The 13 Sustainable Swaps You Might Not Be Making

March 01, 2020

Easy peasy: there are a ton of simple, affordable ways to make a positive impact on Mother Earth without drastically altering your daily routine.

Ditch Plastic Baggies

Bag those plastic baggies. Youve likely thrown away hundreds of plastic zip top bags in your lifetime. Take a leap forward into a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle with Stasher storage bags: Theyre BPA-free, self-sealing and airtight, like your beloved ziptops, but theyre made of an extra-durable silicone for use over and over again. You can wash them in the dishwasher between lunches (the non-porous surface helps inhibit bacterial growth). Use them to cook in the microwave, for sous vide cooking, or as a toiletries bag for an airplane tripthey come in snack, sandwich, and half-gallon sizes, so you can pack as much or as little away as you like. And if you love the lunch notes of yore, you can write directly on the bags with dry erase markers. Were going to write "We love these storage bags!" on ours. Photo Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Wrap bread, cheese, vegetables, or cover a bowl! Bee's Wrap is the sustainable, natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. Use the warmth of your hands to soften the wrap and create a seal. When cool, the wrap will hold its shape. Photo Courtesy of Amazon

These beeswax food storage wraps will keep your food fresh without having to use plastic wrap, aluminum foils, etc. They are self-adhesive and reusable. The package includes one 7" square, one 10" square, and one 13" square that are perfect for cheese, fruits, vegetables, bread and much more. All natural ingredients approved by the FDA for food. Handcrafted in Canada. Photo Courtesy of Amazon

...Or Reuse Them

Bottle service. These little stands arent just a handy place to dry off your rinsed bottles, glasses, and even reused plastic baggies. Slip a sandwich bag over the tips and leave it out on the counter to use as a compost catcher while you prep dinner; or use it to hold open a storage bag for easy filling. Consider it the extra pair of hands you always wish you had in the kitchen. Stands are adjustable and lay flat for easy storage. Bags not included. Photography by Rocky Luten and Bobbi Lin

There is no way to get out of doing the dishes. Just a squirt or two of Rebel Green Super Deluxe Dish Soap will make your time at the sink seem less of a chore. This plant based formula with essential oils will create an enviable sparkle and shine for all of your dishes and glassware. No parabens, no phthalates, no petroleum based ingredients, no formaldehyde, no chlorine and no synthetic fragrances. Photo Courtesy of Thrive Market

Leave em high and dry. Take the "meh" out of the post-dinner mess with a two-tiered version of our best-selling dish rack. Two levels plus adjustable hooks on the sides give plenty of space for a days worth of dishes, while the movable spout under the bottom tray directs any dripping water right into the sink. Want some open space underneath all those dishes? You can move that bottom tray up, too. Did we mention it comes in both white and black? Take your pick! Photography by Ty Mecham & Rocky Luten

One-Use Paper Towels? A Thing of the Past

Wipe, rinse, repeat. Can you imagine a kitchen without paper towels? Yeah, we cant either. But we can imagine a kitchen without nearly as much paper towel waste, thanks to these reusable sheets made in a patented process from a three-dimensional blending of cellulose, non-GMO unbleached cotton and natural mineral salt. Theyre super absorbent (as in, 16 times their weight in water) and dont leave fibers behind on your countertops or floors (bye disposable sweeper pads!) even after several rinses. Each sheet lasts for a week and when youre ready to move on to the next one, simply drop it in the compost. Photography by Ty Mecham, Bobbi Linn & Julia Gartland

Cut Down on Plastic Tea Bags

Create your perfect cup of tea with this British tool designed with an aluminum strainer ideal for loose leaves and a circular logo tab at the end of the chain. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom

Invest in Nontoxic Cookware

This complete set of our non-stick ceramic-coated cookware has everything youll need for cooking healthy in your kitchen, staying organized, and looking good while doing so. Photo Courtesy of Caraway

Made by us, made with you. Our cookware is the result of decades of kitchen know-how, feedback from thousands of members of our community of home cooks, and countless rounds of testing to get it all right (see: stay-cool, non-slip handles, rivetless interiors, and built-in strainers). And because we know you need options, we rounded out our collection with both nonstick and stainless styles. Theyre true workhorses that cover all your bases in a single, cohesiveand absolutely beautifuldesign. Weve added tons of features youll only find here: Fully clad, tri-ply stainless steel construction: Each design is an ultra-sturdy 3mm thick with a stable base, thanks to two layers of stainless steel plus a highly conductive aluminum core that heats up evenly (no hot spots). Rivet-free, the way to be: Welded-on handles make for an easy-to-clean interiorno buildup, no gunkand a seamless, modern look. Stay-cool, non-slip handles: A "V" shape at the base lets air circulate, while the textured, stonewashed finish and gentle curvature feel great in-hand. Made with clean, non-toxic materials: Thanks to the diamond-infused ceramic coatingmade from sand!our two nonstick options are non-toxic and will never blister or peel (unlike traditional nonstick). Diamond reinforcement adds durability, but also allows for superior browning (it is roughly 4x more conductive than copper). Anti-yellowing technology: We treated each piece with color-stable technology, an all-over heat-resistant application that prevents discoloration and keeps your cookware looking brand-new. Glass lids...but better: 57% of our community members asked for themso we made ours in tempered glass. Theyre lightweight, tight-fitting, and oven- safe up to 390F, plus they let you keep an eye on the action without releasing heat and moisture. And yes, thats a built-in strainer right there on the lip of the stock pot and saucepan. Photography by Rocky Luten, Ty Mecham

Compost Your Food Scraps

A modern compost bin that eliminates food waste and looks damn good in the process. For nearly everyone, food waste is an inevitable part of daily life. Rather than tossing it in the trash to get shuttled off to a landfill, the Composter is there to help you sort your food waste before tossing it in your compost bin or your own compost pile. The modern design and handsome construction allows the Composter to perfectly blend in on any countertop, and is built from dishwasher-safe bamboo for easy cleaning. Photo Courtesy of Bamboozle

Your nose won't know you're composting! True to its name, our Odor-Free Compost Collector by Full Circle allows you to collect items for composting without the smell. Thanks to its innovative design that allows air to circulate, food scraps and kitchen waste breakdown faster. A wire rim holds compostable bags in place for easy removal. No wonder it won the prestigious Housewares Design Award and Green House Award! Photo Courtesy of Amazon

Break Up With Plastic Cling Wrap

Let's stick together. Keep food vacuum-sealed with this two-second wonder worker. Made with meal prep, leftovers, and all the things between in mind, its metal, plastic, and glass container friendly. All you have to do to remove excess air is press down on the top once youve applied. Did we mention itll even rescue fruit and veggie halves? Whatta keeper. Photography by James Ransom & Ty Mecham

Avoid Stale Snacks (and Food Waste)

No more stale chips. Small but mighty! Made from one continuous piece of 18/8 stainless steel wire, these clips are perfect for laundry, papers, in the kitchen -- both in the cupboard, the oven, and whatever else you can think of. We particularly love using them on open bags of flour, crackers, or chips -- it keeps things from going stale without any unsightly plastic clamps or rubber bands. Photography by James Ransom

Ever Heard of Eco-Friendly Faux Flowers?

These faux Heirloom Roses are inspired by the classic Rosa moschata, a repeat flowering specimen with a strong musk scent, and perfectly emulate the varietys graceful, arched stems. We designed these in collaboration with author / stylist, Hilary Robertson and purposely incorporated realistic details of faded leaves and petals, as well as bug holes to capture natures nuance. These look best on their own or mixed with Chocolate Cosmos, Black Barlows, and dried or fresh flowers. The arrangement in the vase features approximately four stems of Heirloom Roses, two stems of Black Barlows, two stems of Chocolate Cosmos as well as two stems of Dark Cosmos, all cut to various lengths. Note that stems and flower heads are flexible, and can be cut with strong, heavy-duty clippers. Petals and leaves are made of upcycled fabric from PET plastic bottles, while the stems and leaf bones are bioplastic. Our heirloom roses come in two sizes, 19" and 36". Photo Courtesy of Bloomist

Prevent Microfibers From Polluting Our Waterways

MojaWorks chemical-free laundry balls are the next evolution in our home cleaning line. The cleaning balls contain proprietary minerals and elements that purify and clean water naturally. Made specifically to suit MojaFiber, MojaWorks laundry chemical-free laundry balls are also well-suited to any fabric. The agitation provide by the laundry balls allows for cleaner laundry and will help disburse water in the spin cycle. Use for up to 1,000 loads of laundry and save $100's in laundry detergent. Be eco-friendly and reduce downstream nitrate and phosphate from standard laundry detergent. Use both washing balls to for larger loads and to allow for a better clean. Place washing ball in the sun for a 2-3 hours every month to regenerate ceramic micro beads. Photo Courtesy of Amazon

A portable wash bag that helps capture microfibers and keep them from entering water streams. Because clean clothes shouldn't equal a dirty ocean. Photo Courtesy of Girlfriend Collective

Make the Switch to Organic Bedding

Soft, supportive, and extraordinarily comfortable, our shaped Serenity Pillow redefines sleep support. Its designed for proper spinal alignment, relieving pressure on your head and neck. With the Serenity Pillow, you feel as if your head is cradled in air, an unparalleled sense of comfort that helps you sleep better and longer. The pillow has a special indentation on its underside, allowing your head to relax back while your neck is firmly supported. This position keeps your airways open, alleviates pressure on your face and ears, and relaxes some of the postural discomfort from smartphone and computer use. The Serenity Pillow is made of pure, GOLS-certified organic dunlop latex that will retain its shape and structure. Harvested by tapping trees, this natural, biodegradable rubber is mold- and mildew-resistant, and repels allergen-filled dust mites. The inner pillow cover is made of 100% organic cotton, and the removable protector offers a second covering of densely woven 380400 thread count organic cotton sateen that adds a smooth, natural layer of protection to resist stains and dust mites. Photo Courtesy of Coyuchi

Our natural hybrid latex mattress features GOLS organic certified latex, 100% GOTS organic certified wool, 100% GOTS organic certified cotton and up to 1,414 individually pocketed support coils arranged in 5 strategic zones. A GOTS organic certified product. Rather than use glues to bind the layers, it's hand tufted using needles. No polyester, polyurethane foams or fire retardants are used. Or explore our Vegan Mattress made without wool. All certifications are public and in our brand name for trust and transparency. Handmade in Los Angeles. 1% of all revenues support environmental nonprofits via 1% for the Planet. 1 year risk-free mattress trials and 25-year limited warranty. World's only Climate Neutral Certified mattress brand, with "net zero" carbon emissions from our farms to your bedroom. America's #1 ranked hybrid mattress, 2018 and 2019, according to a leading independent consumer publication's rating of Avocado Green Mattress. Photo Courtesy of Avocado Green Mattress

With its dynamic geometry, our Pismo Blanket is a contemporary take on matelass. Woven of organic cotton fibers, the fabric is stone-washed for softness and a more delicate texture. An allover pattern of triangles and polygons comes together in a light- to mid-weight blanket thats ideal for layering or using solo in warmer weather. Photo Courtesy of Coyuchi

Say goodnight to overheating. Temperature-regulating: Filled with breathable 100% eucalyptus fiber so you don't kick your comforter to the floor. Super-soft: Covered in eucalyptus fabric that's naturally softer and more earth-friendly than cotton. Cruelty-free: Each comforter protects 12 geese from live-plucking and is naturally hypoallergenic, unlike down. Photo Courtesy of Buffy

Dodge Plastic Bags in the Produce Section

Pick a pocket. Weaning yourself off plastic? Go green with these food storage bags made of 100% organic cotton. Youll want the large bags by your side when you hit the bulk bins, the small ones when youre packing snacks or sandwiches for a long day, and all of the sizes when sorting food in your fridge and pantry. Theyre super easy to wash, and the cotton is preshrunk, tootheyll hold the same amount of bulk grains, herbs and fresh produce before and after your wash em. Photography by Julia Gartland & Ty Mecham

Baggu's best selling reusable bag is not just for the grocery store. Carry in your hand or over your shoulder. Holds 2-3 plastic grocery bags worth of stuff. Folds into a flat 5 in. x 5 in. pouch. Holds 50 lbs.

Incorporate Eco-Friendly Products Into Your Cleaning Routine

Safely mop your floors clean with this multi-surface concentrated all natural floor cleaner that breaks down dirt, food, grease and grime. No residue left behind, no rinsing required. Safe around kids and petsIntended for use on sealed floors including hardwood, ceramic tile, bamboo, vinyl, and laminate. Awarded highest health & safety rating for cleaning products by the Environmental Working Group.

This plant-based non-toxic formula tackles stubborn stains in a flash and is scented with essential oils and botanical extracts.

Amalas magic sponge cloth is the most effective and eco-friendly cleaning cloth available. It can be used on all surfaces to remove dirt and dust, and will leave no scratches or streaks. One cloth absorbs 20 times its own weight in water, and quickly releases liquids by simply wringing it out. This cloth reaches almost anywhere you clean due to its soft, flexible and strong material. The Amala sponge cloth is extremely durable, and is tear- and abrasion-resistant. It is reusable and can be washed up to 300 times with a soft detergent. Photo Courtesy of Thrive Market

Have a sustainable swap youre particularly proud of? Let us know in the comments below!

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Related Reading:

A New Sustainable Subscription Program Is Helping Us Rethink the Way We Shop for Linens

The Eco-Friendly Guide to Upgrading an Existing Home

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