21 Easy Eco-Friendly Switches You Can Make at Home That Just Make Sense

by Sally McAteer December 18, 2024

Living sustainably doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. By making a few simple changes at home, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while saving money and resources. Here are 21 easy, eco-friendly switches that just make sense, complete with product suggestions and links to help you get started.

Kitchen Switches

1. Reusable Food Storage
Ditch single-use plastic wrap for beeswax wraps or silicone stretch lids. These are reusable, easy to clean, and keep your food fresh.

Example: Beeswax Wraps ($20–$30 per set).

2. Compost Bin
Turn your food scraps into nutrient-rich compost with a countertop bin.

Example: Bamboo Compost Bin (~$30).

3. Reusable Produce Bags
Avoid plastic produce bags by switching to organic cotton alternatives.

Example: Reusable Produce Bags ($12–$20 per set).

4. Natural Dish Brushes
Replace synthetic sponges with bamboo dish brushes or loofahs.

Example: Eco-Friendly Dish Brushes (~$10).

5. Stainless Steel Straws
Reusable straws are perfect for avoiding plastic waste. Many come with cleaning brushes.

Example: Stainless Steel Straws (~$8 per set).

Bathroom Switches

6. Bamboo Toothbrushes
Replace your plastic toothbrush with a compostable bamboo one.

Example: Bamboo Toothbrushes ($10 for a pack of ten).

7. Bar Soap
Switch to package-free soap bars instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles.

Example: N atural Soap Bars (~$5 each).

8. Reusable Makeup Pads
Replace disposable makeup wipes with washable organic cotton pads.

Example: O rganic Makeup Remover Pads ($15 per pack).

9. Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper
Choose brands like Who Gives A Crap that use bamboo or recycled paper.

Example: Who Gives A Cr ap ($30 for 16 rolls).

10. Menstrual Cups or Period Underwear
Save money and reduce waste with reusable menstrual products.

Example: DivaCup or Thinx ($30–$40).

Laundry Switches

11. Wool Dryer Balls
Replace single-use dryer sheets with reusable wool balls that soften clothes naturally.

Example: Wool Dryer Balls (~$15).

12. Refillable Detergent
Try eco-friendly brands like Dropps for refillable, zero-waste laundry detergent pods.

Example: Dropps Laundry Pods ($20 per subscription pack).

Living Space Switches

13. Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
LED bulbs last longer and use significantly less energy than traditional ones.

Example: Energy-Efficient LEDs ($2–$5 per bulb).

14. Smart Thermostat
Reduce energy use with a programmable thermostat like Nest.

Example: Nest Thermostat (starting at $100).

15. Reusable Air Fresheners
Essential oil diffusers are a sustainable alternative to chemical sprays.

Example: Essential Oil Diffuser (~$20).

On-the-Go Switches

16. Reusable Water Bottles
Stay hydrated without plastic waste by using a stainless steel bottle.

Example: Hydro Flask ($30–$50).

17. Travel Mugs
Avoid disposable cups by carrying an insulated travel mug.

Example: Contigo Travel Mug (~$20).

18. Reusable Shopping Bags
Say goodbye to single-use bags with foldable shopping totes.

Example: Reusable Shopping Ba gs ($15 per set).

Miscellaneous Switches

19. Solar Chargers
Charge small electronics with solar-powered chargers.

Example: Solar Charge r ($25–$50).

20. Reusable Gift Wrap
Choose fabric wraps or recycled paper for sustainable gifting.

Example: Fabric Gift Wraps (~$15 per set).

21. Recycled Furniture or Decor
Buy pre-loved or upcycled items from thrift stores or online marketplaces. Prices vary.

Why These Switches Make Sense

Each of these changes is easy to implement and offers long-term benefits. From reducing plastic waste to conserving energy, these eco-friendly swaps contribute to a healthier planet while saving you money and resources. Start with one or two changes today, and watch as they become seamless parts of your daily routine.

Do you have any favorite eco-friendly switches? Share them with us in the comments below!