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The post Reusable Grocery Bags appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>When you use single-use plastic bags for your groceries, you’re literally using the bag for a trip from the store and, wherever it ends up, it will never decompose in your lifetime. I can’t say enough how much it would help the environment to stop using plastic bags!
I believe that eventually, single use plastic grocery and shopping bags are going to be obsolete. Many vendors are charging money for bags, so now is the time to just bring your own!
Finding a company with sustainable goals as well as a good product was not as easy as I thought it would be. My research landed me on Envirosax. Envirosax has been around even before reusable bags were a “thing”. The bags are adorable with great prints and they use eco-friendly dyes. Envirosax is transparent about their factories and conduct audits to make sure their workers are being paid fairly.
The best deal on their website is the pouch. The pouch itself can be used for many things- makeup, pencil case, etc., but the main purpose is to hold 5 individual, rolled up bags. Each bag can hold up to 44 pounds! It rolls up into a 2 inch little packet, so you can store it anywhere. These bags can be used for anything- groceries, beach bag, make up, every day tote, etc. They can easily be thrown in a suitcase and used when traveling. They even have bags for kids. I highly recommend this versatile bag. The designs are so appealing, they even make a great gift!
Cost: 1 bag is $10.99. The pouch + 5 bags is $49.99. This is the best option- a cute pouch that snaps shut and looks like a wristlet plus the bags. Click HERE to check out their website.
This post contains affiliate links. Envirosax will compensate me for sales when providing an honest review.
Let me know what designs you like best!
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]]>The post Restaurants are Reopening with A LOT of Plastic appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Are restaurants near you starting to reopen? I’ve gotten to eat out several times in the past few weeks. It’s nice to get some fresh air and dine out with my family, but there is a new trend that I’m finding to be so disturbing. So far, every restaurant where I’ve dined only has single use plastic utensils and disposable napkins. What’s even worse is that they come wrapped in plastic with a spoon, which I rarely need. And, what if you order a steak? Can a plastic knife even cut it? Not very easily. What a WASTE!
A lot of people use these plastic utensils, enjoy their meal, and never think about them again. But the problem is that these plastics end up in our oceans and pollute the world. They impact animal species, the environment, AND our health. Restaurants are not intentionally trying to harm the environment, but these new guidelines are concerning all the same.
So… what can we do as consumers? I want to support restaurants, but I can’t stand plastic waste! So without further ado, here are a few sustainable products for dining out post-quarantine.
The silicone, metal, bamboo…reusable straw trend is thankfully catching on- if you even feel the need to use a straw. But I want you to add to that by bringing your own reusable utensils when you eat out. For those looking to save money, grabbing your household utensils and sticking them in a reusable baggie or reusable container will suffice. However, if you want some easier options, I have found several options and am providing links for each.
MOST FUN:
The Hommaly Portable Stainless Steel Flatware set is the perfect option! It includes a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, several straws, a cleaning brush, AND it comes in a cute, waterproof container. They’ve thought of everything. There are lots of fun colors to choose from and the price ranges from $8.49-$10.99 depending on your color choice. These are a little pricier than my other suggestions because the utensils themselves have fun color choices. Black, gold, rose gold, rainbow, and silver. I personally like the rainbow! The spoon is a nice size (rather than enormous like some of my other options).
*I think this is the best choice if you have kids because you can get them each a different color, so they don’t get mixed up. The fun colors also don’t get confused with my nice kitchen set.
BEST PRICE:
Teivio: Stainless Steel- full size or portable size. The portable size is my top choice because it can fit more easily into a bag or the console of my car.
Colors: Black, silver, blue, & rose gold
Container: Black, eco-friendly
Cost: $7.49
Mividas: I like the travel case for this one because it securely holds every piece. It only comes in one color. The carrying case is a little larger than the other one so, it doesn’t fit as easily into my bag. When the case is folded closed it’s approximately 4 in. x 10 in.
Container: Charcoal grey
Cost: $11.99
Napkins: I’ve also researched reusable, cloth napkins. There are A LOT of choices out there. I’m sharing the brand that is the best price.
Cost: $17.99 for a dozen- $1.50 a napkin is not bad. There are lots of color choices here too. While they don’t come with a nice carrying case like the utensils, trust me when I tell you that you don’t want the paper napkin that comes with the plastic utensils at restaurants right now. It’s the thickness of a tissue. Completely useless, not to mention wasteful.
So, the next time you go out to eat, look around. How much plastic do you see? Please be a trend-setter and bring your own utensils. Comment below to let me know which ones you choose. I encourage you to look at my related articles as well that share other reusable options.
Also, to learn more about the issue with single use plastic, click here.
*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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]]>The post Excitement Over a Toilet Brush: Am I Losing my Mind? appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>I’ve been using my Well Earth Goods products now for about 3 weeks. While I plan to try even more products from their company, I want to follow up on my article about sustainable products during quarantine.
I grew up with a mother who ran a very clean and extremely organized house. When I say very clean, I mean spotless- even with a family of 6. Now clearly, while we all strive to clean well, we all can’t meet that standard. I will say this though, living with such a meticulous mother taught me how to clean very well. I even got a job in college cleaning houses. So, I have spent my life exposed to cleaning tools and cleaning products and, while I don’t really enjoy cleaning, I know how to do it well. *Hence the tutorial I forced my kids to watch.
I like using a scrub brush to clean the bathroom. 
Beyond letting the cleaning supplies work for me, I apply elbow grease and really get at the stains with my scrub brush. My goal is to fully clean my shower once a week, however, I am human and sometimes life gets in the way. Last week, I saw mildew forming in the corner of my shower. *The nerve! When I started cleaning, I realized that it was engrained in the grout. When I got on my hands and knees and scrubbed, the scrub brush from Well Earth Goods was amazing. Besides the benefit of not being made of plastic, the bristles are so sharp and really did the job well- no more mildew. The brush also reached into the inside rim of my sink and the yucky stuff that came out was disturbing. Who knew it was so gross? This scrub brush is amazing! The only con is that a few bristles fell out here and there, but it wasn’t enough to make me not want to use this scrub brush.
Moving right along to the 
toilet brush. After using the toilet brush, I would venture to say that my toilets are just about as clean as they were when they were installed. The toilet brush is large and the bristles are so sharp that it really does the job it was made to do. It’s a little sad that I could get so excited about cleaning tools, but I am! I do not like cleaning, but if I have to clean- or if I make the kids– I want my tools to work well! The bristles are made of union fibers- a natural substance.
I also recommended the 
Not Paper Towels. They are a great replacement for actual paper towels. I think, however, that people are expecting them to be more like dish towels. They are not. They are thin like actual paper towels but are just better for the environment. My goal is to eventually buy the wooden container and have a larger stack of them to use. For now, I keep them under my sink and am forming the habit of using them instead of using an actual paper towel.
The reason why I decided to try these products is because of Emma’s information about plastic. Plastic is not a natural substance. The chemicals that emit from plastic are toxic and the amount of plastic in the ocean in disgusting. You can read more about
it on Emma’s tips page about the ocean air or, to understand it even better, watch the video on her tips page, “The Life Cycle of Plastic.” While changes need to be made to global infrastructures, we as consumers can do our part as well. The challenging part is that companies that eliminate plastic and work to be sustainable are not the norm. As a result, they tend to be more expensive than mainstream, well-known brands. This will only change if people modify their typical buying practices and support these businesses. That’s another reason why I’m supporting companies like Well Earth Goods.
I have had Emma telling me (and kind of harassing me) about my lack of sustainable household products for quite some time. While I like to try new things and am not completely set in my ways, I was not willing to change everything in my house at one time. What she has said, however, is to not replace products until they need to be replaced. In other words, if your toilet brush is still working well for you, don’t replace it until it no longer works well. Once I started reading what Emma shared, I realized that plastic is a MAJOR issue.
Taking the time to read Emma’s recommendations has really changed my mindset and is allowing me to better understand the environmental issues going on in the world. She recommends products that have non-toxic ingredients but that are also from companies that are trying to reduce their carbon footprint.
I hope you also consider making some changes, which is part of the mission of Emma’s website. If you have products that you’d like her to research, please comment below.
Subscribe to the website to stay informed when new articles are published. Thanks for reading!
*This article is sponsored by Well Earth Goods. It contains affiliate links.
The post Excitement Over a Toilet Brush: Am I Losing my Mind? appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>The post Sustainably Surviving Quarantine: A Mother’s Perspective appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>In Emma’s recent article about household products, she highly recommended Cleancult‘s all purpose cleaner. My question is, with what can I distribute this cleaner? Well, I have the answers, but first we need to understand the issue with plastic.
What is the issue with plastic?
Every year, Americans use millions of tons of plastic just once, before throwing it away – and much of it ends up in our oceans. Together, we can change this habit and find better solutions to reduce our reliance on plastic.
Environmental Emma’s research landed her on a company in the United States: Well Earth Goods. It’s a small business owned by a family that cares about the future and health of the earth. They’re 100% plastic-free and they ship sustainably.
While the use of plastic probably won’t completely disappear, reducing your use of it will not only help you, but also the environment. As Environmental Emma often says, it’s a “win-win.” Here are a few facts that will hopefully make you think twice…
The Dirty Facts:
- Nearly all plastic ever produced still exists. That’s disturbing.
- The equivalent of a garbage truck full of plastic is dumped into the ocean every minute. Yuck!
- By 2050, it’s projected that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean (by weight).
- One in four fish tested contains plastic. This plastic is entering the food chain and ends up on our plates.
- Plastic is linked to cancers, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, and other ailments. This is not okay.
So… what does this all mean? Plastic that ends up in our bodies can cause major harm. Plastic that ends up in the ocean can cause major harm. I want to make the 2050 prediction wrong! Let’s do our part to find plastic alternatives.
Well Earth Goods has done some of the work for us, and I’m highlighting a few of their products that I’ve tried so far.
Alternative to Paper Towels
Is anyone having trouble finding paper towels? I have some left, but I am seriously thinking twice before using what I have because I can’t always find a replacement in the grocery store. I used to just grab paper towels and wipe down my kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, etc. Not anymore. I am now using Not Paper Towels.
The great thing about these is that they come in a pack of 12, so I have enough to last a few days and then, I can just clean them and use them again. While the initial purchase of $29 is not cheap, I consider it an investment. A roll of paper towels is around $3, so by the time I go through 8-9 rolls, I have paid for my investment AND I no longer have to buy as many paper towels AND I’m helping the environment. The “Not Paper Towels” have a soft, flannel side and then a smoother, cotton side. I decide which side to use based on the type of surface I’m wiping. These are not thick towels. They really mimic actual paper towels in their thickness. There’s a nice looking wooden holder for your kitchen counter that holds the Not Paper Towels and it comes with 18 of the towels. It’s expensive ($119), so for now, I’m just storing them under my sink.
Paper towels can’t be recycled, so about 6 million pounds of paper towels end up in landfills every year. Think about it- paper towels also come wrapped in plastic! Not good. If the “Not Paper Towels” are too pricey, consider using your dish towels to clean rather than paper towels.
Is anyone else’s house messier than ever? As much as I love my kids and my husband, I am constantly cleaning up after them, despite my nagging! My bathrooms need to be cleaned more often, as well as the toilets. The great part is that I made my 3 kids sit and watch me clean the bathroom so they know what to do and can take turns cleaning them weekly. They just loved my demonstration. *Sarcasm
Cleaning Tools
I am a big fan of the wooden scrub brush and my kids love the opportunity to use it too! *More sarcasm I also love my new wooden toilet brush. I will say that, for some reason, the kids don’t seem to mind cleaning the toilet. A bonus for me AND for the environment since they’re using the wooden brush! The bristles on these brushes are sharp so, they work really well.
Bandages
I have three teenagers and I thought I did a decent job of teaching them how to ride a bike. Apparently, not so much. Since quarantine, 2 out of 3 have had some pretty bad falls with lots of scrapes. Until I researched, I never thought of the waste associated with bandaids. Well Earth Goods has Natural Bamboo Bandages, plastic- free, of course AND 100% compostable. I wish we weren’t going through so many, but on the bright side, at least my children are being active.
In the Kitchen
Who feels like a short-order cook? Well, I do, and a family of 5
does a really nice job using a lot of dishes. Our house rule is: if you cook the dinner, you don’t have to do the dishes. This is where the No Plastic Dish Brush comes in. It makes cleaning so fun- just ask my kids! Well, they might not be having fun, but at least we’re not using a plastic scrub brush.
I’m changing my ways to help save money and am using products that are actually available during this pandemic, but I plan to continue with these new habits of using sustainable products from now on. I realize that it’s not just an investment in my family’s well-being but also an investment in our environment and the health and future of the earth. Peruse Emma’s tips page for more in-depth information about the problem with plastic.
Click here to check out Well Earth Goods’ site and please comment below if you decide to try anything. I’d love to hear what you think.
Thank you to Environmental Emma for letting me share some of my ideas and top picks.
*This post is sponsored by Well Earth Goods. It contains affiliate links.
The post Sustainably Surviving Quarantine: A Mother’s Perspective appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>The post Low on Household Supplies? Top Quarantine Picks appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Are you worried about running out of hand soap? Laundry detergent? Cleaners? Dish detergent? Life in quarantine is definitely causing people to take a step back and think twice before wasting household products. I know many of my family and friends didn’t realize how much detergent, cleaner, and other products they went through until these products became difficult to find. Thankfully, there are many sustainable products to replace your usual purchases, that will not only save you money, but help the planet as well. A win, win!
CleanCult Cleaner, Dish Detergent, Dish Soap, Laundry Detergent – (Promo Code Available) $
Details: Cleancult‘s all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, and hand soap come in refillable glass containers in 100% carbon neutral and sustainable packaging. All ingredients are organic, ethically sourced, and disclosed so you know exactly what you’re getting. Their cleaner can be used on ALL surfaces (kitchens, electronics, bathrooms, etc.), making it very versatile, very effective, very sustainable, and a MUCH healthier alternative to mainstream cleaning products. Plus, once you have the glass containers, your future orders will come as refills in a recyclable container- very cost effective too!
Their Hero Ingredient: COCONUTS! There’s not much that science and coconut oil can’t handle. Coconut oil is more than a likeable ingredient; it’s a competitive cleaner. Its fatty acids are known to have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties making it an ideal cleaner base to fight off germs, dirt, grit, and grime. It’s totally safe for your day-to-day cleaning and our planet’s future, and it busts the myth that you need chemicals to effectively clean. Think about it, with Cleancult, you don’t need bleach, and you no longer have to search for Clorox wipes that you can barely find anyway!
Exciting Deal: Click on this Cleancult link and get 20% off now using the promo code: ECOEMMA.
Extra Benefits: Cleancult is 100% nontoxic, plastic-free, zero-waste, carbon neutral, and affordable. Check out their other great products!
Dropps – $ (Promo code: Dropps15)
Details: Dropps detergent is both sustainable and user-friendly. Their pods are made with organic, plant-based, safe ingredients and are in biodegradable pods. Unlike other brands, Dropps pods are formulated so that all their ingredients will break down into water before they enter the environment. Shipping is carbon neutral, all packaging is recyclable and plastic-free, they are more effective than competing brands, and they are affordable.
*This post is sponsored by Dropps and contains affiliate links to offer my readers discounts on which I will receive a small commission. All opinions shared are my own.
What I Like: One product that stands out is their laundry detergent. I like it because you can customize your detergent based on your needs. Sensitive skin? Stain and odor removal? Scent boosting? Fragrance free? They’ve got you covered!
Price: Prices and offers vary: If you subscribe to their 3-times-per-year delivery, all products are 30% off. If you DON’T subscribe, one option is their 240 pod pack for $66. This seems pricey, but if you were to buy 240 Tide pods from Walmart, this would cost you $111! WITH a subscription, 240 pods would only cost $46. Don’t worry, they also sell much smaller packages than the 240 pack. (Average cost of a Tide Pod per load is .22 cents. Dropps’s average cost per load is .19 cents)
Another Deal: Click here to choose your Dropps products. Enter promo code Dropps15 for 15% off your purchase.
Extra Benefits: Dropps is partnered with Oceana to eliminate single use plastics from Oceans, ethically source all ingredients, and list all ingredients- unlike other brands who can hide toxic ingredients as part of their “fragrance”, which is considered a trade secret and not disclosed on the label.
Looking for some informative humor? Check out the Cleancult & Dropps video below.
*This post is sponsored by Cleancult & Dropps who generously sent me their products in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for reading and supporting my blog!
Leave me a comment to let me know what you try. Cleaning doesn’t have to hurt the environment.
The post Low on Household Supplies? Top Quarantine Picks appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>The post Top Reusable Straws appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Many have heard the phrase “save the turtles,” but reducing plastic waste can do a lot more than just protect turtles. Not to mention that anything you can easily do to reduce plastic waste can make a big difference. Americans throw away about 500 million plastic straws every day! Please consider not using straws at all, however, if you must use a straw, here are the top reusable straws available.
Strawfree Bamboo Straws
Strawfree Bamboo straws are without a doubt the best straws available on the market. They are affordable, handmade, easy to use and clean, and a quality product. Bamboo straws are also the only reusable straws that are actually compostable/recyclable, so they will truly leave behind no waste – and no carbon footprint! Metal, rubber, and even paper straws will still produce a degree of waste, even though they are still better than plastic. So, even if you don’t buy them from Strawfree, bamboo straws are definitely the best option.
Gosili Silicone Straws
These straws are another excellent alternative to plastic ones and come in convenient cases, making them easy to carry. They are also bendy and dishwasher safe, making them one of the easiest reusable straws to clean. These fun straws come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them great for every kind of drink! Silicone will also last longer than bamboo. Click on the links to try some Gosili straws: teal/orange straws, six-pack straws, multi-pack berry/cobalt
Extra: For those that have kids, young siblings, or are prone to spilling, GoSili also makes sippy cups so that every cup can be leak proof!
Asobu Reusable Metal Straws
This final set of straws is another great option to replace plastic straws. These collapsible straws come in a keychain container with a handy cleaning brush. They are made of two pieces and connected by a piece of silicone, so that you can bend them or straighten as needed. They also come in a bunch of fun colors, making them useful and cute!
*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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]]>The post Reusable Ziplock, Sandwich Bags & Cling Wrap appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>One of the most replaceable single-use plastics that we use regularly are ziplock and sandwich bags. Luckily, there are many reusable and affordable options available!
Sustainable Ziplock Bags
1. Chasstoo (6-pack)
These bags are a great alternative to plastic bags and are a replacement for single-use plastic bags used to store lunches, snacks, leftovers, and more. They can stand up on their own and can also be hung, making them super convenient for storing or transporting food. Chasstoo bags are also dishwasher, freezer, and microwave friendly – they can withstand -40℉/40℃ to 446℉/ 230℃. They come in 6 packs – 3 small and 3 large – and are available on Amazon. Price $18.00.
2. Stasher Bags
I put these on this list reluctantly, just because of how pricey they are. However, despite the steep price, they have over 1000 5-star ratings on Amazon and are extremely high quality. They are made of a thick platinum-silicone and are microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and even oven safe, making them a great kitchen and storage tool. Stasher offers 7 different colors shapes, and sizes, and they have the perfect bag for every one. They can also stand up on their own, giving you a portable bowl of sorts on the go. Prices vary depending on pack size. Here are some links for various options: One 15 oz. bag, Set of 2, Bundle,
3. Kooler Things (10 pack)
I recently discovered and tried this brand and it is one of the most affordable. I really like that the tops are color coded based on the size. They are very sturdy and what I like the best is that they are VERY easy to seal! These are great for storing food, toys, art supplies, cosmetics, and more. Get a set of 10 for under $9 HERE.
Sustainable Sandwich Bags and Cling Wrap
1. Bee’s Wax Wrap
Instead of using plastic, wasteful cling wrap and foil to preserve food, bee’s wraps are a solution that actually work. Consisting of cotton painted over with a wax solution that is pliable and grippy, they are washable, reusable, and compostable-Not to mention that they come in several cute designs. They are guaranteed to help keep your food fresh and can be used for anything from sandwiches to fruits and veggies that have been cut. Some of them also have a button and tie, making them easy to use. Prices vary depending on which package you buy, but they will ultimately save you money because they are so long-lasting.
2. Lunchskins
These recyclable paper sandwich bags are great for packing a lunch or bringing a snack to work. With adorable patterns, they are a great alternative to plastic. Lunchskins understands that sometimes you can’t use reusable bags, so these compostable and recyclable sandwich bags ensure that you truly never need to use plastic baggies again! It is definitely better for the environment though to use reusable bags! I’m giving you options for both. Either way, these choices are better than using plastic! Click for more options: reusable bags, sea turtle pattern, sandwich & snack bag blue geometric pattern
Like the products or blog? Have a suggestion, concern, or idea? Send me a message or comment below, I would love to hear from you!
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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]]>The post Reusable Produce Bags appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>One of the most replaceable single-use plastics that we use are ziplock and produce bags. Here are some of the many great alternatives to these single use bags. *Remember, you can use these for more than just produce (toys, pencils, anytime you use baggies.)
Produce Bags
Produce bags – the thin plastic bags used to get fruits and veggies at the grocery store.
- Zero-Waste Reusable Produce Bags (9 per pack)
These breathable machine-washable, mesh bags come in three sizes – sandwich, medium, and gallon. Not only do they replace single-use plastic, they will also keep your food fresher for longer because it is breathable, unlike the airtight plastic you get at grocery stores. With a draw string and a see through mesh, they are the best produce bags replacements I have found on the market.
2. Reusable Produce Bags from Flip & Tumble
These machine-washable polyester produce bags are both durable and easy to use. They only come in one size, but are large enough to hold a lot food. One useful part of these bags are their color-coded tags, designed so you can use the same bag for the same fruit or vegetable every week. Think: yellow tag bag is used for lemons, green tag bag for broccoli, etc.
3. Organic Muslin Produce Bags from Badaon (6 per pack) $9.99
If the first option doesn’t work for you, these bags are also a great choice, and are made of a breathable, organic, cotton mesh. They too have a drawstring, making it an even easier alternative to the plastic produce bags that must be tied. These are washer friendly, but are at greater risk of shrinking because they are cotton. My only issue with these is that they are not see-through so, it can make it a bit challenging when checking out at the grocery store. They’re great for storage though!
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Have another reusable produce bag you want to share? Contact me!
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