These days, you don’t have to look far to get a reminder of how dire the climate crisis is becoming. Just a few weeks ago, Canadian wildfires infiltrated Chicago (my city!) air to the point that everything was hazy and smoky. It really got me thinking about how I, as an individual, can act to prevent the further escalation of environmental deterioration. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of sustainable swaps! They’re easy ways that we can all make our lifestyles a bit more eco-conscious. 

If you’re in these parts of the internet, you’re likely already a supporter of slow fashion, sustainable fabrics like hemp fabric, and other various hemp products. In that case, you’re already on the right track, and adding more easy eco-friendly swaps will be natural for you. If you’re completely new to the world of sustainable living, have no fear! I’m here to show you how easy peasy and satisfying it really is to make greener choices!

At this point, all of us are aware of climate change to at least a small degree. It’s a result of decades of harmful industrial practices and a direct manifestation of the greed and consumerist mindsets that rule our society. We live on a regenerative planet so the damage is not irreversible, but it’s most certainly not being slowed enough at this rate. 

A good example of how little regard big business companies have for the environment is the continuing expansion of the fast fashion industry. Popular brands like She-in and Wish have been at the center of the conversation in recent years due to their questionable business practices which include the exploitation of workers and the promotion of over-consumerism.

One would think that with the state of emergency of the climate crisis, companies would strive harder to correct the damage they have contributed to. However, since those types of changes often mean a lesser profit margin, it’s unlikely that great change will take place at the hands of major corporations until their pocketbooks are impacted That makes one thing clear: implementing lasting positive impact will have to start with us, the little guys.  

It can be really easy to feel hopeless and insignificant as one single person trying to evoke change but individual responsibility is at the root of the solution to overcoming climate change. Of course, the main culprits are big companies and conglomerates that no one individual can control but you have the power to boycott institutions whose practices don’t align with your vision for the world. You have power as a consumer!

Bringing forth change starts with you. It starts with making small adjustments and then moving on to more significant changes. It continues with you sharing your enthusiasm about easy sustainable swaps and inspiring someone around you to start living more sustainably too. 

We all have habits and patterns surrounding all areas of our lives and it can be difficult to adjust those patterns. However, once we dig into this list of sustainable swaps, you’ll start to see how seamless some of these changes can be. A little bit of effort can go a long long way. Without further ado, here are 26 easy eco friendly swaps to consider!

1. START USING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER BARS

Plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles contribute to a lot of the world’s plastic waste and the kicker is that the products in these bottles are made up of around 80% water. What a rip-off! Swap out the wasteful plastic monsters for bar shampoo and conditioner. They’re concentrated versions of the same products that are more sustainable and easier to travel with, and you get more bang for your buck.

2. COMPOST OR REPURPOSE FOOD SCRAPS

Put scraps and peels aside instead of tossing them in the trash when peeling or chopping vegetables. If you have a composting set-up at home you can dispose of them there. Otherwise, use the vegetable scraps to make some homemade veggie broth.

Gone are the days of flimsy, fast fashion underwear. The next time you go shopping for skivvies, invest in some hemp underwear for a real premium upgrade. The planet will thank you and your booty will do a little happy dance once it feels how soft and breathable they are.

4. BRING YOUR SHOPAHOLIC TENDENCIES TO THRIFT STORE

The next time you get that itch to get yourself something pretty, head to a second-hand store instead of a department store. Shopping at thrift stores can require a little more digging but the results can often be more fulfilling. You can get your hands on some really unique, affordable items without bringing any new waste into the world.

5. UPGRADE YOUR RAZOR TO A REUSABLE ONE 

Having a reusable razor is not only a sustainable choice, but it’s also the lazy one! There are so many brands out there that deliver reusable razors right to your door and provide you with subscription options for blade replacements. Easy peasy!

If your butt is already receiving the hemp treatment, why shouldn’t your titties experience the same comfort?! Hemp bras are the softest and most durable option for your bosom. Next time you need to perform the dreaded act of bra shopping, save yourself some frustration and order a cute bralette made of the most sustainable fabric!

7. SWITCH OVER TO SUSTAINABLE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

Pads and tampons (especially ones with plastic applicators) are very wasteful, not to mention quite uncomfy. There are so many options for sustainable swaps regarding menstrual products. Menstrual cups and period underwear are among the most popular choices. These products also give you the ability to go about your day without worrying about your period too much because they last longer than pads and tampons.

8. ELIMINATE THE USE OF PLASTIC IN YOUR KITCHEN

Plastic baggies and containers are a real faux pas. Store your leftovers in glass containers or beeswax wraps to make your kitchen a greener space. You can also purchase some reusable Ziploc bags. 

9. GROW YOUR OWN HERBS AND VEGGIES

Not everyone has the space or time to tend to a full garden. If you are able to grow your own food, that’s great! There’s nothing quite like biting into a vegetable that your own hands helped grow! If you have limited outdoor space (like a balcony) consider growing two or three types of produce that you consume often. If you have no space, try growing some herb plants to add some natural flair to your meals. 

10. WALK OR BIKE WHENEVER YOU CAN

This is a two-for-one. Avoiding the use of public transport and driving lessens your carbon footprint but it can also be beneficial to your mental health. Biking or walking to work or social events can give you a moment of peace and centering before engaging with other people and tackling your to-do list. 

11. AIR DRY YOUR CLOTHES

I’m from Poland and the concept of dryers doesn’t really exist over there. Air drying your clothes is really not the hassle that it seems like. Personally, I prefer the feeling of air-dried clothes, especially if I’m able to line-dry them in the fresh air. Get yourself a drying rack or a clothesline to hang out your window and try it out!

Ever wonder what to do with old underwear? Throwing them away is not the only option. You can get creative and use old pairs as cleaning rags (if they aren’t too visibly worn). There are also organizations that recycle your old undies for you. If you know that your underwear is made of natural fabric, you can even compost it. 

13. EXPERIMENT WITH VEGETARIAN FOOD

I know that many people don’t like being told how big of an impact the meat industry has on the environmental crisis. It’s a well-known fact that cutting down on your meat intake is an easy sustainable change to make. I’m not suggesting a full switch to vegetarianism but if you start playing around with meat-free foods you may discover some new flavors you really love. Even replacing 2 to 3 meaty meals a week with veggie ones is a step in the right direction. 

14. OPT FOR SLOW, SUSTAINABLE FASHION

For all the fashion companies that are sticking to their destructive ways, there are just as many emerging brands dedicated to creating beautiful, ethically made clothing. Natural fabrics (like hemp fabric) are becoming all the rage these days. You can find some really unique pieces out there and feel good about where you’re spending your money.

Many people will tell you that an e-reader is the most sustainable switch you can make regarding your reading habits but I disagree. On behalf of all the people who prefer physical books, I say the best thing you can do is get your literature secondhand. Or at the library! It’s free! (Although if you do prefer a Kindle, you can also rent e-books at the library, FYI!)

16. SWITCH TO A BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH

Keeping your teeth clean doesn’t have to come at the detriment of the environment. Avoid unnecessary plastic waste by switching to a bamboo toothbrush. They’re just as effective and more comfortable to hold (in my humble opinion). 

17. UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM WITH A RECYCLING BIN 

Most of us have a little trash can in our bathrooms but I bet only a few of us have gone a step further to include a recycling bin. It makes perfect sense! A lot of the products used in the bathroom come in containers that can be recycled but often aren’t, and having a bin right there will make it easier than ever.

18. USE SUSTAINABLE LAUNDRY DETERGENT AND CLEANING PRODUCTS 

Using natural, non-toxic cleaning products and detergents is the best move for your health. In addition to that, opting for natural products that aren’t packaged in plastic is an easy way to eliminate waste. Many laundry detergents are (just like shampoo) made mostly of water. Look for concentrated, dried versions of the detergent and fabric softener.

Seriously, why isn’t everyone on the reusable bag trend yet?! Plastic bags are honestly gross and many stores have even introduced a bag fee to discourage people from using them (bare minimum but good effort, I guess). Carrying around a reusable tote can be a good way to ensure you never need a plastic bag. Oh, and they can be so cute too!

20. REVAMP OLD CLOTHES BEFORE BUYING NEW ONES

Shopping is fun, yes, but using your own hands and brain to breathe new life into old clothes can be even more fun! Before you get the urge to buy something new, try to work some magic on old clothes through mending, cropping, and easy alterations you can learn on youtube!

If you are stuck on what to do with old bras, you actually have a few options to consider. There are several organizations you can consider sending lightly used bras to that will donate them to women in need. For a more local option, bring bras to a nearby women’s shelter. If your bras are a little worse for wear, you can always send them to be recycled, too. 

22. GET A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

Everyone should have their own reusable water bottle. Not only will it discourage you from purchasing single-use plastic bottles, but it will also inspire you to drink more water!  

23. SAY GOODBYE TO SINGLE USE Q-TIPS

Q-tips are another single-use item you should really stop purchasing. Not all of them are made of plastic, but even the ones that don't produce a lot of waste if you use them every day. Get your hands on a reusable Q-tip, instead!

24. MAKE YOUR OWN FACE MASKS

Instead of purchasing single-use sheet masks, consider using some common items to craft your own face mask. You can look up some easy natural skin care recipes online. If DIY projects are not your jam, consider switching to naturally-made masks.

25.  GET EXCITED ABOUT PLANT-BASED MILK

Replacing dairy milk with plant milk is one of the easiest sustainable adjustments you can make to your diet. There are so many different types of plant milk so you’re bound to find one that suits your taste. In my opinion, oat milk is the most comparable to cow’s milk because it’s got a creamy taste and is thick enough to froth really well. And guess what? The production of oat milk creates 80% less greenhouse gas emissions than dairy!

26. FOREGO THE PRESENTS, GIFT EXPERIENCES INSTEAD 

Gift-giving can be a sweet way to express your love for someone but it can also be a wasteful practice. Unless you know that the person receiving the gift will 100% make use of the item, try getting a bit more creative with your gift-giving. Take your loved one to see a show or book a little adventure for the two of you to enjoy together!

Well, are you seeing the world in shades of green, yet? I sure am and I hope that there’s at least one of these easy eco friendly swaps that appeals to you. Clean living can be addictive once you get the hang of it so I encourage you to try implementing just one of these sustainable swaps and see how it goes from there. 

What do you think of these ideas for greener living? Are you already practicing a majority of these sustainable swaps? Do you have any other ideas for easy steps to take to make your life more sustainable? As always, share your thoughts in the comments, we could all use the inspiration! Stay green, everyone!