The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on our habits. A sustainable way of living starts where we spend most of our time and a place that impacts our lives the most: our homes. By embracing a sustainable lifestyle through small daily eco-friendly changes, we create a healthier and more fulfilling home for our household. Making the switch to sustainability is a journey. It’s all about taking small, consistent steps that add to significant changes over time. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable and accessible ways to make your home more sustainable. We’ve selected some examples of everyday items found in our houses that can be easily switched out for their sustainable alternatives.
Beeswax food wraps
Say goodbye to plastic! Replace the plastic wrap found in your kitchen that can’t be recyclable with reusable beeswax wraps. Made of natural cotton fabric covered with natural beeswax, they are easy to use, breathable and inhibit mold growth, keeping your food fresh longer and helping reduce plastic pollution. You can easily re-wax, compost, or burn it when they’re no longer working as they should.
Silicone baking mats
Ditch the parchment paper and become a better (pastry) chef. Silicone baking mats are a cost-effective kitchen and a pastry chef’s staple. It improves the textural consistency of baked goods due to silicone promoting equal heat distribution. They are super easy to clean, too; you can wash them by hand or place them in the top rack of your dishwasher.
Wool dryer balls
Use these tennis ball-sized wool balls when machine drying your clothes, and you won’t have to add dryer sheets to your grocery list again. They are 100% natural, non-toxic and fragrance-free. Due to wool’s incredibly absorbent characteristics, they can help dry your clothes up to 25% faster while helping eliminate static naturally, reducing wrinkles, and making you a friend of the environment. They can be used up to 1000 times and are easily composted afterwards, as they are entirely biodegradable.
Reusable produce bags
Reduce the amount of plastic in your groceries by opting for reusable produce bags. These bags are made from organic materials such as cotton and can be used innumerable times. Their breathability allows for optimal airflow, ensuring that your fruits and vegetables stay fresher for longer. Due to their versatility and design, you can reuse and repurpose them for whatever need, such as taking a sandwich or a piece of fruit on the go, organising your pantry, or helping you pack for a trip.
Reusable coffee filters
No matter your coffee needs, there is a right reusable coffee filter for you. If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you know that everything you use during the filtration of your coffee can have a different effect on the taste of your coffee. Luckily, many argue that reusable coffee filters help provide a better flavour than paper filters, as paper filters tend to absorb the coffee’s natural oils, resulting in a more watered-down drink. There are many materials and shapes of reusable filters nowadays; we recommend talking to your local coffee store specialist to find out what reusable type of coffee filter you should call yours based on your preferences.
House Thirty 