Make Your Home Sustainable: 10 Easy Swaps

Reality Check! Climate change is here and we need to do everything we can to help curb the effects. Not only is this an issue that impacts the U.S., it impacts every single living being on this planet. Thousands of scientists have sounded the alarm that this is a planetary and global issue that needs to be addressed. Now more than ever is the time for environmental and eco-friendly awareness. Making your home more sustainable isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity.

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Whether you’re a sustainability newbie or an eco-conscious homeowner looking for fresh ideas, here are 10 easy sustainable home swaps to help you live greener and cleaner.

1. Swap Plastic Bottles for a Water Filter System

Plastic. Plastic. Plastic. I call it one of Mother Nature’s biggest enemies. When I go to any supermarket or convenience stores, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of plastic bottles waiting to be consumed and thrown away because plastic bottles are also hardly ever recycled. Did you know over 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans annually?! Thank goodness for The Ocean CleanUp team for helping address this issue but there’s ways we can tackle this at home too.

Sustainable Swap: There are tons of other options than water bottles. Install a high-quality water filter (like Berkey or Brita) in your home and use stainless steel bottles.

Photo by quokkabottles on Unsplash

2. Ditch Paper Towels for Reusable Cloths

Paper towels were invented accidentally in 1907 by the Scott Paper Company. The company was manufacturing toilet paper when a batch came out too thick and wrinkled. Rather than waste the entire batch, an employee suggested perforating it into individual sheets and marketing it as a disposable towel. 100+ years later, paper towels are a staple in every household. The bad news is that according to the EPA, the average American family uses 3 rolls of paper towels per week – that’s 156 rolls per year! I can only imagine all those used paper towels trying to decompose out in the landfills. One of the biggest ways we can decrease our carbon footprint and is less consumption.

Sustainable Swap: We can curb our paper towel use by switching to sustainable options like organic cotton towels, bamboo paper towels, or Swedish dishcloths (which are compostable).

Photo By Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

3. Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LED Lighting

This is probably old news but I want to reiterate this. Per the Department of Energy, LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs…think about all the savings in your wallet and your utility bill. Talk about the best bang for your buck! The switch is one of the easiest, most cost-effective eco-upgrades you can make for your home.

Sustainable Swap: Instead of buying those cheap incandescent light bulbs, opt for ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs instead—they’re cost-effective and reduce electricity bills. Level it up and choose the smart LED bulbs so you can connect it to your AI-powered home devices.

Photo by Nothing Ahead on Pexels

4. Choose Bamboo Over Plastic Toothbrushes

Who knew the dental industry could be so wasteful and have a negative impact on our environment? According to the National Geographic, over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away in the United State alone ANNUALLY. This is mainly because dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, meaning each person goes through 3-4+ per year. Yes we advocate for dental hygiene but there has to be a different solution, like bamboo toothbrushes!

Sustainable Swap: Use a bamboo toothbrush (like Brush with Bamboo) for a biodegradable alternative.

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5. Swap Chemical Cleaners for DIY or Eco Brands

Have you ever opened a new bottle of cleaning supplies and get a whiff of a chemically nauseus smell? Yea, we don’t like that. Why? Becuse conventional cleaners contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that pollute indoor air and irritate your lungs, eyes, and skin. In addition, often times conventional cleaners contain phosphates and other pollutants that contaminate waterways and harm aquatic life. Enter DIY cleaning solutions.

Sustainable Swap: Use vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap or brands like Blueland and Branch Basics.

Photo by Spruce Refillable Cleaning on Unsplash

6. Opt for a Smart Thermostat

Thermostats have come a long way. Yes, there are still the analogue versions but enter the Smart Thermostats! Companies like Nest made it easier and smarter to save money on your utility bills. Per the US Department of Energy, did you know that heating and cooling account for 48% of home energy use?! Having a smart thermostats can adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule and preferences so your heat isn’t on full blast while you’re not at home.

Sustainable Swap: Install a Nest or Ecobee smart thermostat to optimize energy usage.

Photo by Liza Summer on Pexels

7. Switch to a Bidet or Recycled Toilet Paper

Remember when the pandemic first started in early 2020? Toilet paper was so scarce and so hard to find. However, I didn’t have that issue because I had a bidet! Having lived in Asia for a few years of my life, bidets were the norm. They’re also the norm in most countries in Asia and Europe. We can take a page from our friends oversees to save our money buying toilet paper. ALSO! According to the Scientific American, toilet paper production destroys 27,000 trees daily.

Sustainable Swap: Install a bidet attachment (like Tushy) or use 100% recycled TP (Who Gives A Crap).

Photo by Max Vakhtbovycn on Pexels

8. Use Beeswax Wraps Instead of Plastic Wrap

Sometimes I cry inside whenever I use plastic wrap to store my food. According to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration, it takes 450+ years for plastic wrap to decompose. That’s about five generations of families for a roll of plastic wrap to decompose. Yes, our food needs to be stored safely and neatly in the refrigerator or when you’re transporting food but there has to be a better way. Enter beeswax wraps!

Sustainable Swap: Beeswax wraps (like Abeego) are reusable and compostable.

Photo by Jack Cole on Unsplash

9. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Advancements in energy-efficient electronics are happening all the time. Gone are the days of old microwaves and washing machines that gobble up all the electricity. The Environmental Protection Agency has since launched the ENERGY STAR program that requires appliances to use 15-30% less energy that regular models. Since the appliances use less energy, ENERGY STAR appliances can save $450+ annually on utility bills.

Sustainable Swap: The next time you’re shopping for new appliances, make sure to choose ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators, washers, and dishwashers to help you save more on your utilities. And with energy prices these days, you Energy Star is the way to go.

Photo by Árpád Czapp on Unsplash

10. Plant a Pollinator Garden (Even a Small One!)

A world without bees and butterflies would have major consequences to its biodiversity and food security. According to the USDA, bees and butterflies are critical for 75% of global crops, yet their populations are declining because of climate change, loss of habitat, use of pesticides and other factors.

Sustainable Swap: Time to change up your green space and grow native plants, herbs, or a mini bee garden in your yard or balcony to attract bees and help keep our plants and flowers well pollinated.

Photo by Christian Himmel by Pexels

Remember that small changes can make a big impact. Transforming your space into a sustainable home doesn’t require drastic changes or complete home makeovers. By making these 10 easy eco-friendly swaps, you’re one step closer to help reduce waste, conserve energy, and contribute to a healthier planet. Which swap will you try first? Comment below!