The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
We’re all aware of the reusable water bottle/ metal straw phenomenon that has gripped Gen Z for the past few years. It makes sense, considering we’re the most environmentally conscious generation in political history. Let’s be honest with ourselves, though. Drinking utensils aren’t the end-all be all when it comes to environmental protection. Check out my list below for a list of sustainable product swaps that I personally use (on a student budget!)
- Wooden Toothbrush/Hairbrush- Instead of using plastic brushes made with synthetic materials, swap them for ones with wooden handles and organic bristles. The ZeroWasteStore sells them for under $5 and include information regarding sourcing and harvesting.
2. Laundry Detergent – Liquid detergents are notorious for their inclusion of micro-plastic- contributing to pollution in mass quantities. For your next purchase, check out Earth Breeze. They provide dry detergent sheets that dissolves in the washing machine completely free of pollution. Even their shipping process includes no plastic materials.
3. Shampoo bars- This was a sustainable alternative I was weary to at first, but now I am in love. Shampoo bars are exactly what they seem, and I was blessed to discover them at Lush a few years ago. Once you get past rubbing a solid bar over your head, the process is seamless. Lush’s products are the priciest items on my list, but they last for an incredibly long time and their quality is unbeatable. Their consideration of worker’s rights, animal protection, transportation, and the environment make the products worth the price. Regardless, my hair has never been healthier.
4. Tailor your clothes- Okay, so this isn’t exactly a product, but it is good advice. Did you pick something up from the thrift store that you LOVE but it doesn’t fit you right? Do you just have clothes that need mending? Instead of contributing to the catastrophe of clothes that takes up to 10% of carbon emissions, tailor those things! Seek out a local business and flex your communal contributions!
5. Buy food in smaller quantities- You caught me, this isn’t a product either- but I’m still right! In America, 40% of our food supply is wasted, totaling a weight of 108 billion pounds. Unless you’re a hard-core meal prepper, save your refrigerator the trauma of those decaying tomatoes and visit your local market more frequently. Trust me, your roommates and your wallet with thank you.