When I really stopped to consider all the ways I could reduce plastic and landfill materials in my life, it was amazing to see that my day-to-day was full of opportunities for an earth-friendly upgrade.

Nature inspired living to me is about what we eat, how we move our bodies, and the products we use in our home and on our bodies.

In an effort to try and limit my waste and carbon footprint as much as possible, I wanted to make some changes that were more in line with that and I wanted to share some suggestions with you.

Remember, making health changes is never about getting it perfect, but the small steps you can manage and integrate within your life.  As you look back, you realize those small steps start to add up to a bigger impact than you imagined.

If you’re not sure where to start with a lower waste lifestyle, here’s some ways that might inspire you!

Metal Safety Razor

I’m so glad I made the switch to this safety razor.  It eliminates the need for disposable plastic razors, and the blades are zero waste and plastic free -they’re fully recyclable.

According to the EPA, about 2 billion razors are thrown away every year in the US.  Typical cartridge razors and disposable blades are non-recyclable, meaning all of this garbage ends up in landfill every year.

It’s actually way less expensive too – you don’t need to overpay for blades.  The blades I have cost about 12 cents each and last 5 – 8 shaves, depending on your hair type.

It was adjustment to my speed and shaving style, because you have to go slower, but you know, that can be a good thing. 😉

Menstrual Cup and Underwear

Did you know that most women spend on average, $100 on tampons and pads per year? That’s a lot of money you could be saving by using reusables — at least $1,000 per decade.

The menstrual cup and underwear are a period game changer. A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped cup that collects your monthly menstrual blood.  You insert it like a tampon, and it sits comfortably in your vagina and offers a leak-free period.   Instead of tampons, you can use this Lena cup.

If you’re going to use tampons, I would highly suggest you use organic, as cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops and you don’t want those chemicals inside your body.

Reusable undies absorb your period and are a more sustainable solution than single-use disposable products.  Depending on your flow (light, medium, heavy), these underwear can replace pads, tampons, liners, and cups, or be worn with tampons and cups for extra protection.  The Thinx underwear are like regular underwear, but so comfortable when you’re bleeding.

Bamboo Toothbrush

I wanted to replace my plastic toothbrush with something just as functional but more eco-friendly.  There are billions of plastic toothbrushes used each year and because they’re not recyclable, they end up settling in a landfill.  It’s a simple change that’s great for your teeth since bamboo is antimicrobial and you’re doing good for nature because when you’re done with the brush you can compost it – no trash produced.

Kitchen Swaps

• Beeswax covers
• Silicone bags
• Non plastic disposable plates and silverware
• Glass containers
• Organic cotton produce bags

Beeswax covers are reusable, sustainable, and don’t leach harmful chemicals into your food like plastic wrap.

The silicone bags are food grade – which is safe for your body and dishwasher-safe, too.  There’s also other types of reusable bags instead of using plastic sandwich bags.

Bamboo plates and silverware are compostable and for group gatherings, parties, or picnics these are so great to have around.

I use glass Pyrex containers or mason jars to store food, and avoid plastic.  Plastic wreaks havoc on our hormones and seeps into your food, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.  But you don’t need to throw out your plastic Tupperware altogether, you can still use to store other small items and toys around the house.

DIY Cleaning & Beauty Products

Another change I’ve made over the years to reduce waste and use safer products is making my own beauty and cleaning products.

You can make your own body butter, facial toner, multi-purpose cleanser, and the list goes on – just with simple ingredients and essential oils.  Then store them in glass jars and use them over again when they’re empty.  Just one simple swap like making your own multi-purpose cleaner is huge, since most of us would go through several bottles of that each year.  Making your own is so easy and inexpensive, because all you need is vinegar, water, and essential oils.

Other simple swaps:

• Stainless steel water bottle
• Cloth shopping bags
• Cloth napkins
• Glass jars, which you can use for everything, like when you make your own products.

There you have it! I would love to hear what you’d add to this list.  Let me know in the comments below.