Eco-Friendly Swaps
Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean giving up what you are used to – but it may mean swapping what you currently consume with products that consume fewer resources and lead to less waste at the end of its life. Or it may mean consuming differently – by taking part in the circular and sharing economy. Either way, there are so many easy and cost-effective eco-friendly swaps to consider.
“You can’t buy your way to sustainability” is a common refrain in the eco-community and it’s a valid point – constant consumption doesn’t reduce your impact on the environment, even if it is consumption of eco-friendly products.
However, some things are a part of our everyday lives that we can not do without. And there are consumables in our lives that need replacing.
So let’s make sure what we consume does not unnecessarily impact our environment, by considering some of the alternatives covered in the blog posts mentioned below.
Household Items
Here you will find links to other random items I’ve looked into and explored. There are so many small businesses committed to sustainable production and reducing their carbon footprint, so I am sure this list will increase as I discover more.
- Water bottles: 15 of the Most Popular Reusable Water Bottles in Australia
- Coffee cups: Best Reusable Coffee Cups in Australia: Glass, Ceramic and Bamboo
- Kitchen recycling bins: Buying Recycling Bins for Your Home – A Guide for Australians
- Kitchen compost bins: Best Kitchen Compost Bins – Get the Right Bin For You
- Office recycling bins: Office Recycling Bins – Create an Eco-Friendly Workspace
- Stationery: 5 eco-friendly stationery options you will want to know about
- Water bottles: A Practical Guide to Buying Reusable Water Bottles
- Coffee cups: Sip Sustainably – Why Reusable Coffee Cups Are Worth It
- Recycling bin colours: Recycling Bin Colours in Australia – Guide on Council Bins
- Stationery: Eco-friendly stationery for everyday use – shopping guide and price comparisons
Peer-to-Peer Sharing
Have I always opted for not buying an item but borrowing instead? Honestly, I can’t say that I have. But I am open to it and it’s something I am exploring further.
Here are some resources I have been able to pull together on this. The information I have gathered is directed toward an Australian audience but those overseas may find something useful, giving you clues for what to look out for in your own neighbourhood:
Eco-friendly cleaning products
Information on the production methods (and therefore the carbon footprint) of cleaning products is hard to find. But the impact chemicals have on the natural environment is known – in particular the impact on aquatic life if these chemicals were to enter our water streams. In choosing what products to use, I have focused on making sure the products have minimal to no impact on aquatic life, while plastic-free packaging was a secondary consideration.
Check out these blog posts for information on what has worked for me and the research I have uncovered:
Personal Hygiene
Fashion
Isn’t this sad? I’ve only looked at one thing at this stage – shoes! Having a capsule wardrobe means I don’t buy clothes all that often so I haven’t needed to explore this topic much. But my shoe game is pathetic and there were some gaps in my shoe collection I really needed to fill. Read this blog post for all the brands I go to when shopping for shoes: 14 Australian Eco-Friendly Shoe Brands Worth Checking Out
This blog post outlines the aspects to consider when shopping for shoes: How to Buy Eco-Friendly Shoes in Australia – Reference Guide
Sunglasses and Prescription Glasses
- Sustainable Sunglasses – Know What to Look Out For
- 9 Sustainable Sunglass Brands Worth Checking Out
- Sustainable Choices for Your Eyewear – Your Options Covered
- Replacing New Lenses in Your Old Frames – Is it Worth it?
- 7 Sustainable Prescription Eyewear Brands Worth Checking Out
- Plant-Based Sunglasses – What Are They Made From Really?
- Recycled Plastic Sunglasses – Innovations Worth Supporting
- A Close Look At Bamboo Sunglasses – Sustainable or Not?
- Recycled Metal Sunglasses – From Waste to Wearable
- Don’t Throw Them Away – Practical Uses for Your Old Glasses
Content in this section is a little light at the moment but it will build up over time 
To have a say on what I cover, follow me on Instagram where I often ask followers for their ideas.
