20 easy eco-friendly swaps you can make right now

It's tough to give up on paper towels, especially for kitchen spills, but there are now plenty of sustainable alternatives that are almost as convenient. Find cloth towels that can be washed and reused, or go with a more renewable option like bamboo if you must use disposables. 

Plastic sandwich bags are convenient but wasteful, and it's not too difficult to swap to silicone zip bags that can stash everything from sandwiches to leftovers. The original Stasher brand is popular, but there are plenty of other resealable silicone bags on the market. 

Whether you're taking off makeup or applying skincare products, cotton balls just aren't necessary. Invest in a reusable cloth, like Make-Up Eraser, or make your own reusable cotton pads that can be tossed in the washing machine instead of a landfill once they're dirty. 

Parchment paper is frequently used in baking, but a silicone mat is affordable and can be reused countless times. 

Plastic water bottles are a significant presence in landfills, and it's really pretty easy to avoid using them. Score a stainless steel or glass bottle, and keep it in your bag to refill at home or in public water fountains when thirst strikes. 

The grocery store is packed with plastic, including the bags that you use to take your essentials home. Many municipalities have banned plastic bags or require stores to charge for them, which makes canvas totes that can be reused infinitely both more convenient and eco-friendly. 

If you use plastic coffee pods or coffee filters, consider making the swap to a classic French press. You won't need to buy paper filters, and you'll still get the perfect cup of Joe every single time. 

Laundry detergent is a major factor in water pollution thanks to phosphates, dyes, and other chemicals. Swap to a more eco-friendly brand, like Seventh Generation or Method, to keep those harsh chemicals out of the water supply while making sure your clothes are still squeaky clean. 

Plastic straws have been much maligned by those who consider themselves eco-friendly, and there are plenty of alternatives that won't end up in the trash can after a single-use. Try metal straws outfitted with silicone tips, wide glass straws, or flexible silicone straws and wash them in the dishwasher to ensure that they're fully sanitized in between uses. 

Those cheap plastic food containers you use to store leftovers wear out quickly, but glass storage containers last forever. Scour second-hand markets for glass containers with the lids, or invest in a new set that will last for years. 

Body wash is nice, but those plastic bottles create tons of waste. And now, bar soap isn't like it was when you were a kid. Head to your farmer's market for locally sourced soap bars, shampoo bars, and other ways to clean your body without putting more junk in a landfill. 

Those flimsy bags used to cart broccoli and other produce from the grocery store to home can totally be avoided. Stash a few mesh produce bags in your purse or reusable grocery bags to keep that excess plastic out of your home. 

The ubiquity of plastic cling film makes it hard to avoid, especially when you're packaging up leftovers or filling up a lunch box. Instead of buying yet another box of disposable plastic wrap, consider investing in cotton wrap that's been impregnated with beeswax. It will keep food fresh and can be washed and reused for many more uses. 

If you've got a grocery store that offers the ability to bulk refill items like soap, take advantage of that! Buy glass bottles and fill them with soap and shampoo, or at the very least, purchase these items in one large bulk container and decant into smaller bottles for daily use. 

Static in the dryer is seriously annoying, but dryer sheets aren't the only solution. For less than $15, you can score wool dryer balls that do just as good of a job at eliminating static as disposable dryer sheets. Pro-tip: add essential oils for a boost of scent. 

When you're eating takeout or camping, disposable cutlery is so convenient. To avoid using cutlery that's just going to end up in the trash, keep a camping utensils kit or other reusable utensils in your car or bag. Usually, they include a container that you can put the dirty utensils inside and wash when you get home. 

Microfiber cloths are handy for dusting, but they're made totally from plastic. Purge your old t-shirts for an alternative that's both eco-friendly and pretty darn good at getting the job done. 

Chemical-laden cleaners used to be the gold standard, but now there are plenty of options for cleaning and sanitizing your home that doesn't involve harsh surfactants or noxious-smelling chemicals. Try natural alternatives, like baking soda and vinegar, for small messes. 

Buying in bulk can both save cash and reduce plastic waste, especially if you bring your own containers to the store. Consider swapping items like bagged nuts and granola for bulk options at grocery stores like Whole Foods. 

Whatever you're shopping for, consider a secondhand option first. Vintage stores are packed with super-stylish finds, and thrift shops can be perfect for scoring a unique piece of furniture or a cool gift that can't be found in mass-market retailers.