10 Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps You Can Make Today

We know you're trying to go green, and we're right there with you. But sometimes it can feel like a lot of effort to make the changes that really matter. That's why we've rounded up some easy swaps you can make today that will help reduce your impact on the planet.

1. Switch to refillable candles

Grow Fragrance has great refillable, 100% plant-based candles that come in an array of scents for every season.

As candle lovers, we were tired of throwing away candle jars and you can only reuse so many! So we tried something new.. a reusable candle vessel that uses recyclable aluminum candle refills.

It's a totally different way to enjoy candles. Instead of buying a new jar every time you want to light up your space, you just swap out the candle insert—which is also recyclable—and keep your container forever. It's easy to use, and it's better for the environment than any other kind of candle out there.

Some of our best selling scents include:

Lavender Blossom

Bamboo

Sea Salt Neroli

You may like: Guide to Finding The Best Non-Toxic Candles

2. Use refillable cleaners and soaps

Cleaners and soaps are an essential item in our households. But did you know that these cleaners are largely made up of harsh chemicals? They also cost a lot more (and often come in non-reusable containers), and they contribute to the overall waste stream.

Source: Blueland 

But there’s good news: You can swap out your single-use cleaners for refillable eco-friendly products, and you'll be saving both money and the planet in no time.

Check out brands like Branch Basics, Blueland and Grove Collaborative.

3. Swap dryer sheets for dryer balls

Dryer balls are a great alternative to dryer sheets. They are made from wool or polyester and can be reused for years.

Dryer balls help reduce static by allowing your clothes to move around freely in the dryer instead of getting stuck on one another. And because they make it easier for your clothes to tumble around in the dryer, you may even be able to use less energy when drying!

Try these dryer balls from Etsy

4. Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic bottles

If you’re looking to make environmentally-friendly swaps, what could be simpler than using reusable water bottles?

Not only are they better for your health and the environment, but they also come in a wide range of shapes and sizes for every lifestyle.

The best part about reusable water bottles is that their functionality makes them easy to use on a daily basis. Here are some of the ways you can incorporate them into your routine:

• Easy to carry: Reusable water bottles are compact enough to fit easily into any bag or purse!

• Easy cleanup: You won’t need an extra dishwasher cycle every few weeks; just rinse or handwash as needed.

• Easy fill up: Just fill up from any tap—even hot ones! You don’t have to worry about keeping track of caps while trying this at home either because stainless steel won’t leach chemicals into your drinks like other materials might do (like BPA).

5. Swap plastic baggies for snack containers, glass jars, or washable baggies

Do you find yourself throwing out plastic baggies every single time you buy snacks? If so, it’s time to make a change for the environment’s sake!

Reusable snack containers are better for the environment because they reduce waste. You can use washable baggies for snacks, which are also cheaper and easier to use than plastic baggies.

Bento Boxes: Bento boxes are an excellent option for anyone who has trouble eating their food in one sitting. They're also great for portion control if you're trying to lose weight or just want some help keeping portions under control when dining out with friends or family members who love big meals like mine does (again: me). Plus they're super cute!

Stasher Bags: Stasher bags are another great alternative to plastic baggies because they come in different sizes—so whether you need something small enough to hold just an apple or something larger enough for your whole lunch (say goodbye again to Tupperware containers), there’s probably a style of these bags that will work best for whatever situation comes up next time around too!

Glassware: Glassware is another eco-friendly option because it holds liquids without leaking onto surfaces underneath them like plastic cups might do over time from repeated use (or even just having liquid spill down onto its surface while being washed).

Use for sandwiches, leftovers, veggies, and pretty much anything else you can think of!

6. Swap your to-go coffee cup with one you bring from home

When you’re out and about, bring your own coffee mug. Most coffee shops will give you a discount if you bring in your own mug. This simple swap can save the environment from all that plastic waste that would have otherwise been generated by disposable cups, as well as save you money on drinks!

7. Swap cotton balls for washable rounds

If you’re looking for a way to reduce your use of disposable products, cotton balls are the perfect place to start. Cotton is one of the most widely cultivated plants in the world and it makes up over 20% of all agricultural land use. Cotton is also used in thousands of different products, including clothing, bedding and furniture.

Because they’re made from natural fibers like cotton or hemp (which can be grown organically), you can easily wash these reusable rounds and reuse them again! They work well as an alternative to disposable wipes for cleaning makeup brushes or removing nail polish from your fingers too.

These amazing little rounds are gentle on the skin while being kinder to our planet than regular cotton balls—what could be better?

Check these organic cotton rounds out from Etsy

8. Use cloth towels instead of paper towels

Reusable towels are better for the environment, your wallet, your home, your health, and even your family pets.

• Environment: Using a reusable towel is better for the planet because it eliminates waste from paper towels that end up in landfills. In fact, every year about 2.3 billion disposable paper towels are used in America alone—that’s almost 12 million pounds of waste!

• Your wallet: The average American household spends $150-$200 per year on paper towels alone! By switching to cloth you’re saving money without sacrificing any convenience or cleanliness.

• Your home: Cloth has minimal impact on indoor air quality (IgA), which means it’s easier on allergy sufferers and those with respiratory problems like asthma or chronic bronchitis. It also doesn't leave behind lint as some reusable materials do; no more yellow fuzz all over shelves and countertops!

• Healthier family members: Studies have shown that the antibacterial chemicals found in most disposable wipes can cause rashes and skin irritations if they come into contact with wet surfaces such as hands or faces after being used on surfaces like toilet seats or kitchen counters where food preparation occurs frequently throughout each day.

9. Swap plastic straws for bringing your own

Next time you go out to a restaurant, opt for bringing your own straws instead of using the plastic ones they provide. Reusable straws are made from stainless steel, plastic-free glass, bamboo or silicone and are easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

This eco-friendly swap is great for the planet but also for your health as well! Plastics that we consume every day have been linked with many diseases such as cancer and even dementia so it's important to avoid them when possible.

Check out this keychain travel straw from Etsy

10. Use reusable bags

Reusable bags are a great way to help the environment and save some money in the process. Using reusable bags can reduce your carbon footprint, as well as cut down on waste. In fact, it's estimated that 40 billion plastic bags are used each year in the United States alone. That's a lot of unnecessary waste!

When you use reusable grocery bags instead of single-use plastic ones, you're doing yourself (and Mother Earth) a favor.

They're better for the environment because they don't require petroleum refining or chemical processing like single-use bags do—those processes release toxic substances into our air, soil and water supply that harm both humans and animals alike.

Using these eco-friendly replacements make the planet a better place.

There are a lot of benefits to making these swaps! You will be using less plastic, chemicals and pollutants in the environment, which is good for the planet. You'll also be saving money, time and hassle by reducing your waste altogether.

We hope that you’re excited to get started with these easy eco-friendly swaps!

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