8 eco-friendly must-haves to start your journey to sustainability and where to get them

The more people suffer through the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the more reason we really need to take care of ourselves and plant earth, too.

If you've been meaning to live more sustainably, or wanting to reduce your carbon footprint, now is the best time. Being at home means being able to audit what you already have, examine how you already live, and see where and how else you can show love to Mother Earth.  

Below are eight eco-friendly items that we realized we needed in our attempt at sustainability. 

1. Reusable coffee cups 

In case you haven't heard yet: reducing paper cups and plastic water bottles is one of the best and easiest ways to go green. We mean: How many times a week do you get coffee in a week? Investing in a reusable coffee cup can mean saving seven the planet paper cups. 

Keepcup Reusable Coffee Cup have them in a variety of colors and sizes. Prices of their cups range from P400 to P1300.

2. Reusable collapsible silicone baon containers

Buying food from the karinderya or your office canteen results in more plastic waste, thanks to their disposable packaging.

Lieu PH's collapsible baon containers are the way to go. Aside from it being reusable it's also a space-saver since they are foldable and easy to bring.

It's also made from BPA-free and food-grade silicone which means it's safe to use in the microwave, freezer and the dishwasher.

Prices of their collapsible silicone baon containers are from P245 to P375 depending on the size.

3. Reusable utensils and straw

Yes no thanks, when you're having takeout or delivery, with these handy cutlery set. 

Besides, at times like this, it's safer to use and bring your own utensils since you know it's clean and safe especially since it's what you use for eating.

Lieu PH offers a whole set for P295 each which already comes with a bamboo spoon, bamboo fork, bamboo knife, a pair of bamboo chopsticks, bamboo regular straw, bamboo milk tea straw, straw cleaner and a roll-up bag making it handy.

4. Reusable platinum silicone bags

Especially when buying fresh produce like meat and veggies from the wet market, reusable platinum silicone bags are a must-have. Apart from reducing single-use plastic, they're also a instant storage solution — be it inside the ref, the freezer, or even just your bag. 

Store It bags are made from 100% platinum silicone, which is why it's also safe to use in the microwave, freezer, and the dishwasher.

Store It bags' price ranges from P299 to P1,299.

5. Silicone menstrual cups

Silicone menstrual cups are a great way to reducing your carbon footprint. Sati Menstrual Cups collect fluids rather than absorbing them the way tampons do.

Apart from it being good for the environment it's also kinder to your health. Menstrual cups don't have chemicals usually found in tampons and pads.

One Sati cup costs P950 with a collapsible handy case.

6. Washable feminine period pads or reusable diapers

Cannot seem to make the switch to menstrual cups? Don't worry, you can still live more sustainably thanks to washable feminine period pads.

Green Pads are washable and reusable cloth sanitary pads with its core made from french cotton terry. There are two ways to reuse them: (1) hand-wash or (2) put in a mesh washing bag and toss in the washer.

Green Pads reminded not to use fabcon as it lessens the absorbency of the pad.

A regular pad costs P120 to P160, depending on size. There are also panty liners for as low as P80.

By the way, Green Pads also has reusable and washable diapers for babies, which are less expensive than disposable diapers. Cloth diapers also lessen diaper rash and they don't contain chemicals or toxins.

Prices of their reusable cloth diapers range from P180 to P220

7. Safety razor

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, an estimate of 2 billion plastic razors are thrown away each year.

Fortunately, The Bamboo Company has led a switch to a more eco-friendly alternative with its item called the "Lakbawayan Labahamboo" razor made from bamboo.

The Bamboo Company's double edged safety razor handmade with a bamboo handle is the eco-friendly solution compared to plastic ones.

One refillable bamboo razor costs P749.

8. Reusable cotton pads

Cotton pads are super essential especially when it comes to skincare routines, but imagine the waste!

Reusable and washable cotton pads are the best alternative for this dilemma. Much the same as the sanitary pads, aside from it being friendlier to the environment, cotton pads are less harmful since they do not have pesticide residues unlike disposable cotton balls.

According to Activ Green, their cotton pads "are organic and made up of untreated cotton, which is why they are good for the skin and don't cause skin irritation."

ActivGreen's cotton pads cost P130 to P250.

— LA, GMA News