At Blom Contracting, we aren’t just committed to finding the most eco-friendly alternatives for your home, we also do our best to practice what we preach, and beyond. We hope that by giving you the information about green alternatives and eco-friendly options in your life, it will persuade you to go green too. The mistake that so many people make is doing nothing because they think they can only do a little, and that their efforts won’t matter in the grand scheme of things. However, if everyone started doing what they can, even if it’s something small, to help the planet, then everyone’s small effort would equate to a very large difference.
Keep following along to read about the green alternatives that might be a bit more costly, but usually pay for themselves in the end, and don’t forget to check out our previous blog posts about eco-friendly swaps that are completely free and green alternatives that save you money!
Some options for eco-friendly products are equal in cost as their conventional counterpart… so why wouldn’t you switch to the green option? Being kind to the planet sometimes takes some extra effort or time, but it doesn’t have to be more expensive. Here are some ways that you can help the planet without spending more money than you already do.
- If You Care Products
- The website, If You Care, has so many green options for the kitchen and household, at the same cost as their regular counter part.
They have coffee filters, baking materials, cleaning materials, aluminum foil and more! Check them out here: https://buyifyoucare.com/
- The website, If You Care, has so many green options for the kitchen and household, at the same cost as their regular counter part.
- Bamboo toothbrushes
- Bamboo options are much better than plastics for many reasons… (for another day). After you’re done using the toothbrush, remove its bristles (with pliers) and throw them in plastic recycling, then use the handle for gardening, fire kindling, or compost it!
- Bulk Barn Reusable Container Program
- If you bring your own container to Bulk Barn,
they will weigh it for you before you fill it, and then charge you for the weight of your product only. This is a great way to skip those plastic bags! - The container must be made of a material (e.g. plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, cloth) that can be cleaned, washed or sterilized and it must be sealable. Here is the link to find out more: https://www.bulkbarn.ca/Reusable-Container-Program/
- Bulk Barn also always has deals… so there are a few ways to save too! https://www.bulkbarn.ca/en/Deals/Ontario
- If you bring your own container to Bulk Barn,
- Natural cleaning products
- Cleaning products are essential in a home, and if possible having natural cleaning products has multiple benefits. You have the option to make your own cleaning products with ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon, which can actually amount to less than your average all-purpose cleaner. For natural cleaning solutions click here: https://keeperofthehome.org/homemade-all-natural-cleaning-recipes/
- You also have the choice to buy natural cleaning products from companies like Method, or Ecos for approximately the same price as a regular cleaning product. However, this comes with the associated plastics. If you make your own cleaning products, you can reuse the same bottle or jar.
- Snack and Freezer Bags
- Ziploc bags are convenient, but so are reusable ziplock bags. A package of 320 plastic disposable Ziploc bags costs $10. A 10 pack of reusable ziplock bags also costs around $10, and you can use them over and over, never having to throw them away. Over time, it will start to save you money. This link has reusable ziplock bags that are freezer safe, BPA and plastic free, and are made from biodegradable PEVA material. https://www.amazon.ca/Reusable-Sandwich-Ziplock-Material-Toiletries/dp/B07VHR3XHM/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=reusable+snack+bags&qid=1570733313&sr=8-5
- Reusable food covers
- Disposable single-use plastic needs to go. Saran or cling wrap is included in this category. Saran wrap is convenient… but also hard to use; it sticks together when you don’t want it to and doesn’t stick to anything but itself. There are multiple different reusable food covers today, but are they equal in price as your conventional saran wrap? You bet!
These silicone stretch lids are freezer, dishwasher, and microwave safe, and they eliminate the need for single use plastic cling wrap. This 12 pack found on amazon is less than $6! https://www.amazon.ca/Kitchen-Silicone-Stretch-Reusable-Durable/dp/B07JNF1Y57/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=silicon+stretch+lids&qid=1570733918&sr=8-5 - There are other options for wrapping food though, such as Bees Wrap.
These are a bit more on the expensive side, but still eliminate the need for plastic wrap. You can seal and wrap things with the heat of your hands! Check them out here: https://www.beeswrap.com/
- Disposable single-use plastic needs to go. Saran or cling wrap is included in this category. Saran wrap is convenient… but also hard to use; it sticks together when you don’t want it to and doesn’t stick to anything but itself. There are multiple different reusable food covers today, but are they equal in price as your conventional saran wrap? You bet!