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Are you looking for ways to make your home more eco-friendly without having to sacrifice convenience? Look no further than these super simple sustainable living swaps!
The THC team of experts has 12 super simple sustainable living swaps for a greener home that will turn your home into an eco-friendly oasis.
In the context of creating a greener home, a sustainable living swap can be defined as a simple change in your daily habits or product choices that reduces your environmental impact and contributes to making more eco-friendly choices.
These swaps typically involve replacing a single-use, disposable, or environmentally harmful product or practice with a reusable, biodegradable, or eco-friendly alternative. The goal is to minimize waste, conserve resources, and reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing quality of life.
By opting for greener alternatives, you’re sending a powerful message to manufacturers, urging them to prioritize sustainable products, packaging, and production practices.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Your commitment to a greener lifestyle can be contagious, inspiring friends, family, and neighbors to make better choices. Before you know it, your actions can help to create a ripple effect.
So, keep reading to discover how you can make some easy and sustainable swaps for a greener lifestyle.
From ditching single-use plastic bags to embracing compostable sponges and refillable cleaning products, these changes will not only reduce your environmental footprint but also inspire others to do the same.
Super Simple Sustainable Living Swaps for The Home
Swap #1: Ditch Single-Use Plastic Bags
Let’s face it, those little plastic bags from the grocery store are a big problem. They take forever to break down, clog up landfills, and litter our oceans. Plus, they can harm wildlife and even end up in our food as tiny microplastics.
But there’s an easy fix. Reusable bags! But don’t just limit yourself to using reusable bags at the grocery store. Use them whenever you can to really make an impact!
Bring your reusable bags to clothing stores, bookshops, farmers’ markets – basically anywhere you shop.
Tips For Making The Swap:
- Keep some reusable bags in handy spots like your car or by the door – anywhere you grab your keys or wallet.
- Put a bright tote bag near the door or stick a reminder note on the fridge.
- Make grabbing your reusable bags a habit by putting them next to your keys or wallet.
- Set reminders on your phone or use a grocery list app that reminds you about bringing your reusable bags.
Our Favorite Sustainable, Reusable Bags
Swap #2: Reusable Water Bottle
The number of plastic water bottles we use and toss out every year is almost unimaginable. About 480 billion plastic water bottles are used worldwide in a single year!
While most of them end up in landfills, where they can leak poisonous chemicals into the soil for hundreds of years, others go straight into our oceans, posing serious risks to marine life.
Another thing to watch out for is PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Water that is stored in plastic bottles long term can start to absorb the PFAS used to make plastic bottles. And the scary thing is these chemicals don’t break down easily and can accumulate in our bodies as we drink them.
Research is still ongoing, but studies have found that consumption of PFAS can lead to changes in cholesterol and liver enzyme levels, changes in infant birth weight, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
As you can see, there are a lot of good reasons to stop purchasing those pallets of plastic water bottles.
The key to making your reusable water bottle work is to choose one that you love using. If it matches your style and fits your activities, you’re more likely to carry it around all the time.
Our favorite reusable water bottles
Swap #3: Wrap it Up Sustainably
Cling wrap might seem like a kitchen necessity, but it can be harmful to the environment and to your health.
It piles up in landfills, takes forever to break down (anywhere from ten to hundreds of years), and can hurt wildlife who unknowingly ingest it.
Cling wrap might even leach harmful chemicals like BPA into your food, especially when heated in the microwave or oven.
While there are now more rules limiting BPA, some of the replacement chemicals may cause similar health-related issues.
More research still needs to be done to determine the long-term health effects of these chemicals. But even more reason to avoid using plastic cling wrap when we can!
Our favorite sustainable swaps for cling wrap
Swap #4: Reusable Coffee Pods and Tea Strainers
While really convenient and often delicious, collectively, we throw away billions of single-use coffee pods every year. Made from plastic or a mix of plastic and aluminum, these pods take hundreds of years to break down.
But if you’re a tea drinker, don’t think that you’re off the hook. Many tea bags have nylon or polypropylene in them, which turn into tiny microplastics as they break down.
These little plastic bits pollute our oceans and waterways and can even get into our food chain.
Even some tea bags that look like they’re made of paper have a sneaky layer of plastic lining that adds to the microplastic problem.
While reusables might seem more expensive at first, they’re an investment that pays off. You’ll no longer need to buy new pods or tea bags, which can save you a lot of money over time.
Plus, you can control the quality and strength of your drink by choosing your favorite coffee grounds or loose-leaf tea, creating a more personalized beverage.
Sustainable Swaps for Single-Use Coffee Pods and Tea Bags
Swap #5: Composting Food Waste
When food waste ends up in landfills, it breaks down and releases methane – a greenhouse gas that is a big contributor to climate change.
On top of that, all the resources used to grow, process, and transport this uneaten food goes to waste, putting even more strain on our environment.
Cutting down on food waste is a surprisingly powerful way to help the planet, and the best part is it can be easy on your wallet too!
Sustainable Ways to Reduce Your Food Waste
- Take a few minutes to plan out your meals so you only buy what you need. This way, you won’t end up with forgotten veggies going bad in the fridge.
- Embrace imperfect produce. Supermarkets often throw away fruits and veggies that don’t look perfect. These “ugly” options taste just as good and are just as nutritious.
- Farmers’ markets have fresh, seasonal produce that doesn’t have to travel as far, which means less waste and more support for local farmers.
- Turn your food scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells into compost to keep them out of landfills and create a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants. Kitchen compost bins are small and easy to use, so they’re perfect for apartments too!
Our Favorite Sustainable Swaps for Reducing Food Waste
Swap #6: Invest in Reusable Food Storage
Disposable plastic containers are another major contributor to the millions of tons of plastic waste generated each year. But the environment isn’t the only thing at risk. Disposable containers can also pose some health concerns.
Some plastics, especially when heated, can transfer toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food.
These chemicals have been linked to hormonal issues, developmental problems, and even certain types of cancer.
Heating up your lunch in a disposable container can also allow microplastics to sneak into your meal.
When you’re shopping for reusable food containers, look for ones that are labeled BPA-free and phthalate-free.
Glass containers with airtight lids, stainless steel containers, and silicone bags are all great options.
Our Favorite Sustainable Food Storage Solutions
Swap #7: Opt for Compostable Sponges
You probably don’t give your kitchen sponge much thought.
But did you know most sponges are made with synthetic materials like polyurethane foam, which contributes to the global plastic waste problem?
Every time we throw out a worn-out or germy sponge, we’re contributing to the millions of tons of plastic waste that end up in landfills each year.
These tossed-out sponges can take hundreds of years to break down, taking up valuable space in landfills and contributing microplastics to our ecosystems.
But choosing compostable sponges is one of the most affordable sustainable swaps you can make to cut down on your use of plastics at home.
Our Favorite Compostable Sponges
Swap #8: Add a Recycling Bin To Your Bathroom
When it comes to recycling, the bathroom is often forgotten.
We’re all pros at sorting our kitchen waste, but the recyclable stuff in our bathrooms tends to end up in the trash.
By adding a recycling bin to your bathroom, you can make a simple but impactful change that’s a great reminder to recycle those personal care products when you can.
From shampoo bottles to deodorant cans, the bathroom is a goldmine of recyclable materials.
Plastic bottles (#1 PET or #2 HDPE), aluminum cans, cardboard packaging from toilet paper and tissue boxes, and even some razor cartridges can all be recycled.
Sustainable Recycling Bins For Your Bathroom
Swap #9: Opt for Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Bottled shampoos and conditioners have been the go-to for decades, but their impact on the environment is pretty shocking.
Every year, billions of plastic bottles are used for shampoo and conditioner, adding to the global plastic pollution crisis.
Plus, liquid hair care products are mostly water, and the whole process of making, transporting, and using these products uses up a ton of water.
This puts even more strain on our already limited freshwater resources.
By making the simple switch to shampoo and conditioner bars, we can make a big dent in plastic waste and water consumption, all while keeping our hair looking fabulous.
Our Favorite Non- Toxic Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Swap #10: Reusable Cleaning Cloths Instead of Paper Towels
Every year, billions of paper towels are used around the world, which means a crazy number of trees have to be cut down.
This deforestation doesn’t just hurt important forest ecosystems, but it also messes with wildlife habitats and leads to soil erosion.
On top of that, the process of making paper uses a ton of water and energy, putting a strain on precious resources and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
When you’re picking out reusable cleaning cloths, think about what you need to clean and what you like.
Microfiber cloths are popular because they’re super absorbent and work really well. But they’re made from synthetic materials.
For some tasks, natural fiber cloths like cotton or bamboo might be a more eco-friendly choice.
To make sure your reusable cloths are as easy on the environment as possible, wash them in cold water with just a little bit of detergent.
This can help cut down on microplastic shedding from synthetic materials like microfiber.
Our Favorite Sustainable Reusable Cleaning Cloths
Swap #11: Make Your Own Natural Cleaning Products
A lot of regular cleaners have harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin, cause breathing problems, and hurt your eyes.
Being around some of these chemicals for a long time has even been linked to more serious health issues.
Plus, when these products go down the drain, they can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life, mess up ecosystems, and potentially even pollute our drinking water.
Homemade natural cleaners are often made with simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
These ingredients are usually less toxic to our health and the environment, and they’re usually biodegradable, which means they break down more easily than synthetic chemicals.
Making your own cleaners can also be a lot cheaper than buying pre-made products, and many natural solutions can tackle all sorts of cleaning tasks, so you don’t need as many products.
Easy DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
This is a great all-purpose cleaner that can be used on most surfaces (just avoid granite and marble countertops).
It’s great at tackling dirt, grime, and grease, and the vinegar has natural disinfecting properties.
By making your own cleaner, you’re avoiding harsh chemicals and saving money!
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar (distilled water works best) in a spray bottle.
- For a fresh scent, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional). Tea tree, lavender, or lemon are popular choices.
Safety Note: When using essential oils, always follow the dilution instructions and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Swap #12: Buy Refillable Cleaning Products
We all have good intentions when it comes to recycling plastic spray bottles and other cleaning products.
However, recycling plastics can be tricky, and the items we believe are being recycled can often end up in landfills or floating in the ocean.
By choosing to use refillable cleaning products, you can really cut back on the number of plastic bottles you go through over a lifetime.
Transitioning to refillable cleaning products is easier than you might think.
Many cleaning brands now offer refillable options for a variety of products.
Some stores even have refill stations where you can bring your own containers and stock up on your favorite cleaning solutions.
Our Favorite Refillable Cleaning Products
This has been a comprehensive guide to the best sustainable living swaps for a greener home.
Small changes really do hold the power to create a greener tomorrow. And these super simple sustainable swaps are just one place to begin. There are so many more ways we can go about transforming our choices and our homes to improve our relationship with our planet’s resources.
By opting for reusable bags, water bottles, and cleaning cloths, we’re not just reducing waste; we’re sending a resounding message to industries about the demand for eco-conscious alternatives.
Together, armed with reusable totes, compost bins, and refillable bottles, as we can pave the way for a world where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a way of life.
Are there any sustainable swaps that we missed? Give us your best sustainable swaps for home in the comments. We love hearing from you!
