6 Sustainable Swaps to Make in 2024
Making an effort to be more environmentally conscious in 2024 is a fantastic goal that will benefit the planet, your pocket, and your overall health and well-being. If this is a goal of yours, first of all, congratulations on your commitment! We know that it’s a challenging yet deeply rewarding journey.
However, if you’re struggling to figure out where to start with making changes in your life, it’s always best to make small changes first. Here are nine simple switches you can make this year to improve your carbon footprint without overwhelming yourself.
Natural Cleaning Products
It’s always easier to switch out products you already use for slightly different (and slightly better) ones. One area you can do this without much thought or effort is your cleaning products!
Making the switch to non-toxic, natural cleaning products that are safe for the environment and your family only requires you to throw some different products into your cart. To minimize your expenses, try to find natural all purpose cleaners that you can use in multiple areas of your home. Look for biodegradable products that use plant-based chemicals such as baking soda, vinegar, citrus extracts, and essential oils. These cleaners remove dirt and bacteria from your surfaces without any harsh chemicals or artificial scents to choke you up.
Natural Skincare and Makeup
Another product swap you can make is with your skincare and makeup, although this can often take a little more research and experimentation to find the perfect products for you.
Start looking around for skincare and makeup products with an emphasis on ingredients that are organic, natural, and non-toxic. Steer clear of products that have any synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens, and sulphates, as these can be bad for both the environment and your skin. It’ll be easier to find these products when you land on a cruelty-free and natural brand that you really like.
Reusable Water Bottles and Cups
Instead of purchasing bottled water or other drinks when you head out of the house, invest in a reusable bottle that you can fill up and take around with you.
A high-quality, reusable water bottle made of glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic is going to be the healthiest and most durable option. These bottles not only cut down on waste from single-use plastics but also keep your drinks fresh and free from harmful chemicals. An insulated bottle will also keep them cold! When you head to your favorite takeout coffee place, bring in a reusable cup – there are loads of places that offer you a discount on your coffee for this, too!
Cloth Grocery Bags
One swap we all know plenty about is reusable shopping bags. Although this is a super common tip, it’s really an effective way to make a major difference with just a little effort.
You know the drill – instead of getting plastic grocery bags every time you head to the store, keep a collection of sturdy fabric or canvas bags in your car or at your front door so you don’t ever forget them. This, of course, will drastically reduce your consumption of single-use plastics, and an extra bonus is that you can pick any fun designs you like and use them as an extra accessory!
Plant-Based Diet
A more complicated but incredibly impactful change you can make to be more sustainable lies in your diet. While veganism might seem overwhelming, it’s become easier than ever in modern times, when alternative options and delicious vegan recipes are abundant!
If you want to try out a plant-based lifestyle, start by simply increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Consuming more plants is not only beneficial for the planet but can also improve your nutrition and overall health.
Compost Bin
Most of us recycle, but how many people do you know that are composting? This is a great step to take if you want to put your waste back into the earth in a positive way!
Gather all your organic waste, including leftover fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard trimmings, and start placing them in a compost bin, which you can keep at home. All you’ll need to get started with this is a container you can keep on (or underneath) your kitchen counter, and some damp soil. Make sure you research which materials are compostable before you start. Alongside keeping trash out of landfills, home composting allows you to create nutrient-rich soil that you can use in your garden.
