9 Easy Environmental Swaps to Make

One of my goals for 2021 was to be more environmentally conscious. One of the ways I am choosing to do that is by making small, but important environmental swaps. Here are 9 super easy environmental swaps to make, that will probably save you money in the long run!

Environmental Swaps

1. Dryer balls

This is an environmental swap that will save you a lot of money! You can by dryer balls for under $15 and they will last you such a long time! Dryer sheets get expensive, and you are just buying something to throw it away again, creating unnecessary waste.

2. Water Bottles

You do not need to buy bottled water! You will save yourself so much money purchasing a water bottle and filling it up, and you’ll reduce your plastic consumption by a lot! I use a S’well and love it as it keeps my water cold, but I also use a 1/2 gallon bottle too, similar to a HydroJug. I find I drink more water by using the 1/2 gallon bottle, and I have cut down my plastic consumption considerably.

3. Reusable Coffee Cups

There are so many cute reusable coffee cups you can buy! I personally don’t go out for coffee often, but I am going to take my own cup for coffee (when covidgoes away) and I will not be purchasing any disposable coffee cups for at home. Disposable cups create more waste, and often aren’t recycled, making them not very environmentally friendly.

4. Reusable Cotton Rounds

Cotton rounds are another thing that you buy just to throw out! A pack of reusable cotton rounds is $8, and will last you such a long time. Once you’ve used it just put it in the wash and you are good to use it again! I use these for toner, and also have one that I use for removing nail polish. This is one of my favorite environmental swaps I have made so far, and I will never go back to buying regular cotton rounds.

5. Makeup Eraser

Can we just talk about how expensive makeup remover wipes are?? Seriously, if you’re wearing makeup on the daily you are going through a TON of those things! They also are not great for the environment either. The Makeup Eraser is only $20, and is said to last 3-5 years! Not only are you saving money, you are reducing your waste, and getting a makeup remover product that is awesome.

6. Period Panties or a Menstrual Cup

The average woman throws away 125-150 kg of pads and tampons in their lifetime, which is about 275-330 pounds! This is an environmental swap that I am yet to make myself, but really want to for not only the environmental benefits, but for the amount of money you can save as well. The average woman spends around $6360 on menstrual products in their life! Menstrual cups cost between $5 and $40, and period panties between $10-$40 and can last for years, so they will definitely save you money!

7. Reusable Straws

We all know straws can end up in the ocean, and harm all the marine life. Reusable straws are pretty inexpensive, and there are so many cute colors and designs out there. I never purchase disposables straws, but if you do need to purchase disposable ones, consider some that are biodegradable or paper.

8. Silicone Mats

Silicone mats are a great alternative to parchment paper as they are reusable! I am going to purchase some myself, as I find I cook and bake a lot of recipes that call for parchment paper, and parchment paper just creates more waste.

9. Paper Towel Alternatives

Paper towels contribute a lot to waste! There are so many alternatives to paper towels, such as microfiber cloths, reusable paper towels, and dish cloths. I have started using dish cloths for a lot of cleaning in the kitchen. I don’t think I will completely stop using paper towels, as I find that I do like them for certain things, such as removing grease and oil from pans, but I have substantially limited how much I use them.

These were 9 environmental swaps that I personally am trying to implement into my life! If you know of anymore environmental swaps, comment below! As always, thanks for reading!