Over a year, people run through an alarming amount of paper and plastic, from the paper towels they use to the produce bags that they take their vegetables home in.
Lots of products now come in reusable versions. Buy once, and you’re set for months or years. Not only the reusable items will save you money over and over again and also help save the planet.
Here are the best reusable items that will save you money regularly and help save the planet.
1. Grocery and shopping bags
Photo created by freepik – www.freepik.comPlastic shopping bags from the grocery store are so destructive they’re banned in some areas, not to mention terrible for the environment.
You might already be in the habit of taking your own reusable sack to the grocery store, especially if you live in an area with a tax on shopping bags.
Take a few organic cloth, cotton, or recycled mesh produce bags to carry to the grocery store or farmers’ market.
2. Reusable straws
Photo created by freepik – www.freepik.comPlastic straws are among the most common types of litter found on beaches, and they can’t be recycled.
On average, Americans use 1.6 straws per day per person. This totals nearly 500 million single-use plastic straws per day. That’s a lot of plastic going into landfills!
Buy glass, bamboo straws, or stainless steel instead of plastic. Of course, if you don’t have to use a straw, then all the better.
3. Reusable water bottles
Photo created by mrsiraphol – www.freepik.comAccording to the Container Recycling Institute, 100.7 billion plastic beverage bottles were sold in the U.S. in 2014 (approximately 315 per person).
Beyond the eco-friendly reasons to switch to a reusable water bottle, it also saves you money. If you spent $1 per day on bottled water, this would add up to $365 per year. Americans spend $16 billion a year on bottled water, according to Beverage Marketing Corporation.
Get yourself stainless steel, reusable water bottle. This is one of the easiest zero-waste swaps that can save you money.
4. Reusable Cups
Photo created by freepik – www.freepik.comDid you know that paper coffee cups are not recyclable? Disposable cups are becoming a significant pollution hazard, mainly because they are coated in plastic
Several coffee shops have started giving discounts to customers who bring their own cups. Starbucks provides a $0.10 discount to customers who bring their cups. While it may seem like you don’t save a lot, this will add up to 12 free coffees per year. Save money while helping the planet!
5. Washable cloths
Photo created by freepik – www.freepik.comHow many rolls of paper towels do you go through every month? If you opt for microfiber cloths, they will cost you just a few bucks more than paper towels, but they will last way longer. They can be cleaned in your washing machine and used hundreds of times.
You can also try The Unpaper Towel, a roll of washable cloths that pops right into your paper towel holder. They are great for wiping up spills to drying hands to cleaning.
6. Cloth napkins
Photo created by lifeforstock – www.freepik.comMost of us are used to use cloth napkins only for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Consider swapping paper napkins or paper towels for reusable cloth napkins daily.
Cloth napkins cost extra money in advance, but they can last for years with proper care. According to Ocean Conservatory, cloth napkins can last up to 8 years with proper washing and care.
Find out also 10 Household Items You Must Replace Immediately.