4 Simple, Affordable Eco-Friendly Swaps

4 Easy Ways to Live More Sustainably Without Breaking the Bank

Sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Sometimes people get overwhelmed when considering expensive organic produce or buying in bulk. However, small, intentional swaps in your daily routine can help keep you and your family healthier by reducing toxins, minimize waste, and support a greener planet—while saving you money! Here are five simple, budget-friendly changes you can start today.

1. Ditch Plastic for Reusable Alternatives

Why? Single-use plastics contribute to pollution and contain harmful chemicals, are derived from fossil fuels and take hundreds of years to break down.

Let’s reduce our contribution to the Pacific garbage patch (an estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean every year!) and microplastics that are causing health issues. 

Easy Swaps:

• Instead of: Buying plastic water bottles regularly
  Try: A stainless steel or glass reusable water bottle (you are one person- you only need one; overconsumption/ collection of these isn’t really helping)

• Instead of: Using plastic cutting boards
  Try: bamboo or wood cutting boards

• Instead of: Cling wrap for leftovers
  Try: Beeswax wraps or silicone food covers or a plate on top of a bowl

• Instead of: plastic produce bags

• Try: bringing reusable produce bags, or not using another bag at all (do you really need it?)

2. Switch to Non-Toxic & Refillable Cleaning Products

Why? Many “traditional” cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can affect your health- and the health of the manufacturers.

Antibiotic hand soap can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Plus, disposable plastic cleaning bottles add unnecessary waste & ultimately lead to more microplastics in the environment.

Easy Swaps:

• Instead of: Buying new plastic bottles of cleaner every month or two,
  Try: Using refillable, non-toxic brands (e.g. Blueland, Branch Basics, Method, Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation or Grove Collaborative)

• Instead of: Cleansers with dyes and perfumes
  Try: Choose ones with less chemical additives- it’s safer for you and the manufacturers

• Instead of: Store-bought all-purpose cleaner
  Try: DIY mix: ½ white vinegar, ½ water, a few drops of lemon essential oil (great for kitchens & bathrooms- there are many other similar recipes online)

• Instead of: plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotions

Try: Bar soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions. It takes a little time to get used to these changes- but they work just as well- without the waste.

3. Waste-Reducing Kitchen Habits

Why? Small changes in the kitchen can reduce food waste, reduce trash and save water.

Reduce your exposure to unnecessary chemicals and plastics.

Easy swaps:

• Instead of: Using paper towels daily
  Try: A set of washable cloth napkins or “unpaper towels”

• Instead of: Plastic Ziploc bags
  Try: Glass storage containers, metal containers (Lunchbots, kleen Kanteen and even Ikea sell them) or silicone bags (like Stasher)

• Instead of: Handwashing dishes
  Try: Running a full dishwasher on the eco setting- most dishwashers today were made to clean your dishes on a short cycle

4. Buy Local & Seasonal Food to Reduce Waste

Why? Locally grown food is fresher, supports small farmers, and cuts down on packaging and transportation pollution.

And you can get to know your farming community!

Easy Swaps:

• Instead of: Buying out-of-season produce that travels thousands of miles
  Try: Shopping at farmers markets and/or choosing what’s in season. In-season produce is often on sale at grocery stores. Many farmers markets offer discounts near closing time—perfect for getting fresh produce on a budget!

• Instead of: Pre-packaged snacks
  Try: Buying bulk nuts, seeds, and grains in reusable containers/ bags and storing in clear glass containers in your pantry.

• Instead of: Letting food go bad in your fridge
  Try: Prepping veggies in clear glass containers to make for quick snacks, meal planning and freezing leftovers to reduce waste

Final Thought: Incremental Changes, Big Impact

Going green doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Even swapping out just one of these habits will help to reduce waste, save money & create a healthier home

Start with one swap this week, and build from there. Your choices matter—both for the planet and your long-term wellbeing.