Eco-friendly products within 100 INR!

The most common misconception regarding an eco-friendly lifestyle is affordability. Just like every other product in the market, the earth friendly products are also available in a variety of price range. Let me just list out my favorite swaps that are quite easy to adapt to and moreover these are well within the budget.  The next time you go purchasing online or offline, make sure to check these products. I am sure you will be eager to try them out and once you start using these clean and safe products nothing else will be good enough.  

1. Seed pencils and pens

These humble pens and pencils made of paper (sometimes recycled newspaper) carry a capsule of seeds. Once you are done using them, you can just sow them in a pot, water it regularly and watch a plant grow. Though not completely zero-waste (the refills are still plastic), they substantially cut down on carbon and plastic waste. Worth a try if you haven't already! They are light in weight and easy to use. Only drawback is they look plain. The plus point of this is you can get creative and paint on the surface, if you wish to. The pencils costs about 10Rs each, while the pens are about 20Rs each. I strongly feel they must be made compulsory in all educational institutions and offices. 

2. Bamboo Toothbrush

The versatile bamboo is used to make these toothbrushes that biodegradable unlike the plastic counterparts that go on polluting the Earth for hundreds of years. Available in different designs and colors, to suit everyone's preferences, the cost of these bamboo toothbrushes starts at 75Rs each for adults and 55Rs each for the kids. The only con for these is that the bristles are nylon, though the research is going on to find a sustainable alternative. Until then, the users are advised to pluck out the bristles before discarding the brushes and dispose the body of the brush with degradable waste and the bristles with non-degradable waste. Other than that, these brushes are ideal for daily use as bamboo by itself is an anti-bacterial material. Do yourself a favor and switch to Bamboo Toothbrush, asap!

3. Cloth Bags

Well, you need not buy them at all! Just upcycle your old t-shirts, jeans or fabrics into bags. Tons of DIYs are available on the internet for reference. If you are not interested in that, then you can support small business owners who make  such amazing colorful bags from scraps, plastics and other "wastes". You can also choose to re-use cloth bags that are obtained as packaging. You can buy it from flea markets or thrift shops. There are some organizations and home-based businesses that support women who make make hand-made bags-of all sizes and designs. You can also ask your friends to buy it for you as a gift!  See, you can save your money and also avoid plastic bags! Ultimately, that's the goal. You got my point right? 

4. Organic Soaps

Using the right products for ablutions can help avoid deodorants and such. The basic requirement is you be aware of your skin type. Then, choose what works well for it. Based on the changing seasons, you can alternate between few products. The most essential of all skin care is the Soap. Ideally, it should clean the skin - the largest organ of our body- and also the most taken for granted! It should also nourish and protect it. What best than the one with natural ingredients? Did we not read about Cleopatra and various other Princesses, Queens, (and Kings too!) who had specific rituals for their daily ablutions! Well, don't you think any less of yourself! You are God's precious creation after all. Take care of your body and soul with love. Ok, I am not deviating from the topic! A simple organic soap with natural ingredients costs 85Rs and above. So, the next time you make your shopping list remember to pick a simple handmade soap and not the ones made at factories.  

5. Natural fiber brooms/brushes

The plastic based cleaning brushes and brooms are not so effective for the Indian households, I strongly feel, because of the pollution levels, structure and layout of buildings. The natural fiber based ones that are locally made are ideal, cost effective and biodegradable. The best thing is that they are sourced from dried plants/trees, made by villagers and therefore, more sustainable. The cost ranges from 50Rs onwards. The plastic brushes and electronic cleaning brushes are not good for the environment. 

These are just a few of the many eco-friendly alternatives that are available in almost all Indian cities and towns. Look around your neighborhood markets, small shops and home-based businesses for more options. Buy local and save your hard earned money!