Mindful Living: Sustainable Swaps

• Ditch paper products: Paper towels and napkins are convenient, sure, but how many do you go through a week? Save trees and money by switching to washable cloth dishtowels and napkins. Once soiled, just throw them in the laundry. Not only do they save you money on paper products in the long run, but cloth napkins give every meal a high-end feel.
• Choose glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers over plastic. Glass jars are inert, meaning their material won't interact with the chemical makeup of anything in your kitchen. More importantly, they won't permanently take on food's smells either. Ceramic canisters are great for storing flour, sugar, tea, and coffee, and they look stylish on your countertop. Stainless steel bowls are another option that don't stain or capture odors. They're great for refrigerating salads and leftovers; just avoid using them in the microwave or the oven.
• Use bamboo serving utensils instead of plastic. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, incredibly durable, and adds a touch of natural elegance to your kitchen.
• Use more natural cleaning products. Skip the harsh chemicals that can harm your home's surfaces and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Instead, use more natural solutions like vinegar, baking soda, gentle soap, and citrus-infused cleaners. Your home will be healthier and smell nice.
• Avoid plastic wrap. We've all been there—the leftovers need to be put away, so we reach for the box of cling wrap in the cupboard, but that does not have to be our only option! Food storage has come a long way in recent years with reusable silicone covers that fit tightly over plates and bowls. There are even silicone zip-lock bags for storing things like chips, nuts, and crackers. Many are dishwasher safe and store in compact spaces.

• Choose cloth storage bags over plastic bins For items like bedding, clothing, shoes, and handbags, cloth bags can protect your items from dust without sealing them in plastic. This is great for the environment while avoiding that stale plastic smell on your things when it's time to use them.
• Turn off the lights when you're not in a room. It's a simple action, and hitting that light switch as you leave a room can make a difference in your energy bill, which is a reflection of your energy consumption. Part of mindful living is consuming less overall.
• Reuse old clothes. Don't send your old clothing to the landfill. We have 22 ideas for making them useful again. Some of them might surprise you!
• Focus on quality over quantity. Whether it's fashion, a convenient snack, or your to-be read pile, nourish yourself and your surroundings with high-quality options. Fast fashion may be cheap and cute, but do you really need a top that will fall apart after one wash? Those chips dusted with… well… we aren't exactly sure, are tasty, but you can satisfy that need for crunch with popcorn or carrots. And you can treat your mind to a wonderful escape with a well-written novel that lifts your spirit instead of doom-scrolling ad-filled social networks that make you question everyone's life choices. Make thoughtful purchases that will fulfill you, and we promise, mindful living will become easier every day.

With practice, making eco-friendly swaps like the ones listed above will lead to a healthier, more mindful lifestyle, and there's no time like the present to get started.