Ways to start ditching your single-use consumption

Are you looking to reduce your household impact on the environment? One of the best ways is by reducing your overall household consumption, and a core method is to look at ways to switch to reusable products instead of single-use items. Here are the top 5 ways that households can cut costs by purchasing reusable products:

  • Reusable water bottles: Single-use plastic water bottles are not only bad for the environment, but they can also be expensive. By purchasing a reusable water bottle, households can save money on the cost of buying water bottles and also help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is generated.

  • Washable furnace filters / reusable HVAC filters: North American HVAC system require a filter in the air return for furnaces and central air conditioners. Typically these are single-use filters last on average 3 months, and this contributes to over 250,000,000 disposable filters making it to landfill every month. Filters are made of plastic or fiberglass along with adhesives, metal wire mesh, and cardboard frames and cannot be recycled. Switching to a reusable filter will allow you to save money, but also divert 4 filters per year from landfill. Choosing a reusable furnace filter like Cycle Air Filters allows households to wash and reuse instead of replace. Cycle Air Filters are uniquely machine washable and dryer safe, allowing for easy sanitization and effortless cleaning in with your laundry routine, and last months in between washes. 

  • Ditching the K-cups/coffee cups: Are you a culprit of single-use coffee pods or opt for drive-thru daily java? Single-use coffee products are often a daily contributor to your household consumption, and single-use options certainly add up from an expense point of view. Try shifting to conventional drip coffee (bonus points if you use a reusable filter or bamboo filters). If coffee-shop coffee is still in the cards, try purchasing a reusable coffee cup. Most independent cafe's and some larger chains like Tim Hortons and Starbucks now allow for reusable mug options.

  • Reusable food containers: Single-use plastics in the form of plastic wraps, zipper bags, and containers are not only bad for the environment, but they can also be expensive. By purchasing reusable food containers, households can save money on the cost of buying disposable containers and also help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is generated. Try to opt for glass options for easy washing and avoiding plastic altogether, but even a reusable plastic option is better than single-use.

  • Cloth shopping bags and totes: Instead of using single-use plastic bags, households can purchase reusable shopping bags made from fabric or other durable materials. Many supermarkets have already shifted to paper or reusable options.

  • Reusable produce bags: Single-use plastic bags that are used to store produce in the grocery store can be wasteful, and households can purchase reusable produce bags to save money and also help to reduce the amount of waste that is generated.

  • Silicon or metal reusable straws: Single-use plastic straws are not only bad for the environment, but they can also add up cost-wise. By purchasing a reusable straw made of stainless steel or glass, households can save money on the cost of buying disposable straws and also help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is generated.

  • Straight razors: Disposable razors are not only bad for the environment, but they can also be expensive. By purchasing a reusable razor, households can save money on the cost of buying disposable razors and also help to reduce the amount of waste that is generated.

  • By purchasing reusable products, households can save money in the long run and help to reduce their impact on the environment. These small changes in your daily habits can make a big difference in reducing waste. Take it to the next level by finding products made from sustainable sources, like recycled plastics or recyclable materials.

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