Embrace Innovation
There are three main ways we can be more environmentally friendly and eco-nomical:
Go old school
Embrace innovation
Let go of unsustainable standards & practices
I’ve already covered some old school options in my previous blog so today we will be focusing on embracing innovative products & designs.
We still have a long way to go in this category. Many individuals and companies are on the journey which is exciting, and I look forward to seeing what solutions are developed over the next decade. In the meantime, let’s be clear about where to set our sights when it comes to sustainable design.
The goal ultimately must be close looped systems. We need to develop products that can be produced, used and discarded in such a way that all the resources go back into future products. (I am not talking about our current relationship with plastic where it is downcycled to be discarded the next time round) I mean infinitely recyclable closed loop systems. It’s not a simple brief. Nature does it - but we no longer live in pace with the slow multifaceted way the natural world recycles itself.
We can still embrace innovation while we wait for more efficient closed loop systems and practices to be developed and put into place. Till then we can choose other aspects of the closed loop principle such as reusing, refilling and composting.
Here are some of my favourite examples of these!
Ecoegg
Initial Cost: £9.99 for egg and pellets. 70 washes. Works out at 14p per wash.
Long term cost: £4.99 for refill pellets. 50 washes. Works out at 10p per wash.
Duration: In our 2 person household we do about 4 loads of laundry a week. I buy new refills about twice a year which actually works out better than Ecoegg’s estimate above!
Never thought I’d endorse a plastic product, and while I don’t like the fact it’s plastic, there are so many things I love about the Ecoegg! It’s kind to skin and certified by Allergy UK. I know multiple families who use it and have seen a huge improvement in their children’s eczema. It is so cheap and hassle free.
For some people the scent is not enough and they use laundry softener with it to add more fragrance to their clothes. That’s entirely up to you but remember that fragrance is often made up of nasty chemicals that can damage your health and the environment. So opt for a eco-friendly softener or just add a few drops of you fav essential oil to the draw!
I do neither and I think I smell pretty good.
Wild deodorant
Initial Cost: £15 for a reusable case and a natural deodorant refill
Refill Cost: £6 in shop or £5 per refill through online subscription
Duration: 4-6 weeks with daily use.
I find wild deodorant lasts me a lot longer than the estimate they provide above. The case is reusable and the refills come in paper which is compostable. The deodorant itself is made from natural ingredients like coconut oil and bicarbonate of soda. Some people’s skin does well with bicarbonate of soda, and others doesn’t, but Wild know that and have a sensitive version (its the one I use) that doesn’t have any in.
Smells great. Works great. It’s not anti-perspirant but most natural deodorants aren’t as sweating is natural and stopping ourselves sweating isn’t.
Compostable six-pack rings
This is just a fun one I have thrown in here because it’s such a cool inovation!
E6PR is a company that has developed an alternative to plastic ring holders on beer cans.
We dedicate our resources to creating 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging to replace the world’s most used six-pack rings, made with single-use plastics.
In it’s place they have made edible packaging that can be ripped off and if it ends up in the sea then fish and other sea life can eat it. Amazing!
There you go, a few examples of products that fit in the innovative design category of more sustainable living. And they won’t break the bank!
What innovative products do you know about that use closed loop system ideas such as refill, reuse and composting? Why not give one a try today!