Saving the planet starts at home, and it starts with sustainable swaps. You may think what you do has little effect on things like climate change and environmental impact, but it does. Making small changes adds up, especially when a lot of people do it. An easy way to help is to look at what youโre already using and start looking at sustainable alternatives.
In this blog post, youโll find the best eco-friendly swaps you can make today. Weโll be looking at how to make easy sustainable swaps in your own home, in your wardrobe, beauty products, and more. All of them helping you make a conscious effort towards more sustainable living. Get ready to use less water, and less energy, reduce carbon emissions, and find some zero-waste swaps to help keep our planet a great place with a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Here’s your list of great eco-friendly sustainable swaps to switch to today:
1. Period Pants
A new product that is revolutionizing the world for women is reusable period underwear. Say goodbye to single-use products like pads and tampons. The best way to eliminate all that waste associated with period products is to switch to a reusable option.
From the available options on the market, WUKA are definitely my go-to. Every pair replaces 200 disposables and lasts up to 2 years! The best thing about the WUKA pants is how incredibly comfortable they are as well as the huge range of absorbances and sizes they cater to; from light flow to super heavy & from XXS to 6XL. They are of course vegan-friendly and cruelty-free! Without the need to continually buy singe-use items every month, you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Itโs a simple swap that makes a huge leap to a more sustainable lifestyle.
P.S. Use my code SAVINAOFFICIAL to get 10% off your entire order atย WUKA.
2. Reusable Water Bottles
You may not realize it, but the amount of waste that comes just from single-use plastic water bottles is GIGANTIC. Around 500 billion plastic bottles โ yes, a billion, with a B โ are used every year. This creates a monumental amount of waste. Plus, itโs not just water bottles that use single-use plastics, but itโs a great way for people to reduce their plastic waste. Stainless steel ones are a great option as they avoid synthetic materials and help keep your cold water cold when you want it.
Getting yourself a reusable water bottle is a great alternative to the disposable kind. You can also get a reusable coffee cup that most coffee shops will use instead of wasteful coffee cups โ ifย you decide not to make your morning elixir at home. Having your own had the added bonus of helping you make some sustainable habits like drinking more water, as you always have it on you and donโt have to run to a grocery store whenever you get thirsty. You can just drink your own water supply.
Related Post: THE LAST GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE VEGAN SHOES YOU’LL EVER NEED
3. Reusable Grocery Totes
Itโs normal to go to the store, get what you want, head to the checkout, and bag it all up in plastic grocery bags, right? Yes, itโs common, but that doesnโt mean itโs the best way. All that plastic waste can be avoided by making an easy swap to reusable grocery bags. Plastic-free swaps such as a reusable tote can level up your style, as well as help you avoid those nasty single-use plastic bags.ย
There are also reusable bags that can be used as produce bags. You can get breathable sacks for your loose fruit and veg. Or sealable ziplock bags to keep things fresher. No need for plastic wrap when you can use your reusable shopping bags again and again. This is a great sustainable swap to save money.
4. Reusable Razors
If youโre a razor user, then this is definitely one of, if not the easiest way to shrink your eco-footprint. Switching to a reusable razor and longer lasting blades are sustainable swaps meaning you can save money in the long run, whilst producing less waste. Estrid is my personal favorite. Great design, painless hair removal, and doesnโt leave any prickly bits. Just check out the review page if youโre unsure about these eco-friendly products.
5. Zero Waste Soap Bars
Everyone uses soap right, and soap isnโt the issue here. Itโs the plastic containers it regularly comes in nowadays. Whatโs the answer? Zero Waste Soap Bars! With these, you are left with no waste after you use them. Perfect sustainable kitchen swaps and bathroom too. You can also get a shampoo and conditioner bar to really remove as much plastic consumption from your life.
Check out รthique as they have some of the best vegan soaps going. Sustainably sourced, naturally derived ingredients, and essential oils. They are super bubbly and non-drying. Worthy of a spot on any list of sustainable swap ideas.
People Also Love: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE T-SHIRT BRANDS
6. Organic Cotton
Switching to organic cotton, may not seem like a big deal, but it actually makes a huge impact on the environment behind the scenes. Many manufacturers use pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic chemicals to produce their cotton. This damages the land and increases soil erosion, making it unusable in the future.
Choosing to use organic cotton is more sustainable as it uses less water, as well as protects water from pollution. Farmers retain more control, which helps them receive fair payment for their work. So be sure to keep all this in mind next time youโre looking to get that new t-shirt.
7. Shop Second Hand
We can create a more sustainable life by lessening the new production of things, and using what we already have. For shoppers, this means purchasing more second-hand items, rather than always opting for brand-new ones.
Second-hand clothes and utilities make great sustainable swaps for college students. You can save a lot of money over time, and find some real bargains! This is also why we should take care of the things we use, to help them last. Someone else may want to have it down the line. This process can work really well if we all do our part.
Another MUST-READ: 14 AMAZING ETHICAL PAJAMAS TO SNUGGLE INTO BED WITH
8. Glass Storage Containers (instead of plastic ones)
Hereโs one of those easy sustainable swaps for the home. Switching out any plastic reusable containers you have for glass ones. Removing the plastics from your household items helps it reduce plastic waste, and take a step closer to more sustainable living.
You can also swap out the plastic wrap for aluminum foilย when you want to wrap up those food scraps leftover from dinner (ideally a dinner made from plant-based foods. Just kiddingโฆ but seriously)
9. Bamboo Bedding
As well as organic cotton, bamboo is being used as a fantastic sustainable material for everyday items. It is grown and harvested organically and is made using a natural enzyme without producing toxic waste. You can be sure we will see a lot more of this wonder plant being used for various products in the future.
It is also being used to replace cloth and paper. So you can now swap paper towels for cloth napkins made of bamboo! This sustainable swap can be used again and again. So get rid of that old towel and start living more sustainably.
10. Natural Deodorant
Natural deodorants avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the environment. They are also better for your skin, and they donโt damage or clog up your pores. Opting for a plant-based one limits your exposure to certain chemicals that can do harm over time.
The Kopari Performance deodorant is a great option. Feels good on the skin and smells like heaven! Keeps you fresh without the mess. Meaning, you can smell good and feel good, knowing youโre not contributing to environmental damage or pollution. #Winning
DON’T MISS THIS: 15 VEGAN BEAUTY BRANDS TO SWITCH TO FOR A BETTER YOU & A BETTER WORLD
11. Reusable Bamboo Pads
Cotton pads may be one of the most used disposable items for women. We cleanse our pores, remove makeup, and more, day after day. So switching to a more sustainable option can help save a lot of unnecessary waste. Bamboo pads are amazingly soft and completely reusable. You just use them and wash them. No need to constantly be buying new packs of pads, so you save a bunch of cash too.ย
Since I made the switch, Iโve never looked back. I got mine from Typology. They look just like your standard cotton pads but are more durable, so they last. They even come in a recycled cotton pouch for safekeeping. You heard it here, bamboo is a complete game-changer.
These are just some of the sustainable swaps you can make in your life. There are many more out there. Take a look at the items you use often. Think about how you use energy. You could invest in smart thermostats and smart plugs to help reduce your use. Start a compost bin to repurpose your food waste. There are plenty of ways to choose from.
We all have to start somewhere. Itโs a journey. Share yours with me on socials (@SavinaOfficial) and we can swap sustainable tips and tricks.
This post was all about sustainable swaps.
*A portion of this post is sponsored by WUKA, but all views and opinions shared are my own. Read the full disclosure here.
*This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Purchases made through affiliate links are greatly appreciated as they help to support the blog and continue its production. Thank you so much!ย