Plastic is all around us. Everyday items from food containers and household products to most packaging. So much plastic has come to be single use, thrown away, adding to harmful overconsumption habits. Overcompensation doesn’t just involve plastic, it also includes buying more than one needs, excessive food waste, depleting earth’s resources. This all affects both global and personal health. This practice is fueled by societal norms and capitalism, making overconsumption very commonplace.
Making a Change
Many people–including myself–want to make a change. This can start in our own personal lives. Whether your goal is to just live more eco-friendly, completely plastic free, or to be completely zero-waste, you can start with small steps. You don’t have to completely change your habits in one day, it can start by just changing one habit or making an eco swap by switching out a product for something that is eco-friendly. This can be once a week, every other week, even once a month. Anyone can make small changes over time to live healthier in different ways, and the more people that make those changes, the more positive impact it has on the environment and your health!
Forming Sustainable Habits
When making sustainable changes to your habits and everyday products, you may come across some challenges. You may find that some habit changes might be more expensive, that it is difficult to make your change and stick to it, or the challenge of educating yourself on sustainability. But don’t be discouraged!
Many products we use today are relatively cheap and easy to obtain. From shampoo in plastic containers to paper towels to single use food containers and beyond. When you make the change to glass or metal containers it can seem much more expensive, but in the long run, it saves you money compared to consistently buying single use plastic containers! Reusable and cleaner materials last longer and are more durable, so although they may be more expensive, they have much more positive impacts in your everyday life!
Consider Cost Per Use
Although this image shows a RIDICULOUSLY priced pair of sunglasses, this equation can be used for your reusable products! For example; instead of sunglasses, lets say you get a $10.00 Glass bottle with a spray top for your glass cleaner. If you refill that single container 10 times, your spray top and glass only cost 1 dollar per refill. Even less if you take into consideration every time you use your glass cleaner to spray a window or surface. Something as simple as glass cleaner or maybe even a shampoo can be refilled endlessly. At a certain point, your investment in a reusable container begins to pay for itself and saves you money in the long run!
Stick With it! Everything is a PROCESS.
If you find yourself struggling to make a habit change or sticking to that change, just take it at your own pace. You don’t have to completely change your lifestyle in one day and you don’t have to switch out all that you own to eco-friendly products. It may be challenging, but the importance is in your intentions and your effort. The more you educate yourself, whether that is through reading, watching videos, or having discussions with those around you, you can make yourself more aware of eco-friendly habits and spread that knowledge. Give yourself reminders to continue working towards a habit change or to make an eco swap. Keep your goals in the back of your mind so that they don’t get forgotten. You can do this!
How to Start Making YOUR Change
So where do you start? You can start small by getting a reusable water bottle, carrying reusable straws with you to avoid single use plastic straws, switching to compostable dryer sheets, utilizing reusable grocery bags, the possibilities are endless! At PROCESS, there are plenty of products that you can take inspiration from or buy for your own eco swaps! We have clean and sustainable products for home, wellness, body, apparel, food, and more! Take a look at our website or stop in to see our entire inventory as well as the refillery to stock up on essential goods in your own reusable container.
No matter your goals, you can work towards greener, environmentally friendly, and sustainable living at your own pace. One habit change, one eco swap, and one discussion at a time, you can do it!