7 Eco-Friendly Product Swaps to Make Just in Time for Earth Day

By Meghen Jones

April 22^nd is tomorrow, and you know what that means—it’s almost Earth Day! Earth Day is an annual event celebrated by millions around the world to support environmental protection. Originally organized by an environmental advocate, Denis Hayes in 1970, the holiday was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin, who was taken aback by the Santa Barbara oil spill that killed thousands of sea animals in 1969. Today, communities around the globe dedicate an entire week — simply known as Earth Week — to activities focused on environmental issues.

Since the coronavirus outbreak has led to social distancing regulations, you might find it considerably more difficult to show support for Earth Day this year. Instead of attending a demonstration or volunteering for an environmental cause, celebrate Earth Day by making the switch to eco-friendly products. Don’t know where to begin? Well, uCribs is all about keeping our environment safe, so we’ve rounded up 7 eco-friendly product swaps that you can make just in time for Earth Day.

Silicone Food Bags

In elementary school, you always looked forward to a PB&J made by mom and perfectly packed in a plastic baggie to be stored in your lunch box. No matter how convenient plastic bags are, resealable plastic bags are wasteful, given that they are made of materials that can’t easily break down over time. In fact, it takes hundreds of years for plastic to naturally degrade, and even then, it continues to absorb toxins that further pollute the environment.

That’s why silicone food bags are an excellent alternative. Silicone bags are an eco-friendly version of the traditional Ziploc bag and are made from silica, a component found in sand. Not only are silicone food storage bags reusable, but unlike plastic baggies, they hold up well against extreme temperatures, so you can throw them in the oven, freezer, and/or in boiling water. Silicone food bags can even go in the dishwasher! Start your eco-friendly journey with silicone food bags, and you’ll work toward saving save the Earth, while also saving cash typically spent on single-use bags.

Dissolvable Laundry Detergent Pods

If you’re like most people, you probably think little of your laundry detergent. But, did you know that laundry detergents do not completely degrade and contaminate water supplies with toxic metals, like cadmium and arsenic? According to Earth Island, phosphate found in detergents builds up in waterways and leads to eutrophication or big algal blooms that can deprive fish and other plant life of oxygen.

Here at uCribs, we really dig EPA-certified cleaning products, including dissolvable laundry detergent pods. Dissolvable, dye-free laundry detergent pods, like Dropps or CleanCult, can easily be tossed into your washing machine to keep your clothes looking their best. They will help you use less detergent, as they are packed with a perfect dose of stain and odor-fighting agents. It’s like an action movie where the hero comes out on top—only it’s better.

Toothpaste Tablets

Toothpaste: it’s a major part of your daily routine, whether you brush twice a day or three times. Although most toothpaste tubes are technically recyclable, many folks out there still tend to toss them in the trash without thinking twice. So, instead of buying countless tubes that just end up in the trash, try toothpaste tablets instead! How do they work, exactly? Well, toothpaste tablets are chewed up, then moistened with water from your toothbrush. Think of it as traditional toothpaste without the wasteful packaging!

If you’re interested in trying out this unique, eco-friendly alternative, check out Unpaste Zero Waste Toothpaste Tablets, which feature 100-percent recyclable and compostable packaging—not to mention, a tablet formula free of superfluous dyes and preservatives. Their product is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, so you can feel just as good about your brand of toothpaste as you do about your mouth’s minty fresh feeling!

Glass Water Bottle

Nearly 2.7 million tons of plastic is used each year to make disposable drinking bottles worldwide. Americans alone purchase a whopping 29.8 billion water bottles a year! Not only that, but a whopping 91 percent of plastic isn’t recycled –so why create even more by using disposable water bottles? When you think about all of this, you probably don’t want to touch another plastic water bottle ever again.

Who needs plastic when you can have a stylish glass water bottle? With glass water bottles, you can sport a sleek and elegant look, keep your water cold, and save money—what a trifecta! Thanks to these products being made from all-natural, sustainable materials, they can be reused as many times as you’d like, whether you’re at home or on the go. There’s definitely solid reasoning behind why you’ve seen increasingly more people using them over the years, and now, it’s time that you joined them.

Bamboo Cloths

Did you know that microfiber cloths can be dangerous? Believe it or not, these popular cleaning and dusting cloths are made of non-recyclable microplastics that can be harmful to your water supply when thrown in the washing machine. If you ask us, getting a dust-free finish while cleaning your apartment is not worth the negative impact that microfiber cloths can cause.

Bamboo cloths are a uCribs-approved alternative. Bamboo cloths are made from fast-growing, self-generating, and all-around awesome bamboo plants. Obviously, bamboo fibers are the secret sauce behind bamboo cloths, which are long-lasting, washing machine-friendly, and extremely soft and hypoallergenic. Yep, this means that natural bamboo will not cause allergic reactions. It’s clear to see why we love them so much!

Plantable Graphite Pencils

Whether you are an art enthusiast, math major, or are constantly writing notes, you probably find yourself going through pencils more than you would care to admit. Once your writing utensil has run its course, it’s likely similar to any other product you use—you dispose of it and move onto the next one. But, there’s a better way to complete coursework and leisurely activities, and the solution in the form of Plantable Graphite Pencils.

These types of pencils were created by Sprout, a Danish start-up company focused on environmental sustainability. All forms of their pencil are sustainable and non-toxic, from the biodegradable seed capsule to the natural clay and graphite core. After your pencil becomes too stubby to use anymore, you can plant it end-side down, and it will release plant seeds that will then sprout into herbs or flowers, depending on the product you purchased. Awesome pencils and a growing herb garden? There are seriously some amazing human minds out there.

Reusable Grocery Bag

Have you ever noticed how many plastics bags you collect from the grocery store? The more items you purchase, the more bags you end up collecting. It’s gotten so bad that 32 countries and even some states have even banned the use of plastic bags and other single-use plastics, like California and Oregon. Simply tossing out plastic bags can come with serious consequences, given that they are one of the most common types of litter worldwide.

Do your part by skipping traditional plastic bags and opting for reusable grocery bags. Reusable grocery bags, like BAGGU’s reusable, recycled nylon bags, are lightweight and can be easily folded to fit in a backpack or purse. These types of bags are also designed with stylish prints, are machine washable, and make great gifts for the foodie in your friend circle. There are usually options available at your local grocery store, if needed! Next time you make a grocery run, bring a reusable bag with you, and you count yourself among those doing their part this Earth Day.

There’s no exaggeration behind the fact that harmful, human-made products can damage the environment. Even still, it can be difficult to accept that the products we use daily contribute to this negative impact. Although our suggestions are only the first steps in making small, eco-friendly changes, your shift towards a greener lifestyle is the most challenging (and important) part of your journey. So, why not begin with these simple substitutions during the greenest week of the year? If anything, you’ll be proud that you took a positive step towards protecting the planet you call home, especially right now, when it means so much to our current situation.

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