
Share
17th November 2019
09:00am GMT

2. Coconut fibre brush for pots
I have decided to stop buying plastic brushes for doing my washing up, as, much like toothbrushes, these eventually end up in landfills, contributing to the enormous plastic problem we are facing globally.
This beech wood and coconut fibre brush with metal interior is not only super effective in cleaning my pots, it also looks good and is easy to keep clean by just rinsing it in warm water.
€6.99, Zara Home
3. Set of 6 resusable stainless steel straws + travel pouch + cleaning brush
I found this little gem in my local TK Maxx recently – and they had a huge selection of other ones too, just in case you fancy other colours or even reusable straws made from environmental-friendly silicone too.
My kids love to drink their smoothies (and water) out of straws, and I am forever using one to sip iced coffees too. But as we are trying to ditch plastic in our home, I picked up these gorgeous stainless steel straws – and love how they also come with a little travel pouch, meaning I can always keep one with me when out and about, so that I don't have to get a plastic straw if I purchase a drink – or use those dreaded paper ones, which, let's admit it, dissolve into your drink long before you have finished it.
€12.99, TK Maxx
4. Cast iron frying pan
Most cookware today is made from teflon – which, you know, is all sorts of easy to clean, but if you read up on it, can have a pretty dire effect on your health. Cast iron, on the other hand, is safe, long-lasting, and actually the preferred choice by professional chefs, as it spreads heat evenly, keeps the pan warm for a long time, and gives food an even browning.
If you want to splash the cash, there are some amazing options out there from for instance Le Creuset. But for a great budget buy, this Ikea pan does the job, looks greaat, and is easy to keep clean.
€35, Ikea
5. Organic cotton bedlinens
Just think about it – we spent about 1/3 of our lives in bed – some of us more. And often, wearing a minimal amount of clothing, meaning your bedsheets are in direct contant with the skin on your body for hours at a time.
This then becomes an issue when you realise that most cotton is grown using a variety of GMOs, pesticides and dyes filled with chemicals. I recently discovered Irish company White & Green, which create the most beautiful bedlinens and homewares made using organic, hand-picked cotton, where they also ensure that the farmers who grow the cotton are paid a fair wage and don't have to work with materials or chemicals that harm their health.
I love nothing more than crawling into these deliciously luxurious sheets now at the end of a long day – these sheets were worth every cent.
€209 for a kind-sized set of duvet cover and pillow cases, White & Green
6. EcoEgg Laundry Egg
I can't believe I didn't know about this until recently!
The Eco egg laundry egg washing kit is such an eco friendly way to wash your clothes as it completely replaces washing powder or liquid. It is just as effective – I have been testing it now for about a month – and hello – this is going to be saving me so much money in the long run!
The Eco egg washing kit lasts for up to 210 washes.
€15.50, Little Green Shop
7. Beauty Kubes Shampoo
Take a look at your bathroom – how many plastic bottles can you count? I know – I was the same.
Now, however, I have at least ditched buying plastic shampoo bottles – thanks to these super-clever shampoo cubes, which leaves my hair incredibly soft, shiny and free from build-up.
There are 27 cubes per box, all wrapped in plastic-free, bio-degradable packaging, and you'll be happy to know this product is also palm-free, vegan, sulphate-free and is made with 64 percent organic ingredients.
€12, The Clean Beauty Edit
8. Set of 3 Organic Cotton Produce Bag
Tired of those flimsy fruit and veggie plastic bags? Which end up in the bin the minute you come home. These organic cotton produce bags are the perfect alternative to plastic bags or any other single-use, disposable bags. A great zero waste alternative that, if you remember to bring them with you when you do the shopping, you will use over and over again, for years.
The organic cotton bags can be put directly in the refrigerator, and are also dishwasher safe (gentle cycle at 30 degrees and line dry).
€9, Reuzi.ie
9. Glass storage containers with lids
Goodbye discoloured and smelly plastic containers. I am now loving how organised and beautiful my kitchen presses and pantry look with these gorgeous Ikea glass and bamboo lid containers. Another bonus is that it is far easier to keep tabs on what I have and what I need to stock up on, meaning less food waste and money saved too!
From €4.75, Ikea
10. Lilly's Eco Clean Washing Up Liquid
Another Irish-made product that is killing it when it comes to being on the forefront of greener living, and one I have been using in my own home for the past few years.
Lilly's Washing Up Liquid contains lemon oil and other naturally-sourced detergents. There are no harsh chemicals, phosphates or synthetic dyes. Just add to your washing up bowl and enjoy the pure lemon oil scent. Oh – and the containers are totally recyclable.Obvs.
€2.65, from well-stocked Dunnes Stores, Supervalu and Nourish.ie

Explore more on these topics: