Easy Swaps for Living Sustainably
by Orianna
Photo by Boxed Water Is Better on Unsplash
If you are looking for easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint, below is a simple list of substitutions you can choose to make a big difference to the environment.
I include a few affiliate links for suggested alternative products (the pink items!). Ultimately, we want to buy less and use what we already have at home whenever possible. However, since buying things is part of life for humans, we can shift the things we buy on a regular basis to be more environmentally friendly.
Substitutions for More Sustainable Living
Mail Management This: E-mail or online bill statements Not that: Monthly printed and mailed statements
Food Storage This: Glass storage containers Not that: Plastic wrap, plastic storage bags, aluminum foil
Cleaning Up Spills This: Reusable bamboo paper towels, old washcloths, t-shirts, or blankets Not that: Paper towels
Cleaning In General This: Non-toxic cleaning products (Method, Mrs. Meyers, DIY, etc.) Not that: Bleach, harsh or toxic chemicals
To-Go Drinks This: Reusable straws, no straw Not that: Plastic straws
Garbage Management This: Biodegradeable trash bags Not that: Plastic trash bags
Shopping Bags This: Reusable cloth bags Not that: Plastic bags, paper bags
Online Orders This: Group into as few shipments as possible (ex: Amazon “Monday” option) Not that: Fastest shipping with multiple shipments
New Clothes This: Sustainable brands (ex: tentree) Not that: Fast-fashion that lasts one season
Cats This: Natural cat litter Not that: Traditional cat litter
Laundry This: Line dry whenever possible Not that: Using the dryer
Water This: Nikken, Britta, boxed water, reusable copper water bottle Not that: Plastic water bottles
Babies This: Cloth diapers Not that: Disposable diapers
Menstrual Products This: Reusable pads or menstrual cup Not that: Tampons, disposable pads
Gift Wrapping This: Newspaper, recycled brown paper, leftover paper Not that: Newly printed wrapping paper, bows
Old Electronics This: Take them to Staples for recycling Not that: Throw them in the trash
Vehicle Purchase This: Used, hybrid or electric Not that: Brand new gasoline
Batteries This: Rechargeable batteries Not that: Single-use batteries (if used, do not throw in trash — ensure proper disposal)
These are all easy changes that, when added up, really count. If you decide to make any changes, let us know in the comments.
Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!