Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about environmentalism and green living. Whether it be the fear of disrupting the market, worry about financial changes, or political agendas, many companies, and news outlets maintain a stance that green living is either unnecessary or impossible. Because of this, many consumers have no idea what kind of eco-friendly options the world has to offer.
Without education or mainstream coverage of eco-friendly living, it can be hard for consumers to find the right information. At Wowe Lifestyle, we work hard to make green living and eco-friendly products accessible to the masses. Preserving our planet for future generations means making changes and moving towards more environmentally friendly practices. In order to do this, people need to be educated.
In this article, we want to cover 7 myths we commonly hear about green living, and debunk them so you can go forth and be more informed!
1. Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes Don’t Provide a Deep Clean
One of the most common myths we come across is that eco-friendly toothbrushes don’t provide the same deep clean as traditional plastic varieties. This is, of course, nonsense, and many eco-friendly toothbrushes perform just as well if not better than certain plastic varieties. Considering over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes find their way to landfills every year in the US alone, the time is ripe to make a change.
Unlike plastic toothbrushes, our Eco-Friendly and Natural Bamboo Toothbrushes are made to be biodegradable. Our natural bamboo toothbrushes are sturdy, water-resistant, and won’t splinter, so you’ll get as much use out of one as you would a plastic variety. Not only are our biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes as durable as plastic toothbrushes, but they also provide a high-quality clean. Trust us, your dentist won’t be able to tell the difference, but the planet will!
2. Paper Bags are Better for the Environment than Reusable
Pretty much everyone agrees that plastic bags are bad for the environment, but some individuals still wanting to use single-use bags for their groceries still insist that the best option is paper. While paper is definitely better for the environment than plastic, choosing disposable paper bags over reusable bags is not a more environmental choice. The production of paper bags utilizes an enormous amount of energy and relies on the felling of more than 14 million trees per year.
Rather than choosing any kind of single-use or disposable bag, choosing a reusable option is always the most environmental choice. Rather than using new materials every time you shop, a reusable bag can be used thousands of times without needing replacing. So, next time you are asked whether you want paper or plastic, say “reusable!”
3. Eco-Friendly Alternatives are Expensive
Some disbelievers in environmentalism would have you believe that eco-friendly options are not affordable. In truth, eco-friendly alternatives are often more affordable in the long run than disposable products. Take for example a razor: at the drug store, the average price of a plastic disposable razor is $11. Our Eco-Friendly Double Edge Safety Razor is slightly more expensive at $21, but don’t let the initial price tag fool you. Where your $11 razor will only last 3-4 shaves, our razor can last a lifetime.
Rather than throwing away the full razor or purchasing expensive replacement cartridges, our safety razor features replaceable, fully recyclable blades. Best of all, you can buy a box of 100 for less than the price of 4 plastic razor cartridges!
4. Biodegradable Dental Floss is Weak
Dental floss is typically made of nylon, and though some nylon products may be recyclable, dental floss is not. Too light to be processed by recycling plants, dental floss is typically thrown away or littered. Due to its light weight, dental floss is commonly blown into lakes, rivers, oceans, and waterways where marine animals often mistake it for food or become tangled in the strong nylon.
In an effort to reduce the amount of plastic being funneled into the oceans, eco-friendly alternatives to nylon dental floss have become to gain popularity, but naysayers would have you believe that these options are weak or won’t hold up to the friction. At Wowe, we offer our own environmental alternative to nylon dental floss with our Natural Biodegradable Silk Dental Floss. Made from 100% natural and sustainably harvested Peace Silk. Though made from natural materials, our dental floss is just as effective and strong as traditional nylon floss. Not prone to fraying, tearing, or getting caught between teeth, you’ll get the same amazing clean you are looking for with silk floss.
5. Stainless Steel Straws are Inconvenient
2019 was the year of the anti-straw movement. Straws took the world by storm as rising levels of plastic in our rivers, lakes, and oceans pose a serious risk to marine and other wildlife. Though plastic straws are made from recyclable materials, like dental floss, plastic straws are too light to be recycled by most plants. As a result, millions of plastic straws are thrown away or littered.
Though widespread discussions on plastic straws have prompted some to ditch these items, many people believe that alternatives like stainless steel straws are inconvenient. At Wowe, we strive to make green alternatives accessible and convenient for the masses, which is why we offer our Stainless Steel Straws with a Bamboo Travel Case. Easy to bring with you to your favorite cafes, restaurants, or even on vacation, our stainless steel straws can last for years with proper care. Though it may take a little extra thought to bring your straw with you on the go, once you’ve done it once or twice, you’ll never want to use a plastic straw again.
6. Small Changes Make No Difference
One of the reasons people hesitate to make eco-conscious changes to their daily life or routine is the belief that small changes make no difference. In a world struggling to manage plastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste, it can be difficult to not become overwhelmed by the massive amount of change that needs to be made. Though a lot must be done to combat pollution, the belief that small changes do not make a difference will only prevent change.
Though you may not feel like you are making an impact by saying no to plastic bags or plastic straws, every little bit counts. Buying green products also helps to support companies and businesses working to create environmental alternatives, giving them more opportunities to further their work and reach new audiences. Most importantly, your choice to purchase eco-friendly alternatives can help you educate your friends and family. As you change your life, those around you will take note, and one small change will become two small changes, three small changes, and so on.
7. Living Green is No Fun
It may seem silly, but one of the reasons many people avoid eco-friendly products and eco-friendly living is due to a perceived level of ‘boring’. Some people believe that living eco-consciously will require them to give up things they enjoy. While some fun things do involve wasteful practices, living with the planet in mind does not need to be a drag.
You may be surprised by how much you enjoy green products once you start using them. Often times, people have no idea how easy it is to change their lives, and expect green living to be not only boring but difficult. With a huge array of eco-friendly products now on the market, finding one that suits you and your lifestyle is becoming increasingly easy.
Living green doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you love. Living green requires you to be more aware of the way you live, the things you buy, and most importantly, the things you throw away. Living green is all about preserving our way of life for generations to come, ensuring they too will be able to enjoy all the amazing things the world has to offer.
Feeling inspired to make green living choices? Visit Wowe Lifestyle online to see our full line of eco-friendly products and to learn more from our Better Living Blog.
