10 Easy Swaps for a More Sustainable Home This Year

Simple, impactful changes for a greener household

Introduction

Creating a more sustainable home doesn’t require drastic changes. Small, simple swaps can make a big difference for the planet and even save you money in the long run. From reducing waste to conserving energy, these 10 easy swaps are practical and impactful. Best of all, they come with recommended products to make your transition seamless.

10 Easy Swaps for a Greener Household

SWAP 1: Plastic Water Bottles → Stainless Steel Bottles

Single-use plastic water bottles contribute to massive waste globally. Invest in a durable, reusable stainless steel bottle to stay hydrated and reduce waste.

• Recommended Products: Thermos Stainless Steel Bottles to keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours, perfect for on-the-go use. Top Amazon Products

SWAP 2: Paper Towels → Reusable Cloths

Ditch disposable paper towels in favour of washable, reusable cloths for cleaning and spills.

• Recommended Products: Biodegradable and absorbent dishcloths and paperless towel rolls can save on rolls paper towels. Top Amazon Products

SWAP 3: Chemical Cleaners → Plant-Based Alternatives

Switch to non-toxic, plant-based cleaning products that are safer for your home and the environment. You could even try refillable cleaning products help eliminate plastic waste from single-use bottles.

• Recommended Products: Use refillable bottles or eco-friendly materials to clean your kitchen, bathroom, and windows. Top Amazon Products

SWAP 4: Incandescent Bulbs → LED Lights

LED lights consume 75% less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

• Recommended Products: Use SMART customizable and energy-efficient bulbs that you can control from your phone. Top Amazon Products

SWAP 5: Single-Use Razors → Safety Razors

Replace plastic disposable razors with a stainless steel safety razor for a zero-waste shaving solution.

• Recommended Products: A durable, high-quality razor that reduces plastic waste and offers a smoother shave. Top Amazon Products

SWAP 6: Single use plastic food bags → Reusable Silicone bags

Reusable silicone bags are an excellent alternative to single-use plastic bags for snacks, leftovers, and meal prep.

• Recommended Products: Use dishwasher-safe silicone bags that are free of harmful chemicals. Top Amazon Products

SWAP 7: Plastic Wrap → Beeswax Wraps

Beeswax wraps are reusable and biodegradable, making them a perfect swap for plastic wrap.

• Recommended Products: Reusable Beeswax wraps that keep food fresh without relying on single-use plastic. Top Amazon Products

SWAP 8: Plastic Utensils → Bamboo Utensils

For picnics or travel, replace disposable plastic utensils with reusable bamboo alternatives.

• Recommended Products: Use bamboo forks, knifes, spoons, and chopsticks in a convenient travel case. Top Amazon Products

SWAP 9: Disposable Batteries → Rechargeable Batteries

Cut down on toxic waste and save money by switching to rechargeable batteries.

• Recommended Products: Rechargeable batteries with a charging station and long-lasting batteries. Top Amazon Products

SWAP 10: Plastic Trash Bags → Compostable Trash Bags

Replace traditional plastic trash bags with compostable alternatives that break down naturally.

• Recommended Products: Compostable bags, perfect for food and yard waste. Top Amazon Products

How to Choose the Right Products

When selecting sustainable items, consider the following factors:

• Certifications: Look for labels such as ENERGY STAR or equivalent, Fair Trade, or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for trusted eco-friendly products.

• Material Longevity: Opt for items made from durable materials like stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone to ensure they last longer.

• End-of-Life Impact: Choose products that are biodegradable, compostable, or fully recyclable.

Here are some practical tips for implementing sustainable swaps in your home:

1. Start Small

   Begin with one or two swaps that feel easy to incorporate into your routine. For example:

   • Replace plastic water bottles with a reusable stainless steel one.

   • Switch out paper towels for reusable cloths in your kitchen.

   By starting small, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and can build momentum over time.

2. Focus on High-Impact Areas

   Identify areas of your home where waste is most noticeable or where you consume the most resources. Some common areas include:

   • Kitchen: Swap plastic wrap, sandwich bags, and disposable utensils.

   • Bathroom: Replace single-use razors, toothbrushes, and chemical cleaners.

   • Energy Usage: Upgrade light bulbs and use energy monitors to track your consumption.

3. Set a Budget for Eco-Friendly Upgrades

   Sustainable products often cost more upfront, but they save money in the long term. Set aside a portion of your monthly budget to invest in one or two sustainable items, such as LED bulbs or reusable silicone bags.

4. Educate Your Household

   Involve everyone in your home. Talk to your family or roommates about the swaps you’re making and why they’re important.

   • Assign tasks like cleaning with plant-based products or using reusable cloths instead of paper towels.

   • Show kids how small actions, like turning off lights, can save energy and help the planet.

5. Keep Products in Convenient Locations

   Make it easy to stick to your swaps by storing products where they’re most accessible:

   • Keep your reusable shopping bags by the door or in your car.

   • Place a bin for cloth towels near your cleaning supplies.

   • Store beeswax wraps in the same drawer as your plastic wrap to remind yourself to use them first.

6. Replace Items Gradually

   Don’t throw away usable products just to replace them with sustainable ones. Instead, phase out items as they wear out or run out. For instance:

   • When your disposable razors run out, buy a safety razor.

   • Replace light bulbs as they burn out with LED alternatives.

7. Track Your Progress

   Keep a simple log of the swaps you’ve implemented and the difference they’ve made. For example:

   • How many rolls of paper towels did you avoid buying by switching to reusable cloths?

   • How much money did you save on electricity after installing LED bulbs?

   Seeing the impact of your efforts can keep you motivated to continue making changes.

8. Choose Products You’ll Enjoy Using

   Make sustainability fun and appealing by choosing products with designs or features you like. For example:

   • Get a water bottle in your favorite color.

   • Opt for beeswax wraps with patterns you find beautiful.

   • Choose cleaning products with natural scents you enjoy.

9. Create a Routine Around Sustainable Practices

   Incorporate swaps into your daily habits:

   • Always grab your reusable bags before heading to the store.

   • Wash reusable silicone bags immediately after use to keep them ready.

   • Set reminders to turn off lights, unplug appliances, or adjust the thermostat.

10. Share and Inspire Others

    Tell friends, family, or social media followers about the swaps you’ve made. You might inspire them to try a few themselves.

Get Started

Every small swap matters. Start with one or two changes, then build from there. Share your sustainability journey on social media and inspire others by using the hashtag #SustainableSwaps or with us on #Sustainablelivingmadeeasy

Let’s work together to make greener living the new normal!