This post includes our top 6 easy sustainable swaps that will reduce your carbon footprint, save you money, and help to simplify your life.
Moving towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t need to be an extreme overnight change. Start small. See what easy sustainable swaps you like, incorporate what works for you, and disregard what doesn’t.
Even small changes contribute to big impacts. This post includes our top 6 easy sustainable swaps that will reduce your carbon footprint, save you money, and help simplify your life.
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Switching to sustainable products isn’t just good for the environment, it’s also good for your wallet. Over time you can save a good amount of money without repeatedly restocking many of the plastic and disposable items used around the house. When you buy less you can put your money towards good quality products that will last you for years.
If you don’t know where to start swapping out some of your everyday essentials for more eco-friendly options, don’t worry, we’ve got a number of simple switches for you.
Easy Sustainable Swaps - Where To Start
1) Swap For A Sustainable Toothbrush
About 1 billion plastic brushes are disposed of every year in the US alone. Since traditional plastic toothbrushes are made from polypropylene they can take centuries to decompose continuously adding to our plastic pollution problem. This is why investing in a reusable toothbrush is a great option when trying to reduce waste. Bonus points for adding in an eco-friendly floss!
RADIUS Toothbrush
Woman-owned and woman designed- RADIUS- sustainably manufactures their toothbrushes in the USA. All the materials are plant-based and made from sustainable substances that reduce environmental impact. In addition, the heads are replaceable, meaning cleaner teeth and less waste!
Better & Better Natural Floss
Most dental floss is made from nylon, which is not biodegradable. Not to mention that the tiny plastic packaging that it comes in is usually so small it's lost during the disposal process and ends up in the ocean. Better & Better Natural Floss is 100% plant-based waxed dental floss that comes with a refillable glass jar, so there is no need to toss more plastic each time you floss.
2) Commit To A Reusable Water Bottle You Love
This one might go without saying, but if you haven’t already, it’s time to switch to a reusable water bottle. Plastic water bottles continue to be terrible for the environment and also terrible for your health. Their production requires large amounts of energy, while the disposal process produces toxic chemicals that pollute the air and water sources around us. Swap out disposable plastic bottles for a reusable one you love, and you know you’ll reach for again and again. Even better, you won’t have to lug around big palates of water bottles to and from the car.
S'well Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle
If you love your water ice cold, this is the bottle for you. This vacuum-insulated reusable water bottle will keep your beverage cold for up to 36 hours. The slim design makes it easy to slip into your gym bag and it even fits in your car’s cup holder!
S'well S'ip Cleaning Brush
The S’well bottle can’t go in the dishwasher so you’ll want to make sure you also invest in a good bottle brush.
Suggested Reading: How To Live Sustainably On A Budget: 20 Simple and Effective Tips
3) Replace Your Army of Cleaning Products With A Streamlined Set of Multi-Purpose Eco-Friendly Household Cleaners
Walk down any grocery store aisle. There is row upon row of countless cleaning products. But here’s the secret big corporations don’t want to let you in on: you can get by cleaning your entire house with 3-4 products max. And you can do so a lot more effectively and efficiently.
Many traditional cleaning products are unregulated and contain all sorts of nasty chemicals that are bad for your health and just as bad for the environment as they go down the drain. A good non-toxic multi-surface cleaner will be your go-to workhorse, able to clean glass, tile, countertops, sinks, cabinets, and more. Switching over to natural cleaning supplies may cost a bit more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run since you won’t have to keep restocking on chemical cleaners every month or so!
The Honest Company Conscious Cleaning Clean Vibes Kit
Includes three types of cleaners—glass, bathroom, and multi-surface. When you need a refill you can purchase their tiny reusable pods that create 85% less waste and since they are shipped without water lower gas emissions. Most importantly the products are made with only naturally-derived ingredients and never include parabens, synthetic fragrances, phenoxyethanol or chlorine.
4) Switch from Traditional to Bamboo Paper Towels
Bamboo paper towels are highly absorbent and durable, meaning you will use less when cleaning up a mess or cleaning up the house. Traditional paper towels are made from trees that take years to grow and cannot be replanted. In comparison, bamboo grows quickly and is a sustainable, renewable resource. Make the switch, and you’ll never miss your old paper towels again.
Betterway Bamboo Paper Towels
FSC certified tree-free paper towels. These 2-ply disposable bamboo paper towels are strong and absorbent. Food grade, lint free and hypoallergenic make these paper towels a great choice.
5) Opt For Rechargeable Batteries
Traditional single-use batteries contain a number of hazardous materials like mercury, lead, and lithium that contribute to toxic pollution. Rechargeable batteries produce significantly less waste, as they can be recharged and reused over and over again. Rechargeable batteries also last longer, so you don't have to buy new ones as often.
Eneloop AA Rechargeable Batteries
High-quality, long-lasting power sources for all your devices. These batteries retain up to 85% of their charge after 1 year even when not in use. In addition, they can be recharged up to 2,100 times while maintaining maximum performance levels.
6) Consider Reusable Produce Bags
Whether you’re buying produce from the grocery store or local farmers’ market using the provided disposable plastic bags can be a major source of waste. Investing in reusable produce bags is an easy way to cut down on plastic pollution. Plus, they come in fun colors and patterns so you can express your personal style while doing good for the planet!
Natural Home Reusable Produce Bags
At only about $1 each this set of five reusable produce bags is a good if you just want to try them out and aren’t ready to make a financial commitment. The breathable mesh polyester keeps fruits and veggies fresh. You can also throw these reusable bags into the washing machine when you need to. (Be careful not to put these bags in the dryer though!)
Cotton Net Produce Bags
These reusable cotton mesh grocery bags are a stylish way to carry your larger produce to and from the store. The flexible structure allows you to easily fit plenty of oddly shaped or large products. These also double as a great beach bag or for transporting large items like books.
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