20 Easy Everyday Sustainable Swaps (2024)

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Are you looking to make a positive impact on the environment but don’t know where to start? The good news is that sustainability begins with small, everyday choices that collectively make a significant difference.

In this blog post, we have compiled a list of 20 easy and practical sustainable swaps that you can integrate into your daily life. These swaps are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of your lifestyle or budget.

By making these simple changes, you can reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a greener future. The best part? These swaps don’t require drastic lifestyle overhauls or sacrificing convenience. You’ll find that many of these alternatives are equally, if not more, enjoyable than their less sustainable counterparts.

From the products you use to the habits you cultivate, these sustainable swaps cover various aspects of daily life. You’ll find suggestions for reducing single-use plastics, conserving energy and water, supporting ethical and eco-friendly brands, and much more.

Remember, the journey toward sustainability is a continuous one, and every small step counts. By incorporating these swaps into your routine, you’ll be part of a global movement working towards a more eco-friendly and mindful lifestyle.

So, whether you’re a sustainability enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of eco-conscious living, this blog post is your go-to resource. Get ready to discover 20 easy everyday sustainable swaps that will empower you to make a positive impact on the planet.

Together, let’s explore 20 easy everyday sustainable swaps that will empower you to live a greener, more mindful life. Get ready to make a positive change, one swap at a time!

1. Buy Less

Let’s kick off our list with the most essential swap of all: reducing our consumption. This simple yet powerful step holds the key to a more sustainable lifestyle. Now, I’m not suggesting you have to give up all the things you love or live like a minimalist. It’s about taking a moment to pause and ask ourselves, “Do I really need this new thing?”

We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us that we need the latest gadgets, trendy clothes, and shiny new objects. But here’s the truth: overconsumption is not sustainable, no matter how “green” or “eco-friendly” the brands may claim to be.

By becoming more conscious consumers, we can make a tremendous impact on our planet. It’s about making thoughtful choices and considering the long-term effects of our purchases. Do we really need that extra item that will end up forgotten or discarded in no time?

Here’s the exciting part: embracing a more mindful approach to consumption doesn’t mean depriving ourselves of joy or missing out on the things we love. It’s about finding a balance and shifting our focus toward what truly brings us happiness and fulfillment.

2. Swap Bottled Soap for Bar Soap

One of my absolute favorite swaps is transitioning from bottled soap to bars. Let me tell you, once I made the switch, there was no turning back! The feeling of using soap bars is simply delightful. Trust me, you won’t miss those plastic bottles anymore.

To ease into this sustainable swap, start by replacing one product at a time. I started with my shampoo and conditioner, opting for Ethique for my shampoo and Bar None for conditioner. These bars not only work wonders for my hair but also come in eco-friendly packaging.

Next, I waved goodbye to traditional dish soap and welcomed the No Tox Life Vegan Dish Soap Bar into my kitchen routine. I couldn’t be happier with its lathering power and incredible cleaning abilities. It’s proof that eco-friendly options can be just as effective as their conventional counterparts.

Remember, making sustainable swaps doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll be amazed at the positive impact you can make on both the environment and your daily life. So go ahead, give soap bars a try, and embrace the eco-friendly suds!

Check out my shop for natural homemade bar soap!

3. Bring Your Own Utensils

Here’s a handy tip for you: always keep a set of utensils in your bag so you’re prepared when you eat out and can avoid using those pesky plastic utensils. It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference. You can repurpose a little baggie to store your utensils if you have one, or get creative and wrap them in a cloth you already own.

And if you’re looking for something unique, check out handmade utensil sets on Etsy. By having your own utensils on hand, you’re not only reducing waste but also inspiring others to make eco-friendly choices. So, let’s embrace the utensil-carrying trend and be prepared to enjoy our meals in a more sustainable way!

4. Ditch Disposable Cups

Let’s talk about a simple swap that often goes unnoticed: saying goodbye to disposable cups. We’ve all been guilty of using them without a second thought, only to toss them away moments later. But here’s the truth: those cups don’t just magically disappear, especially if they’re made from plastic or styrofoam.

By opting for a reusable cup, you can make a remarkable impact on reducing waste. Just imagine how many single-use cups you could save from the landfill by using a reusable one regularly. And guess what? You probably already have a trusty reusable mug hiding in your kitchen cabinet, so why not give it the attention it deserves?

5. Dryer Ball

Isn’t it amazing how even the little things can make a big difference? Take dryer sheets, for example. I used to overlook them, thinking they were just a regular part of my laundry routine. But once I discovered sustainable alternatives, it opened my eyes to the impact of our everyday choices.

It’s empowering to realize that even the products we’ve used for years may not be the best for our planet. But here’s the exciting part: we have the power to change that! By seeking sustainable alternatives, we can make a positive impact and show that every choice matters.

So, let’s challenge the notion of “normal” and embrace sustainable alternatives for dryer sheets. Whether it’s wool dryer balls, reusable dryer sheets, or DIY options, there are plenty of choices to explore. Together, we can make a difference, one load of laundry at a time. It’s the small changes that add up to create a more sustainable future.

6. Period Panties

Oh, I can’t contain my excitement when I discovered these little gems! Let me tell you, they’re a game-changer. While they may not completely replace pads or tampons, they are an excellent addition to your menstrual care routine. My top recommendation? Pair them up with a menstrual cup for maximum leak protection.

By using these reusable cloth pads as a backup, you can bid farewell to worries about leaks and embrace a more eco-friendly approach to your period. It’s all about finding what works best for you, and this combination has been a game-changer for me.

Thinx is an excellent brand with tons of different options for period underwear. They have different kinds of underwear depending on your flow and the style you want.

7. Toothpaste Tabs

Did you know that a whopping 400 million toothpaste tubes end up in landfills in the U.S.? Crazy, right? But fear not, because there’s an amazing alternative that’s gaining popularity: toothpaste tablets!

These little wonders come in eco-friendly packaging, often in glass jars or paper packaging, making them a fantastic plastic-free choice. Not only do they help reduce waste, but they also provide all the oral care benefits you need.

8. Refillable Pen

Let’s talk pens, my friend. How many do you think you go through in a year? Honestly, I can’t say for sure either, but it’s probably more than we’d like to admit. But fear not, because there’s a simple solution: the refillable pen!

It’s easy to overlook the impact of something as small as a pen, but every little choice we make matters. Think about it—when we collectively make sustainable choices, it adds up to something significant. So, let’s start paying attention to our daily consumption and make conscious decisions, even when it comes to the little things.

9. Soap Nuts for Detergent

We all know those big bottles of laundry detergent that take up space and add to our waste. But guess what? There’s a sustainable swap that’s both surprising and amazing: soap nuts!

Who would’ve thought that something as simple as nuts could clean our clothes just as effectively? Nature truly provides us with incredible solutions. Embracing all-natural alternatives like soap nuts not only reduces our environmental impact but also reminds us of the endless possibilities for sustainable living.

10. Buy Secondhand

Let’s talk about the power of secondhand! When it comes to making sustainable choices, one swap stands out as a game-changer: buying secondhand. It’s a simple yet impactful way to reduce our environmental footprint.

Think about it. Every time we buy something new, even if it’s from a sustainable brand, it still requires resources to manufacture, package, and transport. But when we choose to buy secondhand, we’re giving existing items a new lease on life. It’s a win-win situation. By embracing pre-loved treasures, we’re not only preventing them from ending up in landfills but also saving precious resources along the way.

11. Compost

Did you know that 95% of food scraps are thrown away? When food scraps go to the landfill, they don’t naturally break down on their own, as you’d think. There isn’t enough oxygen circulating in a landfill to allow this to happen. Instead, they sit there and release an insane amount of methane (15.1% just in the U.S.), which is 35 times stronger than carbon dioxide in increasing the rate of climate change.

We can all easily do our part in helping reduce this number by composting! You can do this at home or even in an apartment. Even if you can’t or don’t want to compost on your own, there’s most likely a compost drop-off near you, or you can get it picked up with CompostNow.

12. DIY Cleaning Supplies

Do you actually know what’s in your cleaning supplies? You probably have to know it has a bunch of chemicals that aren’t good for you or the planet. You saw how simple it was to replace laundry detergent with something natural that still does the job, and your cleaning supplies are no different.

This youtube video shows you how to make all the essential cleaning supplies! The best part: you can reuse your bottles to keep making them, which means little to no waste! BlueLand is a great brand for those who would rather not make their own supplies but buy a low-waste version.

13. Regrow Veggies

Get ready to witness the magic of regrowing your own veggies! You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it can be. Trust me, it’s easier than you’d ever imagine.

Just take a look at my little lettuce and scallion garden. With a few simple steps, I’ve managed to give them a new life. All you need to do is place them in water, change it every few days, and give them some sunlight. Within days, you’ll witness the miracle of growth right before your eyes.

Sure, some may take their sweet time to sprout, and that’s absolutely okay. The joy is in the journey, and the excitement of seeing those green sprouts emerge is worth every moment of patience. So why not give it a try? Let’s embark on this wonderful journey together and relish in the joy of watching our veggie friends flourish once again!

I wrote a post on a few different veggies you can regrow that you can read here.

14. Use Veggie Scraps for Broth

Make the most out of your veggies before tossing (composting😉) them by using them to make veggie broth! You can use it in any recipe for added flavor and nutrients!

I found this one recipe, but you can search for more by simply googling ‘vegetable broth recipe from scraps’.

15. Swap Plastic Sponge for Loofah

Swap your sponge for an all-natural alternative: loofahs! I love my loofah. I use one for my dishes and one for the shower (they’re different sizes). It’s made from the loofah vegetable. They pick and dry them, remove the seeds, and then you have a ready-to-use sponge!

16. Swap Single-Use Ziploc Bags

Not gonna lie, I cringe every time I see a plastic Ziploc bag. I find them so unnecessary and wasteful. You can find tons of different alternatives to them, including:

• Cotton-hemp cloth wrap
• Silicone Stasher sandwich bag
• Silicone Stasher snack bag
• Compostable & reusable BioBag

You can even use your Tupperware for things you would typically put in a sandwich bag. If you need some, I use these glass Tupperwares that come in various sizes. I love them!

17. Get a Compostable Phone Case

You may have heard about these phone cases by now, but I had to include them because I’m obsessed! We go through phone cases so often that sometimes, we don’t even think about what happens at the end of their life. Pela Case is the world’s first biodegradable phone case, and they’re amazing.

They have a pretty wide range of different phones their cases fit. They also have compostable cases for Airpods and watch bands. They have a vast selection of different designs and styles, so you don’t have to compromise on a cute phone case!

18. Ditch Straws

Let’s talk about the plastic straw swap. It’s been quite the trend, and I’m thrilled to see people embracing more sustainable alternatives. While swapping plastic straws for reusable ones is a significant step, it’s essential to keep the bigger picture in mind.

You see, the plastic straw movement served as a wake-up call for many, highlighting the detrimental effects of plastic on our environment and oceans. It sparked conversations and raised awareness, and for that, I’m truly grateful. However, we can’t stop there.

We must remember that our focus shouldn’t solely revolve around plastic straws. It’s vital to address the larger issues at hand, like the widespread use of plastic bags, which have a far greater impact on the environment. By directing our efforts towards reducing plastic bag consumption, we can make substantial progress towards a greener future.

That being said, I encourage you to make the switch to reusable straws whenever possible. Every small action matters, and collectively, we can create a significant positive impact. Just remember to keep the momentum going and explore other ways to reduce our plastic footprint. Together, we can make lasting change and create a more sustainable world for generations to come.

That being said, Simply Straws has a huge selection of straws! You can even get some embedded with a word or name as a gift!

19. Use Reusable Grocery Bags

When it comes to choosing a reusable bag, there are a few things to consider that can make a real difference for our planet. Let’s dive in together!

First and foremost, opt for bags made from sustainable and recyclable materials. This choice ensures that the production and disposal of the bag have a lesser impact on the environment. Look for options made from organic cotton, recycled materials, or even biodegradable fabrics.

Additionally, it’s crucial to maximize the use of your reusable bag. Take it with you wherever you go, whether it’s grocery shopping, running errands, or hitting the farmer’s market. The more times you use it, the more you reduce the need for single-use plastic bags.

While vibrant prints and decorations may catch your eye, remember that simplicity is key in minimizing the bag’s environmental impact. Avoid unnecessary embellishments that can hinder the recycling process or add to the bag’s overall carbon footprint.

And here’s a pro tip: Keep a reusable bag in your car at all times. By doing so, you’ll always have it handy, preventing those moments when you’re caught without a bag and tempted to use a plastic one.

20. Walk, Cycle, Public Transport, Or Carpool

Let’s take a step in the right direction, my friend, and explore a sustainable mode of transportation that’s not only eco-friendly but also good for our well-being: walking, cycling, or even opting for public transportation or carpooling.

I understand that these options may not always be feasible for everyone, but every effort counts! On days when you have the opportunity to walk instead of drive, embrace the chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll also add a healthy dose of exercise to your day!

Conclusion

I hope you found these everyday sustainable swaps useful! Let me know in the comments what you’ve tried, what’s worked for you, and if you have any more tips!

Lots of love,

Farah 🌱