Sustainable swaps

The day to day choices we make can add up our environmental footprint across our lifetime.

Choose sustainable alternatives to live and support eco-friendly businesses around the world. Even the smallest changes can make a huge difference if we all take a step to a more sustainable future.

Below are some of easy suggestions which you can implement into your home.

 

Kitchen

1. Beeswax wraps

Replace single use plastic wrap or single use sandwich bags. The wax makes them waterproof so they can keep moisture in or out when needed.

Waitrose, £23, 3 sheets. 

Wild and Stone, £12.50, 3 sheets.

Amazon, prices starting at £6.99, 3 sheets.

 

2. Silicone food covers

Replacement of aluminium foil and plastic wrap to cover dishes and open food containers

A little find, £12.99, set of 5.

Peace with the wild, £4.95, set of 4.

Amazon, £7.62, set of 12.

 

3. Eco-friendly detergents and cleaning products

Replace conventional detergents such as dish soap, laundry soap, surface and floor cleaners. Conventionally, the toxic chemicals in these products are often responsible for water pollution and the loss of aquatic life. The packaging of eco-friendly products means that they are also recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable.

‘Smol’ offer laundry, dishwasher, fabric conditioner and surface sprays which are all eco-effective and brilliant value for money. It is a subscription service which is tailored to you!

Check out Bower Collective for refill pouches of laundry liquid and washing up liquid.

Bedroom

1. Bamboo bed linen

Replace synthetic, polyester bed linen with ones made from bamboo. It is soft, breathable, naturally hypoallergenic. Great for regulating the temperature so that it keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is strong and durable which means it’ll last longer.

Bamboo bed linen can be found at most places you shop for bedding such as Marks and Spencer and Dunelm.

2. LED light bulbs for lamps and ceiling lights

This will cut your electricity usage, your power. bill, and your carbon footprint with one easy eco swap. Ideally, you can make this swap throughout your home and not just in the bedroom, but the bedroom is a great place to start.

Available to purchase at Currys, Screwfix and Amazon.

Bathroom

1. Zero waste shampoo, conditioner and soap bars

Conventional shampoos and conditioners usually contain harmful chemicals and are packaged in hard plastic. These bars are made with minimal harmful chemicals, and are typically packaged in compostable, biodegradable or recyclable materials.

We recommend ‘Zero Waste Path’ for all your bar needs.

2. Bamboo toothbrushes

Eliminate the bulk of the plastic from an item you use daily, for life, has a huge impact over time. They are biodegradable and home compostable, making them a great zero waste option.

Available at Boots, Holland & Barrett and Beauty Bay.

 

3. Bamboo toilet paper

Traditional toilet paper has a huge footprint when it comes to environmental impacts associated with growing, harvesting and processing timber to be made into toilet paper.

We love Who Gives a Crap!

4. Reusable, eco-friendly razors

Replace disposable razors and chose a razor that you’ll keep for years.

We highly recommend Estrid! Available as a subscription or a one time purchase.

6. Reusable cleaning rounds

Bamboo, hemp, and cotton are popular options. Great for removing makeup, applying toner or skin treatments or wiping away excess product. Simply throw into the washing machine and reuse.

Check out these from Boots.

On the move

1. Stainless steel travel mugs and bottles

Ditch disposable cups for good. It will keep you drink hot/cold, seal properly, last for years as well as being easy to clean and sterilise.

Widely available in supermarkets, Argos, amazon and John Lewis or why not try a Chilly’s Bottle.

2. Reusable cutlery and straws

Replace single use plastic cutlery. Reusable cutlery is made from stainless steel, wood, or bamboo, they last for years and are easy to keep clean.

This bamboo set is available from New Living for only £3.99.

 

We hope these suggestions have given you some inspiration. We can all make a difference and it starts with small steps!