21 Easy Swaps for a More Sustainable Home

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(Image credit: Westend61/Getty Images)

With all the reports coming out about the effects of climate change, a lot of people are looking to live more sustainable, eco-friendly lives (us, included). And since the most recent one by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that sea levels are rising at even faster rates and that extreme weather events could be a yearly occurrence by 2050, there's even more cause to start making more lifestyle changes now.

The thing is, you don't have to live off the grid to be more sustainable. In fact, your life doesn't even have to look all that different. Especially now, when there are so many brands that are offering eco-friendly products at affordable prices. The trick to living a more environmentally conscious life is to start slow and take it one step at a time, according to Kira Cahill and Olivia Dahan, co-founders of eco-lifestyle company Bold Box.

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(Image credit: Sasha_Suzi/Getty Images)

"Starting an eco-friendly lifestyle is like anything, going to the gym, changing your eating habits, etc.," Cahill says. "We've found that in order to keep a sustainable life, you have to make one swap at a time and find what works for you. It can be overwhelming going zero to a 100."

To help you get started, or provide some more ideas if you're already trying to live sustainably, we rounded up 21 swaps to make (with some help from Cahill and Dahan).

In the Kitchen

Regular Coffee Pods for Reusable Eco-Cups

Plastic Sandwhich Bags for Reusable Storage Bags

Plastic Food Storage for Glass or Stainless Steel Versions

Plastic Wrap for Beeswax Wrap

Plastic Trash Bags for Compostable Trash Bags

Paper Towels for Bamboo Towels

Plastic or Paper Shopping Bags for Tote Bags

In the Bathroom

Regular Toilet Paper for Bamboo Toilet Paper

Normal Shower Head for a Low-Flow Version

Liquid Soap for Bar Soap

Regular Toothbrush for Bamboo Toothbrush

Regular Makeup Remover Pads for Reusable Ones

Air Fresheners for Essential Oil Diffusers

For the Laundry Room

Dryer Sheets for Dryer Balls

Laundry Wash Bag for Guppyfriend Washing Bag

For Your Bedroom

For Your Home Tech

Regular Thermostat for a High-Tech One

Disposable Batteries for Rechargeable Batteries

Incandescent Light Bulbs for Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.