Talking Shop is our series where we talk to interesting people about their most interesting buys.
When it comes to following an eco-friendly lifestyle, Blueland founder Sarah Paiji Yoo doesn’t just talk the talk. She’s fully committed to making all parts of her family’s life as “green” as possible — in fact, she used to concoct her own toothpaste tablets using an at-home press. You don’t necessarily need to do that, but if you’re interested in reducing waste and cutting back on single-use plastic, Yoo recommends making small changes that add up long-term. “The swaps are so sneaky,” says Yoo. For example, ditch paper towels and plastic bags and opt for reusable alternatives instead.
Yoo tackles sustainable cleaning and body care using her Blueland products, but for everything else, she swears by a handful of essentials she’s discovered over the years. I talked to Yoo about her all-time favorites below, including the water balloons that keep her kids entertained for hours and her go-to white button down.
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Mioceo Reusable Paper Towels
“These are a replacement for paper towels and napkins, and I use them every day, multiple times a day,” says Yoo. She even had one sitting next to her and held it up for me to see during our video interview. “They’re the first ones I found about six years ago and I’ve been using them ever since. We really don’t use any paper towels or napkins around the house. Once you make the switch, it’s just the new baseline.”
Yoo keeps stacks of reusable paper towels in her bathrooms and kitchen so it’s the first thing she and her family reach for. She also uses them as a replacement for wet wipes. “A lot of parents carry wipes around, but all you need is a cloth that won’t break down and a liquid like water.” Yoo throws the reusable paper towels in the washing machine with her laundry whenever she’s doing a load.
Maria McManus Cropped Oversized Shirt
“I shop pre-owned and pre-loved when I can, even for my kids. If there’s anything I need or see that I want, I always check The Real Real, Poshmark or eBay first. I’m always surprised by what I can find in really great condition at incredible prices,” says Yoo. “It can be harder to find things like a crisp white button down that’s pre-owned, so one of my favorite brands is Maria McManus. Her brand revolves around creating responsible, sustainable clothing and using fewer chemicals, less water and really minimizing waste during the production process. I find that all the details and materials she chooses to use are thoughtful, and she encourages customers to purchase less and wear their garments more.”
Simply Gum
“Both of my sons play baseball, and gum and baseball go hand in hand. It’s tough because I know the facts: gum is plastic, that’s why it doesn’t break down when you chew it over and over,” says Yoo. “But there are brands out there like Simply Gum, which is petroleum-based and plastic free. Obviously [my son] still chews regular bubble gum at games, but we make sure that plastic-free gum is readily available at home.” Simply Gum is available in flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, coffee and maple.
Soppycid Reusable Water Balloons
“When it’s warm out, the kids use reusable water balloons, which keeps them busy for hours,” says Yoo. “You fill them with water and they have a magnetic closure. The kids throw them at each other and throw them at things, and you’re not wasting anything since the balloons aren’t single-use.” These multicolored reusable water balloons are made from soft silicone and they come with a drawstring storage bag.
Blueair Pure 511 Air Purifier
“I’m a big believer in using an air purifier, especially knowing what I know about microplastics in the air and synthetic fabrics that are in most rugs and clothes,” says Yoo. Her favorite models are from Blueair. She has the brand’s Pure 511 for small rooms like her office, as well as the 211i Max for large rooms like bedrooms. “It’s so easy to replace the filter every six months or so. Some brands out there tell you to replace the filter every month or so, which is a lot,” she says.
GIR Reusable Silicone Straws
“Reusable straws are something that’s always been a staple in our home, especially with kids,” says Yoo. “For many adults, a straw is not always necessary, but for kids, I find that they drink a lot more when they’re using one.” She buys these silicone straws from GIR, which her family uses for hot and cold beverages. They come in a pack with a cleaning wand and a travel case.
Stasher Bags
You won’t find single-use plastic bags in Yoo’s home. Instead, she opts for reusable silicone bags from Stasher. Yoo fills them with almost anything that fits, especially snacks for her kids. The bags are oven-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
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Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a reporter at NBC Select who covers topics like health, fitness, home and kitchen. To write this article, I interviewed Blueland founder Sarah Paiji Yoo about her favorite eco-friendly products ahead of Earth Day.
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