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.

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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!