Bad thing out, good thing in
The best way to save the planet is to consume less stuff, and to buy used when you can’t. If you absolutely must buy new, here are some environmentally responsible, aesthetically pleasing ways to do it
COLOURED GLASS STRAWS
The best option is to forgo straws altogether, but if you’re determined, this four-pack from Poketo makes for stylish, sustainable sipping. $28. Bergo Designs, 28 Tank House Ln., bergodesigns.ca
SWEDISH SPONGE CLOTHS
These absorbent cloths, the longheld secret of Nordic neat freaks, soak up as much as 15 times their weight. These, by Ten & Co., look cute doing it. $6. Scout, 405 Roncesvalles Ave., well.ca
BEECHWOOD TOILET BRUSH
Cleaning the loo may be icky, but it needn’t be guilt-inducing, too. A plastic-free, zero-waste, biodegradable scrubber. $39. Sustain Eco Store, 114 Main St. E., Huntsville, shop.sustainecostore.com
COLLAPSIBLE COFFEE CUP
A silicone cup that comes with a heat sleeve, is dishwasher safe and fits easily in your purse. Plus, it’ll save you a dime at Starbucks. $25. MEC, 300 Queen St. W., mec.ca
SILK DENTAL FLOSS
For a next-level oral hygiene routine, this silk floss is as luxurious as it is eco-conscious (i.e., 100 per cent compostable). $11. Logan and Finley, 670 Queen St. W., loganandfinley.com
REUSABLE PADS
Absorbent, non-allergenic and machine washable, and they last for up to a decade. Plus, for every one of these Canadian-made pads purchased, the company will plant a tree. $210. Treehuggerclothpads.com
WOOL DRYER BALLS
Canadian-wool dryer balls from Nurtured Sew reduce drying time by up to 50 per cent and minimize wrinkles—an eco win-win. $10. Pretty Clean Shop, 3072 Dundas St. W., prettycleanshop.com
SCENT-FREE DISH SOAP
This phosphate-free dish soap from Montreal’s the Unscented Company is easy on lakes and rivers and tough on grime. The bottle is refillable. $5. Canadiantire.ca
SCOURING SPONGE
Vicious on dirty dishes and countertops but kind to the planet, this plant-based scouring pad by the B Corp–certified Full Circle gets its grit from pulverized walnut shells. $6.50. Saponetti, 615C Brock Ave.
BEESWAX FOOD WRAP
These multipurpose food wraps come coated in sustainably harvested beeswax from independent apiarists. $30. Hanji Gifts, 619 Bloor St. W., earthologywraps.com
MAKEUP REMOVERS
These multipurpose cotton-flannel swabs have serged edges that prevent fraying, and they can be washed and reused indefinitely. $14 for a set of 12. Cheeksahoy.com
BAMBOO CUTLERY
A reusable bamboo cutlery set by Kingston-based company Boho and Hobo comes in a washable case so you can pop it in your bag after lunch. $15. Unboxed Market, 1263 Dundas St. W.