Mornings can seem like a tricky time to go eco-friendly. After all, we’re often in a mad rush to get out the door in the morning. There’s a lot to do and not much time to do it, making us more likely to reach for products that prioritize convenience over the environment.
But greening up your morning routine doesn’t need to be difficult. In fact, there are plenty of low-effort, high-reward ways to make your morning habits better for the environment. And with more companies launching eco-friendly product lines, getting your day off to an eco-friendly start has never been easier.
Below, learn how to start an eco-friendly morning routine that is healthier for you and the planet.
1. Shorten your shower time
What could possibly be better than taking a long, relaxing shower? Taking a shorter shower and feeling good about the fact that you’re not harming the environment, your wallet or your skin! But seriously though, taking long showers wastes a massive amount of water, which contributes to water scarcity in drought-stricken places around the world. Plus, it increases your utilities bill and dries out your skin.
The good news? Shaving off just two minutes of your normal shower time can cut your water use by 10 gallons, according to Boston University. Taking a shorter shower could be as easy as setting an alarm on your phone to help track the time.
2. Rethink your hair care products
Speaking of showering, did you know that more than 550 million plastic shampoo bottles end up in landfills each year? Eventually, this plastic breaks down into tiny pieces, which end up in the ocean, marine wildlife and the food we eat.
Rather than contribute to this growing pile of plastic, make the switch to shampoo bars. Packaged like a bar of soap, shampoo bars are typically made from plant-based ingredients, making them a great option for your hair and the planet. And if you co-wash, you’ll definitely want to try a silicone-free conditioner bar that’s Curly Girl Method-approved!
3. Dress sustainably
The fashion industry leaves a big environmental footprint, from the clothes that end up in landfills to the toxic chemicals and dyes contaminating our lakes and rivers. Choosing clothes made from sustainable fabrics — like those made from hemp or organic cotton — can help lower your carbon footprint while reducing your exposure to chemicals, which is undoubtedly a good thing.
Of course, you don’t need to buy your clothes brand-new. Shopping for clothes at second-hand stores is the most sustainable way to build a wardrobe because you’re buying clothes that would otherwise be destined for a landfill. If you need high-end clothes for work, check out your local upscale consignment stores or shop online for designer duds at The RealReal, Rebag and Maeven Vintage.
4. Give your skin a green makeover
When it comes to your skincare routine, there are lots of ways to go green. For starters, you could swap your single-use cotton rounds for a pack of reusable cotton rounds that you can pop in the washing machine every week or so. Besides reducing your impact on the environment, this also saves you money!
Another way to make your skincare routine eco-friendlier is by recycling your empty beauty products. Check for a resin identification code (RIC) on the plastic packaging and see if your local recycling program accepts that plastic type. If no recycling solution exists in your area, you can recycle your beauty products through Terracycle’s Personal Care and Beauty Recycling Program.
Tip: To make things easier, toss your recyclable beauty products into a split-waste bathroom bin that separates your recyclable and non-recyclable waste. That way, you can figure out how to properly recycle your beauty products when you aren’t so crunched for time.
5. Brew it right
If you drink a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, make sure that your daily caffeine fix isn’t harming the environment. First and foremost, avoid single-serve cups and pods at all costs. Most of those cups and K-pods aren’t recyclable, which means they’re destined for landfills.
If possible, buy fair-trade certified organic coffee and brew your own coffee at home. If you must buy your coffee from a shop, bring your own reusable cup.
Prefer to drink tea? Switch to loose leaf tea that comes in a refillable container. Loose leaf tea tends to be better quality than bagged tea and is usually fresher.
6. Enjoy a plant-based breakfast
Eating a plant-based diet is good for the environment because it helps reduce the carbon footprint of animal agriculture, which is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, research also suggests that eating a plant-based diet is better for our overall health.
If you’re already feeling sad about the thought of a bacon-free breakfast, don’t worry! From breakfast veggie tacos to smoothie bowls, there are plenty of delicious plant-based meals to start your day off right.
7. Brush smarter
Every plastic toothbrush that was ever made still exists today. Isn’t that crazy? To minimize your impact on the environment, switch to a bamboo toothbrush that can be composted after three or four months.
While you’re at it, swap your regular toothpaste for an eco-friendlier option, like plastic-free toothpaste tabs. If you’re not a fan of toothpaste tabs, buy your toothpaste in bulk or choose toothpaste that is packaged in recyclable aluminum.
8. Get Your Day Off to a Green Start
Mornings can set the tone for the entire day, so why not get your day off to a sustainable start? With a few simple changes to your morning routine, you can get ready without harming the environment.Every little bit helps!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
