if it does end up in landfill, it’ll compose in no time.
2. Activewear
Who doesn’t love looking good while working out? With sustainable activewear brands like Pink Punk you can both look and feel good in the clothes you’re wearing. Originating on our very own Sunshine Coast, Pink Punk makes and sells a variety of colourful and sustainable, activewear, swimwear, children’s wear and even masks out of material from Australian suppliers.
3. Toilet Paper
If you haven’t heard of them already, you’re bound to hear Who Gives a Crap on the radio after reading this. We flush 27,000 trees down the drain each day, so we may as well do it with a purpose. The toilet paper from Who Gives a Crap is not only plastic-free and B-Corp certified, but fifty percent of the profits made from their products’ sales go towards the creation of thousands of toilets for those who need them the most.
4. Sanitary Products
From sanitary pads to baby nappies, they’re essential items that we can’t do without. Thanks to sustainable sanitary brands such as Bamboo Babe and Ecoriginals, we no longer have to worry about the waste generated by these essential, yet no so eco-friendly items. Not to mention the softness and comfort you will get from these biodegradable alternatives.
5. Bed Linen
Now you can sleep well knowing that you’re saving the environment. Bhumi is a certified organic and Fairtrade bed, bath and sleepwear apparel brand that aims to reshape the cotton textile industry by promoting sustainable cotton farming and ethical work in factories. Bhumi’s products enable you to sleep in luxury, while also generating a positive impact on the planet.
With so many sustainable alternatives available, there is no longer an excuse to ignore the climate emergency that we face. For more sustainable alternatives to everyday essentials, you can browse the list here.