Easy Eco-Swaps You Can Make Right Now
It’s better to show up imperfectly than not show up at all.
Never before has it been quite so clear that we all need to do more to slow down the climate crisis. The evidence is overwhelming and consuming too much of it leads to exactly that, overwhelm. It can feel like a fruitless task, but that’s not true. While big changes do need to take place there are plenty of day-to-day things that we can all do to play our part.
I’m all about the quick, easy and accessible wins, and incorporating them in a way that means they are sustainable within your lifestyle. To make a difference you need to be able to maintain the behaviour so selecting one at a time and building on it is both easier for you and a better way to ensure long term change.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start or just need some new inspiration then these swaps are all easy to incorporate and things I’ve started to do in the past year or so. Some required more effort than others, some made my life considerably easier but they’ve all helped to reduce my carbon footprint and take better care of the world around me. I’ve split this guide into tips by room and area of your home so you can pick to start wherever feels most appropriate for you.
Sustainable Kitchen Swaps
Switch to Smol for your zero-waste laundry detergent and dishwasher tables.
Pick up some good-quality food containers and some reusable zip-lock bags to make the most of leftovers.
Separate out your food waste if your local council lets you or compost it.
Switch to reusable baking sheets and beeswax wraps instead of cling film or tin foil.
Change your washing up brushes to replaceable wooden ones.
Swap up your cleaning products to something like Ocean Savers to reduce plastic and water usage
Invest in reusable cloths instead of kitchen paper.
Sustainable Food Swaps
Swap frantic weekly shops for meal-planning so you only buy what you need and reduce your food waste. There are some recipe ideas here
Try Meat-Free Mondays, having 1 day a week where you’re plant based or switch to only eating meat when you’re out the house - you don’t need to swear off all meat and dairy to eat more plants!
Switch to a dairy-free milk in your morning coffee - we love Minor Figures and KoKo
Talking of coffee, try switching to a sustainable and conscious brand like Manumit for a morning treat that’s good for people and the planet.
Looking to eat less meat? Try this vegan duck alternative, these pies or indulge with the Plant Kitchen Dirty Fries from M&S
Biodegradable tea bags make a big difference, brands like Tick Tock and Clipper don’t contain plastic and can go into your food bin. Or, even better, get your own strainer and swap to loose-leaf.
Buy long-life store cupboard items like rice and pasta in larger quantities or take your own containers if you have a refill shops near you.
Sustainable Bathroom Swaps
Switch to a refillable shampoo and conditioner or go for a shampoo bar for a zero-packaging option
Ditch the shower gel for a vegan, cruelty free, soap free Foamie Shower Bar
Start using reusable cotton pads. These ones from boots are super soft and come in two textures. Just rinse them after use to stop your mascara staining them.
Zero-waste period products like an Organicup (also the best environmentally friendly swap I’ve ever made)
Bulk buy your loo roll from a company like Who Gives A Crap or Bumboo. They aree plastic-free, made from more sustainable materials and give back to communities, plus save you money.
Packaging free toothpaste tabs like Parla cut out the plastic but still protect your teeth and contain fluoride
Change to zero-waste and refillable deodorants from Wild and Native
Sustainable Wardrobe Swaps
Start by taking care of what you already own to make your clothes last longer. Here are some of my top tips.
Trying to buy less? Go on a no-buy month and unsubscribe from all of those mailing lists.
Getting comfortable with secondhand shopping is great and I have plenty of tips for beginners and how to find the best secondhand bargains for you.
You don’t have to always shop secondhand or buy from sustainable brands, just change your mindset and consider whether you really need something before you buy it.
Consider the materials used in your clothes, are they recycled or has the natural fibre been responsibly sourced? Apps like Good On You are really helpful here.
Sustainable Swaps Around The Home
Switch to a green energy supplier like Octopus and use 100% renewable energy
There are plenty of banks now who really care about how they're using your money and won’t associate themselves with any companies that harm the environment
Remembering the basics like quick showers, throwing on more layers, turning off lights and reusing the things we own all add up and won’t cost you anything.
Out And About
Pick up a reusable cup (we love these plastic free ones), and swap to a reusable bottle.
Say goodbye to single use cutlery and get yourself a travel set and never worry about a plastic straw again with these handy metal ones.
Make sure you always have your canvas bag with you and throw a piece of fruit or a homemade snack into your bag for some packaging-free energy.
None of us are perfect, and neither should we have to be, but we can all make some small changes that will add up to a big difference. This post contains over 40 swaps you can make to live a more sustainable life but there will always be more, so if you have any other swaps please do share them in the comments below so I can start adopting them too!