The Kernel

Make Your Morning Routine A Little More Eco-Friendly

Whether you’re a hit the snooze button 5 times kinda gal or you hop right outta bed at the first rays of sunlight peeking through your window, we’ve got you covered for ideas to help make your morning a little greener. Check out these five easy swaps to use less plastic and simplify your morning routine.

1. Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, and Lotion Bars

Who needs plastic bottles to get their lather on? Shampoo bars are just as capable of giving your hair bounce and shine without adding to the recycling burden most major cities are facing. Bar soap is one of the best things to pick up at farmers markets or craft fairs because doing so supports local small businesses, and you know you’re getting quality ingredients in lots of funky cool scent options. If you want to take it a step even further, why not reach for a lotion bar next time you’re looking to stock up? Many even come in metal tins so you can keep it in your bag for on the go use throughout the day.

2. Green Dental Hygiene: Bamboo Toothbrush, Toothpaste Tabs, Floss in a Glass Container

There are so many ways to keep your pearly whites stunning without ever touching a molecule of plastic. Bamboo toothbrushes have a longer lifespan than their plastic counterparts, biodegrade over time, and don’t strain the planet during creation. Win win in our book. You can find toothpaste tabs in glass jars now too. Simply pop in your mouth, begin brushing, and enjoy the benefits of cavity protection and whitening without the plastic tubing of conventional toothpaste – we know, we live in the future! Corn husk floss replacements additionally come in glass containers now as well, replacing the polymer strands and tiny plastic cases we were so used to. Smile! Your morning just got greener.

3. Eco Beauty: Bamboo Makeup Wipes, Sustainable Makeup

The beauty industry has evolved so much in the past few years, and now consumers have more options than ever when choosing products that are right for your glow up and the planet. Single use items like makeup wipes and cotton balls are so 2010. Embrace this new decade with clean green swaps like reusable bamboo makeup wipes, which you use, toss in the laundry, and keep on deck to clean that gorgeous face another day. In addition, why not have some fun with sustainable makeup options like eyeliner, mascara, and lip color in glass pots. Invest in a wooden applicator and your look will be as fierce as it is environmentally friendly.

4. Reusable Coffee Filter

If you’re like me, you may be a zombie in the morning before indulging in those first few glorious sips of coffee. One of the best ways to keep your coffee consumption eco-friendly is to invest in a reusable coffee filter. You can pop it into your coffee maker and simply rinse out every morning before starting a new batch. No excess paper heading into the bin on your watch.

5. Travel Mug and Glass Food Storage

One of the biggest things we can do for the planet is cut back our single use plastics when possible. Ditch the plastic baggies and Styrofoam cups from the coffee shop, and opt for cute, personalized glass or metal containers for your snacks and beverages. Your coworkers will be so impressed with how you upped your meal prep game, and many coffee shops will even discount you a percentage of your order if you bring your own cup. Mama Earth thanks you!