Eco-Friendly Alternatives for a Greener Lifestyle

Every eco action makes a difference, no matter how small they are at the moment. While you may already be dutifully separating your plastics from your papers, bringing your own bags for groceries and refilling your daily essentials, there is still a host of alternative habits you can adopt to practise green consciousness.

The options to eco-friendliness are quite endless, and you can embrace it at home, in the office and even outdoors. Here are some green alternatives to incorporate in your everyday life.

While travelling to cooler climes may not be a feasible option for everyone right now, every corporate warrior still needs a timeless jacket when it gets too chilly in the office.

The classic, urban style of Save The Duck's lightweight jackets are great for layering over smart workwear, while being sustainable. These flattering yet cosy jackets in gorgeous dusty olive and powder pink are animal-free and are made of recycled materials.

Speaking of bags and carriers, the Targus Cypress Ecosmart Sleeve is a sleek yet green option for your work essentials. Using fabric woven from 3 recycled plastic water bottles, the slim and lightweight sleeve is designed to protect both the laptop and the environment.

Another must-have that will take you from work to gym to shopping is the fashionable and earth-conscious Mandarina Duck Revival Foldable Hobo. The shoulder bag is made from mainly recycled plastic bottles and reconditioned leather, and can be easily folded and carried around in a transparent pouch.

Stay beautiful and ageless while playing your part in preserving the earth by choosing products that use natural ingredients, are not tested on animals or even brands with sustainable ethos. These recommended skincare must-haves cover the gamut of steps for your daily and nightly beauty rituals and ensure you stay green too.

Keep your complexion clean and free of impurities without stripping it of much-needed hydration with Snowfox's Cooling Foam Cleanser. With its earth first policy, Snowfox takes active steps to reduce as much environmental footprint as possible. Aside from being cruelty-free, it also uses bio-degradable or recyclable materials for their packaging.

When skin is clean, apply 3 to 4 drops of the luxurious Diego Dalla Palma Gold Infusion Youth Potion Serum to nourish the skin. Its subtle fragrance comes mainly from Tahitian vanilla and is an exotic olfactory treat.

After a long day, treat yourself to a relaxing bath by adding a few drops of Banyan Tree's organic Jasmine and Sandalwood Pure Essential Oil. With an emphasis on using natural ingredients and championing sustainability, Banyan Tree focuses on eliminating harmful synthetics and engages in resource conservation through efficient operations and methods of production throughout their supply chain.

Often, we don’t realise that what we dine on can have an impact on the environment. You can increase the green quotient the next time you have family and friends over, or if you’re invited to a celebration by picking an organic, palate-enhancing wine that will add to the flavours of the food.

Organically farmed, Bonterra vineyards use Biodynamic practices which is self-contained and self-sustaining. Their bright and refreshing Chardonnay, with lemon zest and vibrant tartness, is a perfect pairing for fish and seafood. 

If you’re having meats, try the robust Merchant Cabernet Sauvignon from Kalleske - the oldest certified organic and biodynamic vineyard and winery in the Barossa Valley.

After the meal, serve ‘eco-ffee’ from Spinelli Coffee. Using beans that are sourced only from Rainforest Alliance certified farms, Spinelli Coffee also organises coffee workshops to promote conservation and sustainability.

Share your love for and commitment to being green with your kids by starting them young. Educate them on the importance of sustainability and help them make it a habit to practise being eco-friendly. 

When you shop Coq En Pate, you are also supporting environmental education programmes for children and wildlife conservation projects. Dress your kids up in Coq En Pate’s fun, fashionable T-shirts and polos, with their signature bright animal designs. Your school-going ones will adore their purses and pouches, some of which come in cute cheetah, lion and seal prints.

When packing their school lunches, in place of packing sandwiches, fruit and munchies in cling wrap, foil and plastic containers, opt for re-usable Roll’Eat Snack N Go Tiles or the 100% cotton eco-friendly beeswax wraps. Equip them with Beeutiful’s Bamboo Cutlery Set that is made of high quality, lightweight bamboo. Not only are they a better alternative to single-use cutlery, they are also durable and easy to clean.

Your green lifestyle should include your babies and pets. Keep your infants happy and dry in Moo Moo Kow's one-size fits all cloth diapers – easy to wash and suitable for all weather. Choose from checker, maths, candy pink and rainbow. 

On the other hand, feed your cats dolphin-friendly tuna and your pooches organic kibble made with sustainably-sourced protein, and keep them bug-free with shampoos and sprays made with natural ingredients. 

Every fur baby also needs a durable Dreamcastle Cooling Dog Bed - suitable for cats too. Made of breathable natural fabric and fluffed with Kapok fiber, they are non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Each of these dream beds comes with an interchangeable bed cover and a waterproof mattress protector, both of which are washable.

To keep the home clean for the humans and furbies, employ the help of SimplyGood Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tablets, which supports reuse and recycling. This plant-based all-purpose cleaner cuts through all kinds of sticky, odious mess and is safe for the whole family. 

Incorporating sustainable habits is really easier than you think. If you’re inspired, discover more on KrisShop Green, purveyors of eco-friendly fashion, beauty and lifestyle products.