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Simply Sustainable Mama
Simply Sustainable Mama

Empowering Your Journey to Self-Sufficiency: Your Go-To Guide for Homesteading and Sustainable Living Tips

Eco-friendly household essentials including reusable straws, glass water bottles, bar soap, laundry detergent in a glass jar, and reusable grocery bags arranged neatly on a wooden surface.

Nurturing Our Homes and Planet with Eco-Friendly Swaps

Posted on April 10, 2024May 2, 2025 By Simplysustainablemama

     A couple of years ago, as I was taking out the trash, I realized that my family uses a lot of household items that could be swapped for more environmentally friendly options. So, I pulled out my notebook and began writing down all the things in my home that produces waste regularly and jotting down zero waste alternatives that I could swap them for. While making that list, I realized that by making these changes towards a greener home I could not only reduce my families carbon footprint but actually save my family a lot of money in the long run. So today, I am so excited to share with you my list of eco-friendly, low waste, sustainable household swaps as well as low waste tips and I hope you will feel inspired by this to make some changes in your home as well. Remember, every little bit counts!

Eco-Friendly Bathroom Swaps

1. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Cotton Swabs

     Swap for reusable cotton swabs or compostable ones. With reusable cotton swabs, you can simply wash them off with soap and water and use them time and time again. However, if you prefer the normal feel of a cotton swab you may prefer to use ones that are made from compostable materials such as bamboo. If you are able, try and purchase from a company who does not use plastic packaging. 

My Recommendations: 

Reusable Cotton Swabs

Bamboo Compostable Swabs

2. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Cotton Rounds

     Swap for reusable cotton rounds. Simply toss into a laundry bag and throw into your washer when you’re done and never have to buy cotton rounds again! 

My Recommendation: 

This 16 pack has a laundry bag included, are made of 100% organic cotton, and are GOTS certified. 

Buy them HERE.

3. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Loofah

     There are so many options that can be swapped for this one. If you love the feel of a generic loofah, there are biodegradable ones on the market. My personal preference is a Sisal Soap bag. I love these because you can toss your bar of soap inside and hang it to dry when done. They create a great lather and are exfoliating. I also love natural loofahs which you can purchase or purchase seeds and grow at home!

My Recommendations: 

Biodegradable Loofah 

Natural Organic Loofahs 

Sisal Soap Saver Bag

4. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Toothbrush

     Toothbrushes are responsible for some much waste in the U.S.  The great news is that there are dozens of plant based compostable toothbrushes out there to choose from and they are very inexpensive. 

My Recommendations: 

Plant-Based Toothbrushes (10 Pack)

20000 Bristle Biodegradable Toothbrushes (4 Pack) 

Kids Biodegradable & Compostable Toothbrushes (6 Pack)

5. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Dental Floss

     Dental floss is another item that produces a lot of waste between the plastic container and packaging. And floss sticks produce even more waste! Luckily, today there are numerous companies on the market that sell rolls of biodegradable floss that you can simply place into a refillable container and just purchase rolls to refill as necessary. And the best part is, no plastic packaging! If you are not a fan of generic floss, some other great options are biodegradable floss sticks or a waterpiks. 

My Recommendations: 

Biodegradable Silk Floss with Stainless Steel Refillable Container 

Biodegradable Floss Sticks

Waterpik

6. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Shampoo & Conditioner

     If you are like most, you probably are weary of transitioning from bottled shampoo and conditioner to bars but I am here to tell you, bar soap can actually do wonders for your hair and scalp! Shampoo and conditioner bars are gentle and nourishing on your hair and offer the convenience of packing light for all your travels. Just be sure to pick a company who use clean ingredients. 

My Recommendations: 

Kitsch Shampoo Bar

Kitsch Conditioner Bar

7. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Body Wash

     Bar soap is so much kinder to our environment than shower gel. Bar soap is also far more concentrated that shower gel, making it last longer and saving you money! Packed with nourishing ingredients and sometimes crafted by hand by artisans, bar soap will offer your skin all the love it needs. 

My Recommendations: 

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap Bars (8 Count) 

Kitsch Bar Soap 

Men’s Bar Soap by Dr. Squatch

8. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Pads and Tampons

     Pads and tampons can be toxic to our bodies due to the presence of harmful chemicals, synthetic materials, and plastic that can pose risks to both our health and the environment. Some of these products even contain synthetic fragrances that can throw off our pH. Not to mention that most of them are packaged in single use plastic which contributes to our landfills at an alarming rate. But I am here bearing great news! I have been using a menstrual cup since I was quite young. I always had very heavy menstrual cycles and would leak through any disposable product I tried within 30-60 minutes. When I discovered menstrual cups, it was an absolute game changer! Paired with period panties or a reusable pad, you can feel safe and secure for hours. If there is one thing on this page I recommend most, let it be this! 

My Recommendations: 

Menstrual Cup

Organic Cotton Period Panties 

Reusable Pads by Rael

9. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Razors

     Razors with a removable blade offer a far more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic razors. By switching to a razor with a removal blade, you only need to replace the metal blade rather than the entire plastic handle. 

My Recommendation: 

Leaf Razor 

 

Eco-Friendly Kitchen Swaps

1. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic Wrap

     It’s time to ditch your single use plastic wrap for a more sustainable option – beeswax wraps! Beeswax wraps are squares of fabric coated in beeswax, oils, and resin. Beeswax wraps are sticky enough that you can press them over a dish and not have any leaks or spills without leaving a sticky residue behind. Simply wash them under cold water and hang to dry between uses. If taken care of properly, they can last up to two years and they get better overtime! If you are working with a new wrap, crunch it in your hands a few times to soften it up before use. You can also fold these wraps to make little pockets for snacks for your kiddos. And if you’re a crafty person, you can make your own at home with just a few ingredients! 

My Recommendation: 

Assorted 12 Pack (Includes Small, Medium, and Large Wraps)

Beeswax Wrap Roll XXL (Unroll and cut to whatever size you need)

 

2. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Ziplock Bags

     Reusable ziploc bags are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bags, offering a host of benefits for both the environment and your wallet. By swapping disposable bags with reusable ones, you significantly reduce plastic waste, helping to protect our planet and conserve resources. These durable bags are made from food-safe, BPA-free materials, ensuring your food stays fresh and safe. They’re also leakproof, easy to clean, and can be used repeatedly, saving you money in the long run. With their convenient design, versatile uses, and long-lasting quality, reusable ziploc bags are a practical choice for a more sustainable lifestyle.

My Recommendations: 

Greater Goods Reusable Ziplock Freezer Bags

Stasher 7 Pack Reusable Bags

3. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Paper Towels

     Reusable paper towels revolutionize the way we clean by providing an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective alternative to their disposable counterparts. By using washable or biodegradable paper towels, you actively reduce waste and save trees, minimizing the impact on our ecosystems. They’re versatile and can be used for various tasks around the house, from cleaning countertops to wiping down surfaces. Plus, they can be easily washed and reused multiple times, saving you money in the long run. 

My Recommendations: 

Swedish Dishcloths

Reusable Paper Towels – Natural Beechwood

4. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Sponges

     Switching to dish brushes is a small yet impactful change that benefits the environment and your cleaning routine. Made from sustainable materials like bamboo, wooden, or recycled plastic handles with plant-based bristles, dish brushes offer a durable and compostable alternative to conventional sponges. Unlike sponges, dish brushes air-dry quickly, reducing the growth of bacteria and the need for frequent replacements. This translates to less waste and a more hygienic cleaning tool. By choosing eco-friendly dish brushes, you actively contribute to a greener planet by minimizing waste, reducing plastic pollution, and supporting sustainable practices that make a difference for generations to come.

My Recommendations: 

Coconut Husk Biodegradable Sponges 

Mighty Nest 5 Piece Dishwashing Bundle 

(Includes two dish Brushes, dish soap, bar soap rest, and scrubber pads)

 

5. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Dish Soap

     Embracing eco-friendly dish soap is an essential step towards a sustainable lifestyle, benefiting both the environment and your household. Opt for dish soaps made from natural, plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, and organic essential oils. These biodegradable formulas effectively clean dishes while minimizing the negative impact on aquatic ecosystems. You should also try to avoid soaps containing phosphates, parabens, and artificial fragrances to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into the water supply. Buying dish soap in bulk, using refillable containers, or considering concentrated options reduces packaging waste, ultimately contributing to a cleaner planet. By prioritizing eco-friendly dish soap, you actively promote sustainability and enjoy sparkling clean dishes with a clear conscience.

My recommendations: 

Liquid Soap by Cleancult – Packaged in 90% less plastic 

Nellies Dish Butter 

or make your own using castile soap  and thieves oil.

6. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Cleaning Products

     Unfortunately, with most cleaners being liquid, there are not many eco friendly options. Even if you were to make your own cleaner, you would still need to by vinegar which comes in plastic. My best solution for this is Thieves All purpose cleaner! Though it does come in plastic, it is a highly highly concentrated solution that will last you a very long time preventing you from purchasing plastic bottles frequently. It can also be used to clean anything so no need to worry about buying specific cleaners for things such as glass or wood cleaner. You can also rest assured that your family will be safe as this a completely non toxic all natural solution. 

1 bottle of Thieves is just $25 and can can last you for months, just think about the money you could save while keeping your family safe from harmful chemicals. 

  • Most cleaning applications: 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner and 2 cups water

  • Light degreasing: 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner and 4 cups water

My Recommendation: 

Thieves All Purpose Cleaner

Glass Spray Bottle 

(It is important that anytime we are using essential oil based products or essential oils alone that we store them in glass bottles (preferably amber colored glass) as essential oils can eat through plastic overtime. So storing your cleaning solution in spray bottles like the ones listed above will be important.)

7. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Grocery Bags

     Reusable shopping bags are a practical solution that positively impacts our environment. These durable alternatives are made from sustainable materials like cotton, bamboo, or recycled fabrics. Plus, reusable shopping bags are so much cuter than those ugly single use plastic bags! 

My Recommendations: 

Cotton Produce Bags

Shopping Bags 

 

Tips for Living a Low Waste and Sustainable Lifestyle

Living a low-waste life is an admirable goal that can be achieved through conscious decisions and simple lifestyle changes. Here are some tips for on embracing a low-waste lifestyle:

Assess Your Current Waste Production

Assessing your current waste production is a crucial first step towards a sustainable, low-waste lifestyle. By evaluating the amount and types of waste generated by your family daily, you will be able to determine areas for improvement and create a plan to reduce your family’s waste in the best way possible for your family. 

Shop Sustainably

The best way to reduce waste in your home is by never bringing it into your home in the first place. While shopping, try to make conscious decisions about the items you are buying. Opt for products with minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging whenever possible. Support local businesses and choose seasonal, locally-sourced goods to minimize transportation emissions. Prioritize eco-friendly products and materials, such as bamboo, organic cotton, or stainless steel, ensuring your purchases are durable and reusable. 

Reuse Items to Reduce Waste

By incorporating reusable bags, water bottles, utensils, and containers into your daily routine, you effortlessly reduce your reliance on single-use plastics that clog landfills and harm ecosystems. Invest in high-quality, durable reusable items made from eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, glass, or stainless steel. This could also mean saving food jars or other containers to reuse in your home. When I purchase produce from my local grocery store I always try to purchase items that are not packaged but if they do come in packaging, I love to save the containers to start my seedlings in for my garden. Milk jugs work really well for this as well, you can cut them in half and create a mini greenhouse for your seeds. Dog food and other feed bags also make great little pots for planting vegetables in. 

Shop Second Hand

Shopping second hand offers a treasure trove of eco-friendly and sustainable benefits! By giving pre-loved items a new home, you can reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy that’s better for our planet. Extend the life of high-quality, gently-used clothing, furniture, and more while avoiding the environmental toll of fast fashion and mass production. Check out the top “10 Things I always look for at the thrift store” for my best thrifting tips to help you make the most of your thrifting experience. 

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