Earth Day is all about celebrating our incredible planet, looking to the future, and making changes to live in harmony with nature.
This year we set a goal to save 22,000 trees and — continuing our celebration of all things 22 — we’ve brought you 22 sustainable alternatives to make your life easier, healthier, and of course, more eco-friendly.
Plastic is one of the biggest hurdles we have to overcome to get to a waste-free lifestyle. A super easy way to reduce your plastic waste is to invest in a reusable water bottle that works for your life.
This Hydros Filter Bottle has a built-in Class 1 filter, so it’s perfect for all your adventures — whether you’re filling at a city fountain or a mountain stream.
As a non-recyclable, single-use plastic, straws are a common culprit for unnecessary waste.
If you don’t need one, just ask the server to skip it. But if you love straws, try investing in some reusable ones. These Klean Kanteen metal straws are made with 90% recycled steel and are fully dishwasher safe.
Whether you’re packing lunch or take your coffee to-go, Stojo Silicone Containers are a great choice because they’re collapsable! Have your lunch, then collapse the bowl to take it back home. Or keep it collapsed in your purse for when you eat out and have leftovers.
Any time you use something on a very regular basis, it’s a good place to look for sustainable swaps. We’re a fan of these recycled billboard bags by Rareform, as they divert and repurpose another potential waste source.
If you’re looking for something you can keep in your glove compartment, we recommend these collapsible grocery bags.
Oh hey! Did you know that bamboo is a type of grass (not a tree!), and one of the fastest-growing plants in the world? Using bamboo reduces demand on our forestlands and keeps trees in ground, where they play a vital role in the health of our planet. Try Cloud Paper's 100% FSC-certified bamboo toilet paper, we promise you won't even notice the difference. 
Okay, you know we love bamboo… but it’s great for more than toilet paper! Whether you like manual or electric toothbrushes, bamboo is a great sustainable alternative to plastic.
Eliminate the disposable plastic with a Leaf razor and recyclable blades. They even have a three-blade razor with a pivoting head so you can continue using what you’re used to, just with less waste!
In the same vein, check out this makeup routine by Kjaer Weis that is 100% recyclable, compostable, or refillable. Plus, it’s organic!
Disposable tampons and pads had their time, but it’s time for them to step aside. Period products are changing for the better. Low-waste, greater comfort, and less frequent changing? What’s to lose? From menstrual cups to period underwear, Saalt has you covered.
Still not sure about the whole menstrual cup thing? Check out this humorous but enlightening take on all things menstrual cup: ‘Menstruation’ is Not a Dirty Word.
Did you know you can get deodorant in a Eliminate plastic with refillable deodorant refillable aluminum dispenser? It really is easier than ever to have a fully plastic-free, low-waste routine.
You might be thinking — um, what? But this is pretty cool. Susteau Powdered Shampoo is liquid free, but easily turns to a foaming paste in your hands while you shower. This means it only takes one bottle of water-free shampoo to equal 4 of its standard counterparts.
Plus their packaging is made from recycled plastic!
Try going completely plastic free with bar soaps or invest in a nice soap dispenser and buy bulk refills to minimize the plastic packaging.
While Cloud Paper Bamboo Paper Towels are great for your spills, we highly encourage you to invest in some washable napkins for your daily meals.
Paper napkins are not recyclable because food remnants contaminate the process.
How many times have you been to the grocery store and the only herbs you can find come in plastic clamshells? (Plus, they’re expensive!)
Meanwhile, herbs are often one of the easiest plants to grow on your own, even if you live in an apartment! Tight on space? Missing a green thumb? Check out Click and Grow for what has to be the easiest tiny garden available.
Help reduce food waste by purchasing imperfect produce and products through a company like Imperfect Foods. Agriculture is one of the 3 biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s important to not let it go to waste.
If you haven’t tried them yet, give beeswax wraps a try. Perfect for covering a bowl, wrapping cheese and produce, or packaging up snacks to-go. They’re easy to use, quick to wash, and made with all-natural materials. We like these certified organic wraps by Bee’s Wrap.
Composting actually reduces the carbon footprint of your food waste! If you’re ready to do it yourself, the EPA offers a guide to getting started.
If you live in an apartment, or you just can’t set it up, search your area for local composting companies who will take your food waste or check out the Lomi countertop compost.
Ditch those giant plastic jugs forever? Um, yes please!
Kind Laundry makes all-natural laundry detergent sheets in biodegradable packaging. These liquid-free sheets are a dream come true for travelers, laundromat goers, and those who are tight on laundry space.
Did you know wool dryer balls are a 100% natural way to soften your laundry? Plus they reduce the time it takes to dry your clothes, so they save energy as well.
Fast fashion = so much waste. Look for brands that source post-consumer recycled fabrics, organic materials, and are a high-quality long-term investment. Check out Edify for a great example of a clothing business built value-first.
Check out refurbished and refreshed furniture from places like Habitat Restore and Etsy.
Upcycling is a wonderful way to divert waste while also reducing your consumption. Why buy new if you can give something a second life?
The circular economy is the idea that all our “things” can continue to be reused and repurposed so we can stop taking materials from the planet and stop creating waste. A closed circle is the ultimate goal, and online marketplaces like Sistain make it easy to find those sustainable choices.
The theme for Earth Day 2022 is Investing in Our Planet. As an individual, sustainability can feel like an overwhelming task, but all it takes to make an investment is to make continual progress.
Luckily there are more choices than ever for products that help you live an eco-friendly lifestyle. Pick a few things at a time and focus on making those sustainable choices. Once you feel good about those, you can move on to the next.
And stay informed! You can stay tuned to our blog for regular tips and updates about living a more sustainable life.
