Simple Eco-friendly Swaps for Every Room in Your Home
It's time to go green! These days, everyone is looking for ways to be more eco-friendly. And as a busy mom, you might be wondering how you can possibly add one more thing to your plate. Never fear! We're here to help with some of the easiest eco-friendly swaps that you can make in every room of your house. Keep reading for all the details.
But First
It’s worth noting that the most sustainable option is almost always to use what you already have. But, nothing lasts forever – and many of the items on our list are ones that need to be replaced from time to time! However, if you wish to make any swaps for things in your home that still have some life in them, be sure to find a reputable donation center near you. For clothes and other textiles, unfortunately, it’s estimated that over 80% of textiles (even the ones that are donated) will end up at the landfill, or in an incinerator. To ensure this doesn’t happen, consider recycling sheets, clothes, and more at a Textile Recycling Center near you. Since options for textile recycling vary based on where you live, the best thing to do is to google “Textile Recycling Near Me” for the best available solutions.
The Bedroom
Swap this: Synthetic sheets
For this: Organic cotton sheets. You'll sleep better knowing that your sheets are free of harmful chemicals, plus organic cotton is soft and luxurious. Win-win!
Our Favorite Picks:
- Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set - Pact
- Organic Crinkled Percale Sheet Set - Coyuchi
- EnvioHome GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Sheet Set
Swap this: Your conventional mattress (generally speaking, it’s recommended to replace your mattress every 6-8 years)
For this: A biodegradable/eco-friendly alternative mattress. Recently studies have shown that mattresses made from organic cotton, natural latex, Tencel, and organic wool may help alleviate environmental impact. And with thousands of five-star reviews, it’s safe to say these mattresses don’t compromise on comfortability.
Our Favorite Picks:
- Avocado Vegan Mattress (Organic Cotton)
- Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (Tencel)
- Birch Natural Mattress (Organic Wool)
The Bathroom
Swap this: Your plastic toothbrush
For this: A bamboo toothbrush. Plastic toothbrushes end up in landfills where they take centuries to decompose. Bamboo toothbrushes, on the other hand, are made from a renewable resource and can be composted when you're finished with them. Plus, they're just as effective as a regular toothbrush!
Our Favorite Picks:
- Isshah Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Natural Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush
- WooBamboo Adult Bamboo Toothbrush
- hello Activated-Charcoal-Infused Bristle BPA-Free Toothbrush
Swap this: Shampoo and conditioner that comes in a plastic bottle
For this: Shampoo and conditioner bars. Ditch the bulky plasic bottles in your shower. Anything that comes package free is worth a second look, and there are some great options available for both shampoo and conditioner bars. The favorites we’ve listed below are also recommended for natural hair, but can be used for all hair types.
Our Favorite Picks:
- HrmnyHouse All In One Shampoo Bar
- J·R·LIGGETT'S All-Natural Shampoo Bar
- Beauty and the Bees Solid Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar for Curly Hair & Normal Dry Thick Hair | Moroccan Mud
The Family Room
Swap this: Synthetic candles and room fresheners
For this: A toxic-free candle in a recyclable container. There are hundreds of candles on the market now that are free of phthalates, and synthetic and artificial fragrances. As for room fresheners, opt for an essential oil diffuser and organic essential oils if possible.
Our Favorite Picks:
- Goodnight Candles Scented Candle Tins
- 228 Grant Street Candle Co. Botanical Garden Candle (Black-Owned)
- Bee You Organics 100% Pure Beeswax Candle
The Kitchen
Swap this: Standard foam sponge
For this: Biodegradable cleaning sponge. This swap is a no brainer. Traditional kitchen sponges not only harbor as much bacteria as a toilet seat, they also can be wasteful and need frequent replacing. With a biodegradable option, you’ll replace less often, and can rest assured that when it is time to replace your sponge, it can easily and safely return to the earth.
Our Favorite Picks:
Swap this: Plastic Ziplock Bags
For this: Reusabe Storage bags. Whether you need gallon sized bags to use in the freezer, or cute snack bags to go in your kid’s lunches – there’s a reusable swap! Not only do we love the cute designs and prints on the reusable options, but they’ll also end up saving you money in the not-so-long long haul.
Our Favorite Picks:
Going green has never been easier! With these simple swaps, you can easily make your home more eco-friendly without breaking the bank or overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight. (For more tips on how to integrate eco conscious practices, check out this blog post!) Do you have any other tips for living an eco-friendly lifestyle? Share them with us in the comments below!
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