Maytal Phillips is a long-time friend of The Chalkboard when it comes to all things living well. Her latest venture is named Eden Life, a curated collection of eco-friendly, plastic-free zero waste home and beauty products that are as chic as they are eco-friendly. We asked Maytal for the run-down and she shared this short-list of products to start with now…
As avid travelers, the idea of our treasured islands in Mozambique and lush forests in Yosemite being destroyed by the actions of humanity, seemed unthinkable. Annually, 9 million tons of plastic ends up in our ocean, and by 2050 scientists predict that the amount of plastic will exceed the amount of fish there. Crazy, right?! Our zero waste journey started two years ago when we asked ourselves: what could we individually do to save our favorite places on earth?
Choosing to live a zero waste life could feel like a super daunting mission. Similar to choosing which diet to adhere to — pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan — there are also different stages and levels of the zero waste journey. The key word here being journey as there is no right or wrong way to begin and you don’t have to store all your garbage in a small jar when you first begin (although that would be the dream). Start with a few key swaps in your home and kitchen that can drastically cut down the amount of waste you and your family create…
Bamboo scrubber + block dish soap vs. plastic bottle + brush The best place to make quick and easy swaps are in the kitchen. Between paper towels, garbage bags, and everything we use in between to clean, the kitchen is a huge source of daily waste. One of the easiest swaps for me was to switch to a bamboo scrubber and dish soap — all completely biodegradable! Try One
Bamboo toothbrush vs. traditional toothbrush One billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year in the United States, creating 50 million pounds of waste annually. Bamboo toothbrushes are just as effective and 100% biodegradable. Try One
Shampoo bar vs. shampoo bottle Shampoo bottles are items that aren’t generally recyclable. In fact, over 552 million shampoo bottles are thrown away annually and that plastic packaging accounts for over 80 percent of trash found on beaches. Shampoo bars are all natural and there are many formulas for each hair type. Argan oil is my favorite! Try One
Reusable coffee cup vs. disposable coffee cup This is a swap I know we can all get behind – especially since we’re making more of our coffee at home these days. Swap for a chic reusable coffee cup that’s both eco-friendly and easy to carry when you do head to your favorite spot.
Safety razor vs. plastic razor This rose gold safety razor is elegant, easy to use, and comes with 5 stainless steel blades. Switching to a safety razor means saving 2 billion plastic razors from the landfill and the cost savings from no longer paying for plastic razors is pretty significant. Try One
When it comes to reducing waste, it’s all about remaining calm and starting somewhere. Take stock around your home and you’ll see all the quick and easy opportunities you have to reduce waste.
