If you’re looking for easy, eco-friendly swaps and habits, this is the place for you.
Trying to be more “eco-friendly” can seem daunting and unrealistic, but there are easy changes we all can make to help the environment.
In this blog post, I share the importance of being eco-friendly and 35 sustainable swaps you can make in your own life. Most of them are easy, but if you’re up for a little more of a challenge, the last 8 are more significant changes that will drastically impact the environment.
Disclaimer: This blog post features some affilliate links. This means I get a small commission if you choose to order through the link, but it is no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this small ministry with a big purpose – it means the world ☺
Why Make Eco-Friendly Swaps?
Help Take Care of the Earth
Each of us plays a unique role in protecting this beautiful planet. I love how Coastal Courier says, “The environment around us is not only our home but everything that keeps us alive. From the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, our shelter, and more, it helps us to survive. Therefore, caring for the environment is something that should be inherent in us.”
We may not be able to see the effects of our choices firsthand, but that doesn’t give us an excuse to turn a blind eye. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking that any changes you make will be insignificant in the grand scheme of things – that’s what made our earth look like it does today. You can make a difference by making small eco-friendly/sustainable swaps in your everyday life.
Save Money
Who doesn’t love a good reason to save money? Single-use plastic is not only bad for the planet, but it’s also bad for your wallet. Save yourself money (and time) at the grocery store by purchasing things you can use reuse!
For Future Generations
I don’t know about you, but I want my great-great-great-grandkids to grow up seeing the same beautiful sights I did. I want them to explore and experience all this incredible planet has to offer. So, if that means I have to make small daily changes for that to happen, then so be it. I hope you feel the same!
Top 5 Easy Swaps
Plastic Grocery Bags → Reusable Grocery Bags
Tip: Leave your reusable grocery bags in your car for easy access. If you’re in the checkout line and forgot your bags, ask for paper instead of plastic. Paper is more biodegradable than plastic and can be easily recycled.
My Favs: VENO Reusable Grocery Bags (click on the name of the product to reveal the goods)
Plastic Water Bottle → Reusable Water Bottle
Tip: Buy a reusable water bottle that has a bigger hand grip to make it easier to carry. If the water bottle you already have doesn’t have the best handle, check out this paracord handle you can easily attach to the lip of the bottle.
My Fav: HydroFlask — I’ve been a HydroFlask fan for years, but if you’re going through a Stanley Tumbler with the handle phase, click here.
Plastic Baggies → Reusable Storage Bags
This was one of my OG swaps, and I’m never going back. They hold up great, and they’re super easy to clean. And no, they don’t smell after multiple uses like plastic bags do!
My Favs: Qinline Reusable Food Storage Bags
Plastic Phone Case → Compostable Phone Case
The next time you are in the market for a new phone or phone case, look into purchasing an eco-friendly and/or compostable case. Companies tend to make their phone cases from cheap plastics that pollute the environment. Why not show off your unique style and save the earth at the same time?
My Favs: Pela — from phone cases to Apple Watch straps to Airpods cases, Pela has unique and cute styles that you can compost whenever you’re finished using them!
Single-Use Coffee Cup → Reusable Coffee Cup
All those Starbucks runs definitely add up, so skip the plastic to-go cup and opt for a reusable one.
Tip: When you order your coffee, let the barista know that you would like to use your own cup. Some places offer a discount for bringing in your own cup!
My Fav: YETI Rambler
Other Easy Swaps
Paper Towels → Swedish Dishcloths
Swedish dishcloths are incredible. Not only are they an affordable alternative to paper towels, but they also are amazing at absorbing water (up to 20 times its weight) and dry much faster than the traditional dishcloth or sponge. Plus, you can wash them and use them over again!
My Favs: FEBU Swedish Dishcloths
Plastic Water Bottles → Water Filter
So many people I know have reusable water bottles, but end up buying plastic bottles each week to fill them up. It’s insane! If you’re not part of the fancy folk (like my husband and me) who can get water from their fridge, look into buying a water filter that screws on to your sink. It’s a game-changer!
My Fav: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
Regular Trash Bags → Biodegradable Trash Bags
Fair warning: Biodegradable trash bags aren’t as cheap as the bags you can buy in bulk from Costco, but you can use the money you saved on plastic water bottles to splurge a bit! Just think about how many trash bags you go through in a week, then figure out how many you use in a month. Then a year. I’m sure that number will keep you motivated.
My Favs: Emily’s Choice Heavy Duty Biodegradable Tall Kitchen Trash Bag
Regular Dog Poop Bags → Biodegradable Poop Bags
Yes, even your dog can help out in making eco-friendly swaps (well…kind of)!
My Favs: Greener Walker Poop Bags
Plastic Toothbrush → Bamboo Toothbrush
Thinking about how many plastic toothbrushes I’ve gone through in my lifetime – aka 24 years, so not that long…but still – gives me the heebee jeebees. Can you guestimate how many you’ve used? Bamboo toothbrushes are the perfect eco-friendly alternative to make sure that number doesn’t go up!
My Favs: Isshah Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Natural Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrushes
Plastic Produce Bags → Mesh Produce Bags
Tip: Keep these in your car next to your reusable grocery bags!
My Favs: Ecowaare Mesh Produce Bags
Dryer Sheets → Wool Dryer Balls
Did you know wool dryer balls have zero chemicals (unlike dryer sheets), decrease drying time, naturally softens fabric, and are reusable? Incredible!
Tip: Put 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil on the wool dryer ball before you put it in with your clothes. It’ll leave your clothes smelling amazing.
My Favs: Handry Laundry Store’s Wool Dryer Balls
Laundry Detergent → Biodegradable Laundry Detergent Sheets
Laundry detergent sheets dissolve in your laundry during the washing cycle. I absolutely love them because they don’t have any chemicals like regular detergent, and you don’t have to buy a hunk of plastic to wash your clothes.
My favs: Earthbreeze – My mom introduced me to these before we started full-time RVing, and we’ve used them ever since.
Plastic Silverware → Bamboo/Wheat Straw Silverware
Billions of plastic forks, spoons, and knives are thrown away each year. *Cue thoughts about every family gathering and birthday party you’ve ever attended and the ungodly amount of plastic utensils used…Reusable silverware is perfect for camping, take-out, and, honestly…just about anything you would use plastic or regular utensils for.
Tip: Keep one of the small containers in your bag or purse wherever you go. They’re a lifesaver for those unexpected Chipotle runs!
My Favs: YDYTOP Travel Utensils Set
Single Use Plates, Bowls, & Cups → Reusable Bamboo Set
Tip: These are perfect for an outdoor picnic or a weekend of camping.
My Favs: Wwyybfk Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set
Aluminum Foil → Beeswax Paper
I will be completely honest with you; this is the one thing I haven’t tried yet on this list. But I wanted to include it because I know how much aluminum foil is a staple in our pantries.
Check out this article for more information.
Plastic Wrap → Silicone Stretch Lids
Like aluminum foil, plastic wrap is an essential kitchen product. Silicone stretch lids are a great way to store and preserve leftovers while limiting plastic waste.
My Favs: YXYL Silicone Stretch Lids
Plastic Straws → Metal Straws
Tip: Leave one in your purse next to your reusable silverware for your coffee/soda stops!
My Favs: HIWARE Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws
Tampons → Menstrual Cup
Using a menstrual cup is a great way to reduce waste. If you can’t use a menstrual cup (or feel uncomfortable using one), you can look into period underwear. If that’s still a no for you, look for organic cotton tampons with biodegradable applicators.
My Fav: Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup
Plastic Floss Picks → Biodegradable Floss Picks
Since we all should be flossing twice daily (right?), we might as well choose a biodegradable option!
My Favs: SMARTLIFECO Biodegradable Dental Floss Picks
Makeup Wipes → Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
These babies are great because once you’ve used them, you can throw them in the wash and use them repeatedly.
Tip: Use a gentle oil with your pad to remove your makeup.
My Favs: Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Cotton Balls → Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Use the makeup remover pads I mentioned above for all your cotton ball needs!
Body Wash (In a Plastic Container) → Soap Bars
A great way to reduce plastic waste is using a bar of soap instead of soap from a dispenser. You can find them in your local grocery stores or check out one of the aesthetically pleasing small businesses on Insta!
My Favs: Rafa Natural
Shampoo/Conditioner (In a Plastic Container) → Shampoo/Conditioner Bars
Similar to soap bars, shampoo/conditioner bars are an easy-to-use alternative to buying plastic dispensers.
The One I’m Currently Testing: Ethique Shampoo/Conditioner for Curly Hair
To-Go Food Containers → Bring Your Own Container (BYOC)
Okay, I know this one sounds a little out there, but why do you need a take-out box when you have perfectly good containers at home? If you’re someone who eats out a lot, then this can drastically reduce your waste.
Tip: Leave a container or two in your car so you never have to worry about forgetting them at home! Or, if you’re a beast, just finish your entire meal so you don’t need a to-go container.
My Fav Glass Containers: AILTEC Glass Food Storage Containers
Throw Away Veggie Scraps → Make DIY Veggie Broth
Instead of throwing away your vegetable scraps, use them to make your own veggie stock! Check out this guide on how to make your own stock.
Throw Away Old Pasta Jars → Reuse Them For Storage
If you don’t want to spend money on glass containers, reuse your pasta jars!
If You’re Up a Challenge
These things are going to require a bit more effort on your part. Change can be hard, but if we all made 1-2 of these changes in our daily lives, it would make a BIG difference! Start with whichever one you find you can incorporate more into your routine, and once you get comfortable with it, add on another one. You got this!
If you want more information on each topic, click on the title!
Participate in Meatless Mondays
Bike > Taking Your Car
Shop @ Local Thrift Stores
Reduce Waste in the Grocery Store
Support Farmers Markets
Buy a Composter
Grow Your Own Herbs/Veggies
Volunteer For Local Cleanups (not necessarily a swap, but great for the environment!)
Final Thoughts
Can you imagine what would happen if every single person who read this blog post used 1-2 of these swaps? The future of this planet would look WAY different. So, what are you going to do about it? I hope you’ll join me in using some of these swaps to take care of this beautiful planet we call home on this side of heaven.
Let me know which swaps you’re planning on making in the comments below 🙂
