8 Easy Steps to an Eco-Friendly Home

By: Nina Thurau 
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Going eco-friendly at home may seem like a big undertaking, but it’s actually easier than most people think. The key is to start simple rather than trying to change everything at once.
Here are eight changes you can make that are so simple you won’t even realize anything has changed!

1. Bamboo Toothbrush – Compostable and affordable, converting to bamboo toothbrushes is the easiest first step towards a more eco-friendly home. As they’ve become more popular they’re much easier to find. From Etsy to Amazon, there are plenty of options to choose from. When you’re finished, just toss them in the compost.
2. Bamboo Cotton Swabs – Some cotton swabs are made with plastic stems. Find bamboo ones like these for an environmentally friendly alternative.
3. Compostable Sponges – Natural kitchen sponges are another easy change. No more microplastics tearing away and floating down the drain. Natural sponges are made of plant-based material that can easily biodegrade. Trader Joe’s has some great pop up sponges made of vegetable cellulose. Need a tough scrubber? No problem. You can find natural loofahs like these to get rid of those stubborn spots on dishes and plates. 
4. Silicone Storage Bags – Replacing plastic sandwich bags has never been easier. Plenty of companies out there have their own version of the popular Stasher bags.  Versatile and varied, they come in different sizes and you can pop them into the freezer or use them as snack bags. 
5. Parchment Paper – Do a lot of baking? Love roasting your veggies? A super easy change, unbleached and chlorine-free parchment paper is the eco-friendly version of aluminum foil, whose manufacturing footprint is quite large. 
6. Beeswax Wraps – Giving up plastic wrap is a breeze with the plethora of beeswax wrap options out there. Easy to clean and easy on the eyes, beeswax wraps come in every size imaginable. Use it to wrap that fresh loaf of bread, your sun butter sandwich, or to cover a bowl filled with yummy leftovers.
7. Cloth Napkins – Making this switch is easy and decorative! Check out Etsy for beautifully patterned homemade napkins. Buy a batch of them then toss them in with your laundry when they’re ready to be cleaned.
8. Detergent Pods – Simple and also convenient, getting a subscription for detergent pods like these is a game changer. They come in eco-friendly packaging and are shipped right to your door. Just toss one into the washer before you put your clothes in. No more big, plastic bottles of detergent!