This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Going green doesn’t mean overhauling your whole house overnight. The easiest way to start is with small swaps: one item at a time, as you use things up. Many of these swaps save money over time, too, which makes them a win for your family and your budget.
Here are simple eco-friendly swaps for every room.
In the kitchen
- Paper towels ? cloth towels or rags. Cut up old t-shirts or buy a stack of cotton bar towels. Toss them in the wash.
- Plastic wrap ? beeswax wraps or containers with lids. Reusable glass containers work for leftovers and lunches.
- Zip-top bags ? reusable silicone bags. Great for snacks, freezer storage and marinating.
- Disposable sponges ? washable dishcloths or a scrub brush.
- Bottled water ? a filter pitcher and reusable bottles. This one saves a lot of money over a year.
- Trash ? compost. Fruit and vegetable scraps can become garden soil. Here’s how to start composting with kids.
In the laundry room
- Dryer sheets ? wool dryer balls. They last for hundreds of loads.
- Hot water ? cold water. Most clothes get just as clean, and it uses less energy.
- Dryer ? clothesline or drying rack when the weather cooperates.
In the bathroom
- Plastic toothbrushes ? bamboo toothbrushes.
- Bottled body wash ? bar soap. Less packaging and it lasts longer.
- Cotton rounds ? washable makeup remover pads.
- Leaky faucets ? fixed faucets! A quick washer replacement can save gallons a day.
Around the house
- Old bulbs ? LED bulbs. They use far less electricity and last for years.
- Harsh cleaners ? simple homemade cleaners. White vinegar, baking soda and a little dish soap handle most everyday cleaning. (Never mix vinegar with bleach.)
- Single-use batteries ? rechargeable batteries for remotes and kids’ toys.
- Standby power ? power strips. Switch them off at night to stop “vampire” energy use.
- New ? secondhand. Thrift stores and online marketplaces are perfect for kids’ clothes, toys and furniture.
On the go
- Keep reusable grocery bags in the car (and actually remember to bring them in!).
- Pack a reusable coffee cup and water bottle.
- Combine errands into one trip to save gas.
- Walk or bike for short trips when you can.
Make it a family habit
Kids love having a job. Let them be the “light patrol” who turns off lights in empty rooms, the recycling sorter, or the garden waterer. Little habits learned now become lifelong ones.
Eco-friendly swaps FAQ
Which eco swaps save the most money?
A water filter instead of bottled water, cloth towels instead of paper, LED bulbs and washing clothes in cold water are some of the biggest money savers.
Do I need to replace everything at once?
No! Use up what you have and switch to a greener option when it runs out. That’s the most budget-friendly (and eco-friendly) way to do it.
Looking for more ways to save? See How to Save $1,000 Fast, or grab my free printables in the Free Printables Library.
You might also like:
Leave a Reply