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8 sustainable swaps for a more eco-friendly home this year

Make your home more environmentally friendly for the good of the planet


eco friendly
Margarita Hirapetian
US Affiliate WriterLos Angeles
On 4 January 2023
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We can all do our part to be more eco-friendly and take better care of the planet. These swaps of everyday household items will keep your life efficient and convenient without causing damage to the planet for lack of biodegradibility. 

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So many household items, like plastic cling wrap, paper towels, and laundry detergent, are bad for the environment and create excessive waste that will take forever to biodegrade in landfills. By swapping paper towels for reusable dishcloths, for example, you can greatly reduce your carbon footprint and create so much less waste. Not to mention, you'll save quite a lot of money in the long run. It's a win-win!

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Swap paper towels for reusable dishcloths

dishcloth2

DII Reusable Swedish Dishcloths, was $17.99 now $16.99, Amazon

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Disposable sponges and paper towels result in so much waste. These reusable and durable dishcloths can replace both, and they are compostable after you're fully done with them because they're made of cellulose and cotton.

Swap disposable sponges for a washable one

sponge

Marleys Monsters Washable Sponge, $12, Etsy

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This zero-waste sponge is washable so that you can use it again and again without resorting to a new disposable sponge every few weeks.

Swap disposable K Cups for reusable K Cups

k cups

Reusable K Cups for Keurig, $8.99, Amazon

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Need your coffee fix several times a day? These reusable K cups for your Keurig are easy to clean and create far less waste than disposable K cups.

Swap dishwashing liquid for eco-friendly pods

dishwasher

Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods, $25, Dropps

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Free of toxic, harmful chemicals, these unscented detergent pods leave your dishes squeaky clean. Buy once for $25 or subscribe and save over $6.

Swap plastic storage bags for reusable ones

stasher

Stasher Reusable Storage Bags, was $12.99 now $9.74, Amazon

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Stashers are wonderful replacements for Ziploc bags and other plastic bags that get one or two uses at the most. They're leakproof and safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer/fridge.

Swap disposable cotton pads for reusable ones

makeup remover

Wegreeco Reusable Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads, $8.99, Amazon

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Reusable up to 1,000 times, these bamboo makeup remover pads will replace your disposable cotton ones. Use them to apply toner, remove heavy eye makeup, and even to clean tear-stained dog eyes (if you have a pup).

Swap parchment paper for silicone baking mats

baking mat

Silicone Baking Mat, $14.45, Amazon

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If you're a frequent baker, swap parchment paper for these silicone baking mats that are perfect for cookies, macarons, bread, and different types of pastry.

Swap plastic cling wrap for reusable beeswax food wrap

beeswax

Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wrap, was $18.99 now $18, Amazon 

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Plastic cling wrap used to cover food or wrap sandwiches takes forever to biodegrade, but these reusable beeswax wraps last a year and are more durable and keep food more fresh than foil or plastic.

Swap your laundry detergent or pods

laundry

Seventh Generation Laundry Packs Free & Clear, $13.99, Target

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These laundry packs are made from 94% plant-based materials. Unscented, they can be dropped directly into your washing machine and have the EPA Safer Choice Standard ecolabel.

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