Mapley’s Guide for Busy Families: Finding Time for the Little Moments
If you're anything like us, as the sun rises and a new day begins… the frenetic pace doesn't slow down.
The rush to get everyone ready, the juggle of work and home, and the feeling that if you don’t hit pause and enjoy precious moments - they pass you by.
We get it because we live it too - and we believe our days shouldn't be all hard work, but also vibrant and rewarding.
That's why we started Mapley - to create eco-friendly solutions that simplify life and make it more enjoyable for busy families.
We're excited to share 10 Eco-Friendly Homewares and Kitchen Products to help make your home more efficient, enjoyable, and kind to our planet.
All of them are small, relatively easy swaps because we know you’re busy and eco to us means user-friendly - every bit counts.
1. Mapley Silicone food containers - bento boxes, lunch boxes and snack boxes
Obviously, our silicone food containers are great for making sure no one has a hangry emergency while out and about, for food prep, storage and making more time in your day. Plus they’re extremely Instagrammable if you’re into that!
Now available in a variety of sizes, you can find your perfectly proportioned match for a variety of food needs while you’re on the go or at home.
Our silicone bento, lunch and snack boxes are lightweight and easy to hold (hello, non-slip soft surfaces) and easy to open for little fingers. They are also freezer, fridge, microwave, dishwasher and oven safe, which means less time prepping and cleaning and more time to enjoy those precious family moments.
All our products undergo stringent safety tests and are 100% non-toxic. Food-safe silicone is extremely durable, making them great for the planet and a smart investment. Plus, our bento boxes and lunch boxes are leak proof - gotta love that!
2. Reusable Shopping Bags
No more standing in the fruit and veggie section trying to figure out which end of those weirdly static plastic bags is the one that opens, pop your food straight into a reusable shopping bag instead.
Reusable bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials but for maximum green points be sure to choose ones made from environmentally friendly or recycled material.
We also love choosing reusable bags that are machine washable, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying things you actually want to do. Our favourites are made from organic cotton and they’re stocked at most health food stores in a range of sizes.
3. Bamboo Utensils
Ditch the plastic and say hello to bamboo utensils. Bamboo utensils are lightweight, making them ideal for families on the go. Whether you're having a picnic in the park or heading out for a quick bite, these durable utensils have got you covered.
With bamboo, you don't have to worry about stubborn stains or residue. A quick wash with soap and water, and they're good to go for the next use. Bamboo also has natural antibacterial properties and it’s BPA and chemical-free.
4. Compost Bin
As parents, one of the most valuable gifts we can give our children is the knowledge and practice of sustainability. A countertop compost bin is a fantastic way to pinvolve our little ones in reducing food waste and caring for our precious planet.
Yes, it’s an eco-friendly practice but, composting with your kids is also an exciting and educational activity. It opens up a world of conversations about nature, science, and the responsibility we have to protect our environment. Watching food scraps turn into rich compost for your plants or garden is kind of magical for their minds. If you don't have space to compost, check in with your local council to see if they offer composting as part of their green waster service.
Composting also reduces our landfill waste. Which helps curb the production of harmful greenhouse gasses, particularly methane. And you know our planet definitely appreciates that!
5. Eco-friendly Cleaning Products
A clean home is a happy home but without harsh chemicals, please. We’re lucky to have so many effective Australian-made, plant-based, non-toxic cleaning products available at our supermarkets now. Not only do they work effectively to keep your home spotless, but they also offer the peace of mind that they're safe around children and pets while being gentle on our precious waterways.
Our top tip when you’re trying to figure out if a product is eco-friendly is to look for logos like BCorp or the Green tick before you purchase.
These certifications ensure that the products meet strict environmental standards, allowing you to clean with confidence, knowing you're making a positive impact on the planet.
6. Embrace local and seasonal produce
An often overlooked way to elevate your home's eco-status is by embracing local and seasonal produce. Buying local isn’t just about supporting your community farmers; it's a conscious choice that reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of goods. Most imported produce is shipped, flown, or trucked in from afar, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions. Locally grown, seasonal produce requires less intervention, like preservatives or ripening agents since it reaches your kitchen in its freshest form. This means you're bringing in food that's not only healthier for your family but also kinder to the planet.
Top tip: make an adventure of it and enjoy family bike rides to the markets like us!
7. Wipe A Better Way
This topic might not be glamorous, but it's definitely a household essential - toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels. With two high-energy young boys running around, these products are an absolute must in our home. We've made it a point to seek out eco-conscious alternatives for all our paper needs. Let's face it, every little step towards sustainability counts!
We use a brand that truly gives crap (pun intended!). Not only do they offer fantastic bamboo and recycled paper products that are gentle on the planet (and your face and bits!); but they also go the extra mile to make a positive impact globally.
By supporting them, we're not just taking care of our family's needs; we're also contributing to meaningful projects around the world.
8. Reusable Water Bottles
“Australians buy almost 15 billion plastic bottles every year and many of these end up in landfill or in our waterways.”
Source: Sustainability Victoria
Keeping your family hydrated shouldn't mean contributing to plastic waste. Reusable water bottles are stylish, durable, and easy to clean.
By choosing reusable water bottles, you're not only making a positive impact on the environment, but you're also making a smart and sustainable choice.
Ditch the plastic and look for bottles that are dishwasher safe… so even if they roll under the car seats and get forgotten for a few days, they’ll be as good as new after a wash cycle.
9. LED Light Bulbs
We're big fans of LED light bulbs - they're not just any old light bulbs, they're smart and eco-friendly!
One of the best things about LED bulbs is their energy efficiency. Unlike standard bulbs that waste energy by producing both light and heat, LEDs focus solely on creating light. This means they use significantly less electricity, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced electricity bills. It's a win for the environment and a win for your bank account!
10. Reduce, reuse & recycle (the 3 R’s)
This isn’t a product but it’s a super important concept that won’t cost you a cent. Applying reduce, reuse, and recycle in your home is a powerful way to foster a more sustainable lifestyle. Begin by looking at your daily habits and identifying areas to reduce waste.
Embrace the art of reusing by repurposing items around the house, like using glass jars for storage containers or turning toilet rolls into craft time.
Set up a recycling station and educate your family about what can be recycled. Make it a fun activity to sort and properly dispose of recyclables. When you incorporate these practices into your home, you minimise your environmental impact and inspire a sense of responsibility for the planet in your household.
Small actions lead to big changes, and your commitment to the 3 Rs will help create a more sustainable future.
So there you have it, our 10 eco-friendly homewares and kitchen products tips.
We’d love to hear from you if you use any of these products or have other recommendations, so feel free to share your experiences and any other eco-friendly tips you have.
Together we can create a better, more sustainable future for our children and our planet.
