Voting for the Planet (at the Ballot Box and at the Check Out Line)
While using my ever-present mason jar with its sippy lid is better than using plastic bottles, these sorts of daily lifestyle habit shifts and swaps are just smaller components of our greater responsibility, which is to get active. Voting (both at the ballot box in all levels of government AND with/without our dollars as consumers,) is one of the most meaningful actions we can possibly take.
I refuse to believe that we are helpless in this climate crisis— it is reckless. And it is wrong.
As my 3 year-old likes to say, we need: “ALL HANDS ON DECK!” As voters. As investors. As members of our communities. As learners. As civilians. As allies. And as neighbors— because our independent decisions (such as what we buy, which candidates we support, and whether or not we engage in acts of civil disobedience) have collective consequences that impact us all.
But while our responsibilities go well beyond sustainable swaps, the swaps are indeed important. Here’s an example of why:
Package Free Shop has kept over 4 million plastic straws, 3 million plastic bags, and more than 1.5 million non-recyclable bottles and cups out of landfills. They ship everything 100% plastic free in an upcycled or 100% post-consumer box with paper wrapping and paper tape, and all of their shipping materials are 100% recyclable and compostable. And they’re setting new standards for businesses and consumers across multiple industries— a ripple effect with far-reaching implications.
“We believe that it should be easy to make choices that positively benefit the environment and that no matter who you are, where you come from, what you believe in, how many zeros you have (or don’t have) in your bank account, what president you voted for, what gender you identify with, or what part of town you live in, we can all take simple steps to reduce our waste.” - Package Free Shop
I’ve rounded up a small sampling of some of my favorite items from their site that we’ve found to be of great use here in our (tiny) home.
Note: This post was not sponsored. Some items were gifted, but most were purchased. I’m sharing this strictly because of our positive experiences with the products and their impact within our household.
Washable Duster
This duster is made from multiple layers of organic cotton and viscose bamboo. Duster tendrils will curl after washing to make the collection of dust more effective. To wash, simply remove the duster from the custom made wood handle and slide back on once dry. Includes cotton strap for hanging. To clean, machine wash warm with like colors, dry in dryer or air dry.
Organic Pad
Good for your body and the earth, this reusable day pad is free of plastics, artificial fragrances, adhesives, and chemical gels, and keeps disposable pads out of landfills. Not to mention, overtime, reusable feminine products will save you loads of cash.
Reusable Beauty & Ear Swabs
Nearly 25.5 billion single use swabs are produced and discarded every year in the U.S. But not this swab. It lasts up to 1,000 uses as it's able to be cleaned with soap and water. It also comes in a biodegradable, corn based case so you can use it on the go.
Organic Hair Ties
Organic cotton and natural rubber hair tie set on compostable paper backing.
Kid’s Brush
This soft bristled brush is 100% compostable.
Comb & Brush Rake
Helps your brushes last longer by keeping them clean between the bristles.
Wire: 100% recyclable with metal recycling / Wood: 100% compostable
Razor Cleaning Brush
100% compostable razor cleaner, which works great for the pivot-head LEAF shave razor.
Tea Tree & Charcoal Face Soap
A balanced and gentle facial soap, this bar detoxifies skin with absorbent activated charcoal. Cocoa butter promotes a healthy complexion, while ground oats soothe and mildly exfoliate. Fresh and herbaceous tea tree and eucalyptus oils act as a natural astringent to combat skin blemishes. Also great for the whole body.
Travel Soap Box
Slice off a bit of the face soap, body soap, shampoo + conditioner bars, and/or body stones to use on-the-go with this soap box.
Washing Bag
This washing bag is a scientifically-approved filter solution to stop micro plastic pollution caused by washing synthetic textiles. It reduces fiber from breaking significantly and thus extends the lifetime of your textiles. Using the washing bag reduces the breaking of synthetic textiles by 86% on average. The fibers that do break during washing are captured inside the bag and can easily be removed.
Natural Dog Brush
100% natural and compostable two-sided dog brush for both long and short haired best friends.
Water Filter Pod
One of these little guys filters 99% of lead and arsenic and 97% of chlorine and flouride right out of your regular tap water. Just drop this wine cork-sized pod into any water vessel, pitcher, bottle, glass, camelback, coffee maker and more for clean, healthy and great-tasting water everywhere you go.
