7 simple swaps that will instantly make your home more eco-friendly

Ever looked around your home and wondered how much of what you use daily ends up harming the planet?

I had this realization a few years back while rushing through my morning routine. As I tossed yet another disposable razor into the trash, something clicked. Here I was, someone who volunteers at farmers' markets and genuinely cares about sustainability, yet my bathroom was filled with single-use items that would outlive me by decades.

The truth is, creating an eco-friendly home doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul or breaking the bank. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. And the beauty of these swaps? They often save you money in the long run while reducing your environmental footprint.

Ready to transform your space into something that aligns with your values? These seven simple switches will get you started without overwhelming your routine or your wallet.

1. Ditch disposable razors for a safety razor

Here's a stat that'll make you pause: every year, around 2 billion throwaway razors end up in the trash, which means more than 63 razors are hitting landfills every single second, and all that plastic takes about 100 years to break down. 

That morning realization I mentioned? It led me to invest in a safety razor, and honestly, it's been one of my best purchases. Yes, there's a slight learning curve—I nicked myself a couple times initially—but once you get the hang of it, the shave is actually closer and smoother.

The upfront cost might seem steep, but think about it this way: you're buying replacement blades that cost pennies instead of expensive cartridge refills.

Plus, that sleek metal razor will last you decades, not weeks. It's sitting pretty in my bathroom right now, looking far more elegant than those bright plastic disposables ever did.

The environmental impact speaks for itself. One safety razor replaces thousands of plastic razors over its lifetime.

2. Replace paper towels with reusable cloths

Do you find yourself reaching for paper towels multiple times throughout the day? Whether it's wiping down counters, cleaning up spills, or drying hands, those sheets add up faster than we realize.

I used to go through rolls like nobody's business until I discovered the magic of microfiber cloths and old cotton t-shirts cut into squares. Now I keep a stack in my kitchen drawer and another set in my cleaning caddy. When they get dirty, they go straight into the washing machine with my regular laundry.

The switch felt awkward at first—I'd automatically reach for the paper towel roll that was no longer there. But within a week, grabbing a cloth became second nature. And the best part? My grocery bill got noticeably lighter without those monthly paper towel purchases.

These cloths work better than paper towels for most cleaning tasks anyway. They're more absorbent, don't leave lint behind, and you can use them with just water for many jobs. Keep a few damp ones in the fridge for quick cleanups.

3. Swap plastic wrap for beeswax wraps

Plastic wrap always frustrated me. It would stick to itself, never tear cleanly, and create this clingy mess that somehow managed to stick to everything except what I actually wanted to cover.

Beeswax wraps changed everything. They mold perfectly around bowls, keep food fresh longer, and can be washed and reused for up to a year. I love how they warm up slightly from your hands, making them pliable enough to create a perfect seal around containers or directly around food items.

You can buy them ready-made or create your own using cotton fabric and beeswax—it's surprisingly simple and makes for a fun weekend project. I made a batch last spring and gave some as gifts to friends who were equally impressed.

Beyond the environmental benefits, they're actually more effective at keeping food fresh. I've noticed my cut vegetables and cheese last longer wrapped in beeswax than they ever did under plastic. Plus, they add a touch of natural charm to your fridge that beats sterile plastic any day.

4. Choose bar soap over liquid dispensers

Walk into any bathroom today and you'll likely find multiple plastic bottles lined up on counters and shower ledges. Body wash, hand soap, shampoo—all housed in containers that'll eventually need replacing.

Bar soaps have made a serious comeback, and for good reason. They last longer than their liquid counterparts, often contain fewer harsh chemicals, and come with minimal or completely plastic-free packaging. I switched to bar soap for handwashing first, then gradually moved to bar shampoo and body soap.

The transition to bar shampoo took some adjustment—my hair felt different for the first few washes as it adjusted to the lack of sulfates and silicones. But now? My hair feels healthier and stronger than it has in years.

Quality matters here. Look for bars made with natural ingredients from companies that prioritize sustainability. Many small businesses create gorgeous, effective bars that smell amazing and support local economies. Your bathroom counter will look cleaner and more intentional without all those plastic bottles cluttering the space.

5. Use refillable water bottles instead of buying bottled water

I know this one seems obvious, but hear me out. It's not just about carrying a reusable bottle when you're out and about—it's about completely eliminating the habit of buying cases of bottled water for your home.

Growing up, my family always had those big packs of water bottles in the pantry. It seemed normal, convenient even. But when I started paying my own grocery bills and really looked at the cost—not to mention the environmental impact—I realized how unnecessary it was.

Investing in a good water filter for your tap and a few high-quality reusable bottles transforms your relationship with hydration. I keep one bottle at my desk, another in my car, and a larger one for trail runs. The water tastes better, stays the perfect temperature longer, and I never run out.

If your tap water tastes off, a simple carbon filter pitcher or under-sink system will solve that problem while still saving you money and reducing plastic waste. The convenience factor actually improves—no more running out of bottles or lugging heavy cases from the store.

6. Replace air fresheners with essential oil diffusers

Those plug-in air fresheners and aerosol sprays might make your house smell like "spring meadow" or "vanilla sunset," but they're pumping synthetic chemicals into the air you breathe daily. Not exactly the fresh, clean environment most of us are going for.

Essential oil diffusers offer a natural alternative that actually improves your indoor air quality. I started with a simple ultrasonic diffuser and a few basic oils—lavender for the bedroom, peppermint for the kitchen, and eucalyptus for the bathroom.

The scents are more subtle and authentic than artificial fragrances, and you can customize blends based on your mood or the season. During winter, I love diffusing orange and cinnamon oils. Summer calls for fresh combinations like lemon and rosemary.

Beyond just smelling good, many essential oils offer therapeutic benefits. Lavender genuinely helps me wind down in the evening, while peppermint gives me an energy boost during afternoon work sessions. You're creating ambiance while supporting your wellbeing, rather than just masking odors with chemicals.

7. Switch to LED light bulbs throughout your home

This swap delivers immediate results you can actually see on your electricity bill. LED bulbs use about 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and last 25 times longer. That means fewer trips to the store for replacements and significantly lower energy costs.

I replaced all the bulbs in my house over the course of a few months, room by room as the old ones burned out. The difference in my monthly electric bill was noticeable within the first full month. And the light quality? Much better than I expected.

Modern LEDs come in various color temperatures, so you can choose warm, cozy light for living spaces and brighter, cooler light for work areas. They don't generate nearly as much heat as incandescent bulbs either, which helps keep your home cooler in summer.

The upfront cost is higher per bulb, but when you factor in their lifespan and energy savings, they pay for themselves quickly. 

Final thoughts

These swaps prove that sustainable living doesn't require dramatic lifestyle changes or significant financial investment. Small, intentional choices compound over time, creating meaningful impact for both your wallet and the planet.

Which swap will you try first?