Most of us want to reduce our environmental impact, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. There are so many options out there now but it’s hard to pick which one to start with. You don’t have to do it all, but making gradual swaps will all add up to a more positive impact. If you know you want to make a change but aren’t quite sure where to start I’ve shared 5 changes I’ve made in the past few years that have made my home more eco-friendly without taking too much effort.

Before I share the list, I want to acknowledge that being able to make the more environmentally friendly choices is a privilege. I’ve tried to include things for all accessibility levels but ultimately, you can only do what you can do. Eco-guilt is real (and it’s horrible) so that’s certainly not the point. Instead hopefully these will serve as some guidance or inspiration, even if you can’t put them into action quite yet. 

Change Your Cleaning Products 

Plastic-free, zero-waste cleaning products are on the rise and there are so many swaps you can make. From coconut fibre pan scourers to wooden washing up brushed with replaceable heads. We’ve recently swapped to cleaning products from Bower Collective that we refill as and when we need it and then return the packaging for the next customer. If you’ve got a dishwasher then the smol tablets are waste-free and kind to local water supplies, they also do laundry tablets that I’m yet to try. Another simple swap is cleaning cloths that don’t contain any micro-plastics, opting for cotton or biodegradable options instead. Need a new pair of rubber gloves? Check out these sustainably sourced, fair-trade biodegradable ones. I’ve found Bower Collective and Peace with the Wild to be great starting points and any other fellow “Monica’s” out there will probably get just as excited as I did. 

Bulk Order Your Loo/Kitchen Roll

One source of unnecessary plastic is loo and kitchen roll. Thankfully brands like Who Gives A Crap are working to stop this by wrapping their loo rolls in paper. The materials used to make the rolls are also kinder on the environment, using recycled paper or bamboo to reducing the impact on the planet plus half their profits go to sanitation projects all over the world. The other great thing is that they’ll delivery in bulk so you never have to worry about running out again.

Reduce Your Food Waste

This is good for the planet and for your budget. Less food waste means less wasted resources (think of the growing space, water and farming needed) and also a reduction in the CO2 that’s created when food breaks down. Start by planning out your meals before your food shop so you’re only buying what you need and make sure that you keep an eye on expiry dates. If you can then remove the products from plastic wrapping to help them keep fresh for longer and if you realise you won’t get to use something before it goes off then chop it up and pop it straight in the freezer. Same goes for leftovers, your freezer is your best friend, especially if you live alone.

Ditch Fast Fashion 

Fast fashion is bad for the planet and that’s no secret. From the polluting chemicals, the air-miles and the working conditions for garment workers, it’s all around pretty bleak. Obviously the best thing to do is avoid it all together but that’s not realistic for most of us and I’m all about the realistic changes. If you’re able to then look at shopping second-hand before you think about buying new. I’ve got a beginners guide right here. Got an event coming up? Why not look at hiring something special instead of buying a brand new outfit you wont wear all that often? An important thing to note is that not all fast-fashion brands are created equally. Some will use BCI cotton, ensure wages for workers or have a more sustainable line, so where possible do the research and opt for these instead. And finally, if you are going to buy from a fast fashion brand (or any brand that isn’t sustainable, price is not an indicator of ethics) then make sure it’s a considered purchase and one that you’re likely to be able to wear multiple ways for years to come. Take care of the item properly to help it last, repair it if necessary and when you’re finished with it either donate it or recycle it so there’s more fabric in the supply chain to make more sustainable clothes in the future. The easiest way to reduce the carbon footprint of your wardrobe is to buy less.

Swap Your Energy Providers 

This isn’t half as hard as it sounds and it’s easy enough to find a provider who uses 100% renewable energy now. Most will also offer a SmartMeter so you can keep an eye on how much energy you’re actually using too. There’s no need to get obsessive but it definitely makes you more aware of what you’re using and once you’ve switched there’s nothing else you need to do. 

It takes time to make swaps and steps towards living a more eco-friendly life and we don’t have to do it all in one go. Picking one thing to start with, mastering that and moving onto the next is a much more achievable way to do it, and it means it’s more likely to become a long term habit. There are always little things we can do to improve so if you have any suggestions of other swaps or habits to change please leave them below or send me a message on Instagram - @charlotte.phoebe.