12 Simple Eco-Friendly Product Swaps for Everyday Life

Scroll down to see a list of 12 “eco-conscious” products I’ve incorporated in day to day life. Brief rant to start:

Not all eco-friendly product swaps are user-friendly and wallet-friendly. Like, yeah, sure, a bidet sounds great but a rechargeable USB lighter is probably more realistic. Right? In a world of over consumption, any individual thing we can do that is more sustainable or better for the environment (and people) is a step in the right direction. Those * things * can pile up and with some regulated intervention can become more widespread. In theory. Climate change is real. Sustainability is important. All that jazz.

Personally, I’ve been recycling for as long as I can remember, and in the last decade, I’ve vested a lot of time researching the impact the fashion industry has on the environment, better sustainability methods in day to day life, and target lifestyle changes. Like graduate level research and an app/business concept that needed funding (but I needed a job, sigh) (maybe one day, StyleEco) (still open to investors). Nevertheless, she persisted.

Outside of fashion, I have made a number of lifestyle changes that minimize my direct footprint and promise it’s easier than it sounds. Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where to start. It’s easy to say things like… recycle (aluminum, paper, plastic), reuse, repurpose, drive less, walk more, save water, don’t let balloons loose in the air… but what else is there?

Product List: Eco-Conscious

So if you’re looking for small but mighty ways to be more ‘eco-friendly’ here are 12 simple, day to day product swaps you can make in your household.

1. Silicone Muffin Liners or Silicone bakeware in general (vs paper liners) – Silicone is the best kept secret in baking (imo). So many shaped molds, and you don’t sacrifice part of your cupcake to the paper liner. Here at The Container Store or at Walmart.
2. Reusable Bags (vs plastic bags) – try to use bags you already have (free swag?!), or buy what makes sense (freezer bag from trader joe’s, XL size or zip close bags). Please!
3. Reusable straws (vs single use straws) – these can be silicone, metal or glass, my cousin Jess can make really cute glass straws (and so many other things!)
4. Wax Food Wraps (vs plastic wrap, sandwich bags) – Online at Etsy, or at TJMaxx. I use these for cheese blocks and random leftovers like sandwiches.
5. Laundry detergent sheets (vs detergent in bottles/tubs, pods) – Amazon, Tru Earth, and many in-store options. Space saving and less waste – win!
6. Reusable lighter (vs disposable lighters) – I’ve had a rose gold one from The USB Lighter Company, of course there’s more on Amazon, Amazon. Love how easy these are to use.
7. Refillable water bottles (vs plastic water bottles) – I probably don’t need to link anything here, but just in case.. I’ve tried the HidrateSpark to remind myself to drink more water. Also, my dad has this really cool National Parks Water Bottle, 
8. Reusable Makeup cloths or pads (vs Cottonballs) – Smaller cotton rounds are perfect for makeup remover or toner. Plenty of options on Amazon , too. You can handwash in warm water to keep these clean between deeper washing.
9. Wool Dryer Balls (vs Dryer Sheets) – These cuties are from friendsheep. Much cuter than dryer sheets.
10. Reusable Coffee Basket (vs Coffee Filters or pods) – if you’re like me, this will save you (and the earth) from a ton of paper filters. Literally saves 365 filters per year.
11. Net Sponge (vs washcloths, loofah’s, mits, body brush) – I just love this African Net Sponge on Amazon, it’s washable! Easy but gentle exfoliation for your whole body.
12. rebEarth Bamboo Toothbrushes (vs plastic toothbrushes) – these were included in my other post about Amazon products but these are an easy direct swap. Other more thoughtful options would be electric toothbrushes with disposable brushes.

You can find a lot of these on Amazon, so while you’re there… here’s my random mix of Amazon recommendations. Let me know which products you’re adding to your cart! ❤
Being more thoughtful about purchases is something we all can do to help take care of the planet, hopefully this inspires a few swaps in your day to day.

The more you know: Use the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Carbon Footprint Calculator to check your households impact.

Interested in a sustainability-related topic? I’d love to hear about it! I’m passionate about finding solutions within corporate social responsibility (or without it).