In just a couple of months, life as we know it has been turned upside down. The impact of the coronavirus Pandemic has driven enormous social, economic and cultural change. Businesses have been forced to shut their doors, the streets have been emptied, kitchens have become offices, and hand sanitiser has become a hot commodity. Because of the panic around health and safety, many of us don’t realise the effect that COVID-19 is having on our environment. Naturally, the increased demand for single-use hygiene products such as gloves, masks and tissues ultimately has led to more waste and pollution.

While our health remains a priority, you can still practice good hygiene in an environmentally-conscious way. Here’s how to stay eco-friendly in lockdown.

1. Create a living sanctuary

A popular quarantine hobby, many have turned to gardening to stave off the lockdown blahs. If you haven’t yet discovered your inner green thumb, start small. Get yourself a few pots (even recycled cans or Plastic containers will do) and try planting some succulents. These low-maintenance plants, such as aloe vera, can be kept indoors or on your balcony or back garden. As you gain confidence, you can start to incorporate flowers, herbs, vegetables and even some fruits into your garden. You’d be surprised at the joy of watching things grow, sprout and blossom. And, most importantly, having greenery in your home helps to keep your air fresh and oxygen-rich.

2. Support local produce

The global pandemic has hit businesses hard. However, few have been hit as hard as our farmers. Be mindful when doing your grocery haul. Choose local and seasonal foods and ditch the processed goods. Also, as usual, don’t forget to bring your re-useable bags. The last thing we need is plastic bags being discarded on top of everything else.

3. Refrain from panic-buying

Because of the uncertainty around the pandemic, many people have resorted to extreme bulk buying. However, this fear-induced stockpiling is not necessary. Not only does it empty the supermarket shelves, meaning vulnerable people may have to go without, but it also results in a significant build-up of waste. Root through your cupboards and use up what you can before buying more. Take it a step further and do a clear out of your wardrobe, attic and other storage areas too. You never know what you might stumble across: a family board game, that top that’s been lost for years, or an unused gift.

4. Choose eco-friendly products

Did you know that the average person goes through around 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime? And each of these small brushes takes thousands of years to fully break down. If we made a collective effort to switch from a plastic to a bamboo toothbrush today, the impact on global waste would be astronomical. Another awesome product swap is using menstrual cups and washable pads over single use sanitary items. For household cleaning, use as little harsh chemicals as possible. Look for organic products that don’t compromise on cleaning power – such as Euca’s Tuff concentrate which is tough on germs but kind to the earth.

Here are some other worthwhile consumption switches to consider:

• copper or glass bottles instead of plastic water bottles
• online payments instead of paper bills
• metal straws instead of plastic straws.

5. Save energy

If you’re working from home due to the pandemic, set up your makeshift office in a well-lit area and make use of the sunlight to reduce your electricity consumption. Always turn off appliances and lights when not in use. When it comes to laundry, don’t overdo it. If you use the right products, such as Euca’s range, you won’t need to use long cycles or high temperatures to achieve pristine results. Euca’s laundry products also cleanse your washing machine in the process, just as their dishwasher powder cleanses your dishwasher. In addition, all of their products are grey-water safe, so you can reuse the grey-water to hydrate your budding garden.

6. Walk or cycle

If you live in a well-serviced area, leave your car in hibernation mode and get into the habit of walking or cycling instead. Not only will it help you get into shape, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint.

Take a break from Netflix and use this time to develop a sustainable lifestyle. Small efforts add up, so start making little adjustments to your lockdown routine and let’s come out the other side of the pandemic with a healthier planet.

If you’re on the hunt for sustainable eco-friendly products, visit www.eucaonline.com.au and browse our range today.

The post Life in Quarantine: How to Be Sustainable During a Pandemic appeared first on Euca.