Essential & Sustainable: On-the-Go Items You Need

Every year, Earth Day is celebrated around the globe on April 22nd. This year, in honor of this day that celebrates our planet, I took a look in my purse and dumped everything that wasn’t sustainable in favor of better-for-the-planet alternatives. Keep reading to find out more about the essential and sustainable items that you simply NEED when on the go. 

1. Chapstick or Lip Balm

The first absolutely essential item in my bag is always a tube of chapstick or lip balm. This year, I swapped out my Chapstick-brand lip balm (y’know, the kind that comes in plastic tubes) for The Earthling Co’s version. My favorite is their peppermint lip balm that is made out of completely compostable packaging! Plus, they donate 1% of every sale to 1% for the Planet. 

2. Hand Lotion

The second item I always keep with me is some hand lotion. I absolutely hate having dry, crusty hands, and with all of the hand sanitizer I’ve been using during the pandemic, hand lotion has become my new best friend. This year, I made the switch to The Earthling Co’s hand lotion, which comes in completely recyclable metal packaging with a compostable product label. Again, this great brand donates 1% of every sale to 1% for the Planet too! 

3. Hand Sanitizer

During the pandemic, keeping ourselves safe and healthy has been a huge priority, and this means using a HUGE amount of hand sanitizer when out and about. This year, I made the switch and started using Honest hand sanitizer mist, which is a plant-based hand sanitizer that made me feel a lot better about keeping my hands clean. It’s also hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and the plastic packaging is recyclable when empty! 

4. Reusable Straws

Whether it’s paper or plastic, using a straw that isn’t reusable seriously isn’t great for the planet. So, this year I tried making the conscious commitment to always keep reusable straws on me, and I struggled hardcore with remembering to bring my straws everywhere until I found Yoocaa reusable straws on Amazon. These straws come in super cute colors, but the best part is, they come with their own clip-on carrying case! I bought a few sets, clipped them to every bag I own, and boom! I was never without a straw again. 

5. Reusable Utensil Set

The last item I added into my bag and lifestyle this year was a reusable utensil set. As a college student, I hated that when I went out to get take-out with my friends, I had to use throwaway plastic cutlery. So, I did some Amazon hunting, found a cute set of wheat-straw utensils that was small enough to fit into my purse, and boom! Problem solved! 

Let me know in the comments below how you plan to celebrate Earth Day this year! Do you have any other reusable and sustainable product recommendations for me to try?