10 Simple Sustainable Swaps - An Eco Friendly Guide to Greener Living *

Thinking about going green and wondering how to live more eco friendly or what simple sustainable swaps you can make?  Congratulations!  That's AMAZING and I am so thrilled that you are wanting to do your part for the environment!


I know it can feel overwhelming - changing your life doesn't come easy, and there is so much information out there that even taking the first steps can seem hard.  But it doesn't have to be!

Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide

You do not need to eliminate your plastic use overnight.  In fact, I highly recommend you don't!  Because chances are you will do it for a few days or even a week and then find yourself doubting the process or filled with guilt for not being perfect.  And there is a reason for that...

A lot of the accounts you see online that show themselves fitting years worth of waste into a jam jar just are not realistic (and sometimes not real at all!).  To do that you need a lot of time, resources, knowledge, money, and passion.  If you don't have all those things, chances are it won't work out.  But you do not need to think of it as an all or nothing sort of lifestyle.

Setting small goals for yourself is much more likely to lead to long lasting change, and that is what makes the real difference.  Choose one (maybe two if you are feeling super confident) aim to start with, and work on that swap for several weeks before even thinking about adding another one onto your plate - that way you move from having the goal to creating a habit!

But where to start??

Well, I have rounded up what I think are some of the simplest swaps to make when starting out on your journey with greener living to help you find some inspiration.  I've also added a bonus tip at the end of each idea!  This way, once you make one a habit you have some great next steps to take if you want to extend on that particular area of a more eco friendly lifestyle.  I've also tried to link to some tried and trusted products, as I know it can be tricky to navigate all the options out there (and to tell what is greenwashing and what is truly ethical - eek!).


Transparency Key:
* This post contains some affiliate links and gifted products
No matter how I have received a product, whether it has been purchased with my own money, gifted by a brand, been subsidized by a brand, won, gifted by friends/family, or purchased with a gift voucher, my approach is always the same -- honesty, integrity, and highlighting both the good and the bad.  You can find more information on Disclosures and Privacy here.


1] Reusable Carrier Bags

Okay so this one seems pretty obvious these days, but you might be surprised how many people still opt for plastic while out shopping!  While numbers are going down, statistics show that 549 million single use plastic carrier bags were sold between 2018 and 2019 just by seven retailers alone in the UK.

If you are looking to make some sustainable swaps this summer, one simple switch is to start using reusable bags.  These come in all shapes and sizes as well as unlimited patterns and colours.  It's a great way to show some personality during your weekly shop while also helping save the planet!

Personally I go for at least one heavier duty tote to carry all my heavy items, plus a few smaller cotton bags for fruits, veggies, grains, and other lightweight goodies.  I just pop them in the bottom of my backpack and leave them there so I always have them handy!

For a super sturdy option, I highly recommend Net Zero Co who have a range of canvas bags with eco-inspired designs.  Each of the six prints depicts a water-colour style image of something endangered or threatened.  You can choose from an Earth with the phrase "No Planet B," monarch butterflies around Sakura blossoms, a polar bear on melting ice surrounded by trash, a sea turtle, a whale, or a small child on a bench looking into a fish bowl filled with ocean creatures and garbage.  Definitely designs that get the message across!

Eco Friendly Swaps - Green Living Guide - Net Zero Co Reusable Bag
Net Zero Co Reusable Bag

As for lightweight bags, you can find loads available... From your favourite skincare brands to handmade Etsy creations, there is literally a bag for all interests and for all budgets!  I am still loving my LowToxBox tote which is cute and a great size, but we have bags from events (like Indie Beauty Expo and the Doctor Who Festival) tucked away everywhere so we are never caught without.  As long as they are being used consistently, my thoughts are you can never have too many reusable bags!

P.s. Did you know you can also use reusable produce bags?  This saves even more plastic waste as you can ditch the thin disposable plastics they offer in shops and just pop your apples, seeds, mushrooms, or pasta straight into your own pouch!


2] Reusable Water Bottle

7.7 billion.  That is the number of plastic water bottles that end up being used each year in the UK alone!  So to cut down on all that waste, why not pick up a reusable bottle?

Reusables have come a long way in the last few years, and there have never been more options to choose from.  It can actually be a bit overwhelming to figure out which is the best and what type will suit your needs and budget.  I'll admit I have tried more than my fair share of bottles as I have been a convert for nearly ten years (seriously - I've not bought a single bottle of water in that whole time!), and I found out the hard way that not all bottles are made equal.

Plastic ones may be cheap, but they can melt in the dishwasher or even contain potentially harmful chemicals which is not what you want from a product you are drinking from.  Glass is gorgeous, but super heavy and incredibly fragile (just ask Tim who has shattered not one, but TWO of my poor bottles).  Metal is a great in between, but even these have their drawbacks with many leading to a tinny taste which I just can't abide.  It's all about finding the perfect balance.

Lately I am loving Ohelo, a brand working hard to fight against single use plastics.  Based in London, co-founders Katy and Alex have worked to combine their love of travel with the drive they got from watching Blue Planet 2, and in doing so these Oxford graduates created a range of reusables that all can enjoy.  Not only that, but Ohelo donates 5% of all profits to charitable organizations!  That's pretty special, and it's what makes a business I am happy to get behind.

Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - Ohelo Bottle Review
Ohelo Bottle - The Blue Swallows Design
Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - Ohelo Bottle Review
I don't leave the house often since lockdown started, but when we do go for a nature hike I always bring my Ohelo bottle!

Ohelo currently offers two staples, the tumbler and the bottle, both of which come in a variety of designs and colours.  I was kindly sent "The Blue Swallows" to test, and I was immediately struck by how beautiful the aesthetic was.  It's a lovely shade of powder blue (think Pantone 2128C) that captures the freeing vibes of cloudless skies, fresh air, the warmth of summer, and a light breeze.  I adore it!  And the laser etched birds are the perfect touch that brings this bottle from "super cute" to "positively perfect" for me.  The design is inspired by swallow murmurations according to Ohelo, and honestly that just makes it all the more wonderful.

Beyond just the actual look of it, I have to say this is by far my favourite reusable bottle I have ever tried.  Not only has Ohelo nailed the visuals, they have created a surprisingly lightweight product that gives no metallic tang to the water, keeps it cool all day long, and is really ergonomic.  The bottle uses cacuum insulated, double walled high grade 18/8 stainless steel which helps keep warm drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold ones cool for 24 hours.  The twist on lid is totally leak proof, plus the inside is electropolished which helps keep bacteria and corrosion at bay!

Often I find water bottles are too big for my hand or clunky to carry around, so I toss them in my bag and only get them out when I am parched.  Well, that's not the case here - I have been toting my Ohelo bottle around with me EVERYWHERE.  If I move to a different room in the house, it comes with me.  If I go for a walk, it's hanging in my fingers from the comfortable carry strap.  Obviously I'm not doing any traveling right now (or anytime soon!), but I have still been getting so much use out of this fab product.  I've also found myself drinking more water too which is a huge plus!

Picking a reusable bottle is all a matter of preference to be honest, but whatever you choose you can be sure that you are saving a whole lot of waste from heading to landfill.  And with Ohelo you can know you're getting a lifelong bottle that will be perfect for at home, travel, the gym, commuting to work, and more!

P.s. if you are hesitant to give up your bottled water due to worries about your tap water, you can always pick up a filter.  I personally love our water, but I know there are areas that have more additives so if this is stopping you from enjoying the tap, just use a compact system like Phox to 'clean up' your drink!


3] Reusable Coffee/Tea Mug

I'm a little bit coffee obsessed I can admit.  I adore the taste, and while it does not give me the boost of energy most people seek it out for, I just find something so comforting about a warm cup of joe.  So when I started making my transition to a greener lifestyle, one of the first things I invested in was a great reusable coffee cup.

Want to know why?

Because when I added it up, it turns out I was responsible for an average of 1,000 disposable cups going in the bin every year.  Those 'paper' cups would have a thin plastic lining to keep the cup from going soggy, and due to the limitations of recycling facilities, these would all go straight to landfill.  I felt terrible.

Like reusable bottles, there are tons of mugs out there.  Twist off lids, collapsible, all day heat, dishwasher safe, metal, bamboo, glass, leak proof, non slip sleeve...  The choices seem endless!  And again, a lot of this is totally up to your own preference.  If you cycle to work, chances are you need something that will completely seal up and won't get all over your backpack.  Those who drive or have a leisurely walk to their job can have something with a simper lid or even a totally open cup.  But again, no matter what you go for you will be reducing unnecessary waste and possibly even save some money while you are at it!

I am a bit odd in that I don't like my drinks hot (I've read this might be a red hair thing due to increased temperature sensitivities?), so my favourite reusable I've tried is the Pokito cup.  This dishwasher safe collapsible cup is ideal for those looking to take their tea or coffee with them, but who don't want the faff of carrying around the empty container.  It has a snap shut lid and a twist on top which are pretty spill proof, it can squish down to fit inside a pocket, and it has three sizes in one: espresso, medio, and grande.  How cool is that??

Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - Pokito Reusable Coffee Cup Review
Pokito Reusable Coffee Cup - my first day with it back in November 2016!

Mine has been a trusty staple for years now, so while Pokito has tested for up to 1500 uses, I've definitely surpassed that by a large margin!  It's still in near perfect condition, still looks and feels like new, and has traveled everywhere with me.  I actually think it will be our fourth anniversary this November!  Perhaps a celebration is in order? 😂

Made from recyclable and BPA-free TPE and PP, this Kickstarter cup is deemed environmentally sustainable after just 15 uses.  For me, that was less than a week of drinking from it!  I usually avoid plastics as much as possible, but this cup is just so lightweight that nothing really rivals it for me.  I find the materials also help keep this odorless as well as keeping my coffee's taste as pure as possible.  I highly recommend this reusable to anyone seeking a mug for their hot drinks!

P.s. For those needing a more thermos like experience from a reusable mug, you can try out the Ohelo Tumbler - if it is anything as good as my bottle, you are sure to love it!  And if you like that Starbucks experience with fancy drinks, why not pick up a flexible reusable straw so you can sip away at your specialty coffee without worrying about the impact of the single use plastic!


4] Bamboo Tooth Brush

Did you know that if everyone followed the hygiene recommendations of using a new toothbrush every three months there would be 200 million sent to landfill each year by the UK alone??

That is a LOT of waste.  So if you are seeking out a more sustainable alternative to plastic handles, turn to naturally derived materials like bamboo or birch, both of which can be composted. Unfortunately when it comes to bristles, even the most eco friendly options have nylon or plastic infused bristles as there just has not been the breakthrough in technology yet.  However, many eco brands have made it possible for you to snip off the top and recycle the Nylon-6 ends (or perhaps create an eco brick!) which provides the best solution at the moment.

Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - Organically Epic Bamboo Toothbrush Review
My current pick for a bamboo toothbrush is Organically Epic

My current toothbrush is from Organically Epic, and I've been enjoying it so much that I already restocked so I have one at the ready in a few months!  It's super comfortable to use, not too abrasive but definitely works to get into all the spaces between your teeth, and is really durable.  The award-winning product has antibacterial charcoal infused bristles made from recyclable nylon, a panda friendly bamboo handle, and a simple cardboard sleeve that protects it until you are ready to open the box and use it.

Why panda friendly?  Well, sadly not all bamboo is actually eco friendly, and not every brand has sustainability in mind...   Pandas rely on bamboo as a food source, and with the rise in demand for "green" alternatives, many manufacturers are decimating entire acres and not leaving enough behind to regrow.  So if you want to be sure your toothbrush is not starving out the poor pandas, be sure to do some checks before cashing out!

That's why I appreciate that Organically Epic ensures that their products are made ethically, stating "they are made of mature bamboo, grown in sustainable, renewable forests that is strong enough to be harvested.  Our bamboo is also 'Panda Friendly' because it is mature bamboo that is harvested, the pandas are not harmed nor do they have their food source taken away.  They only eat the bamboo saplings."

I support the efforts Organically Epic make to deliver a truly eco option and really like the transparency about their materials (though more information about where and how they source would be ideal!), and this is just the sort of dedication you need to look for when choosing a more sustainable toothbrush!

P.s. Of course you can always opt for all the sustainable add ons, from toothpaste and mouthwash to tongue scrapers and dental floss!  There are tons of simple swaps you can make in the bathroom, and oral hygiene is a great first step to take.


5] Plastic Free Detergent - Soap Nuts

If you have not heard of soap nuts, welcome to one of my favourite swaps I have made in the last five years!

Not only are these the most sustainable option I have found, but soap nuts are actually a great way to conserve on ALL resources.  They are plastic free, totally natural, a single ingredient, and so versatile!  I tend to use them for laundry, but they can work for hand soap, shampoo, body wash, washing up liquid, and more - they just have so much potential it's brilliant.

Soap nuts, or soapberries, are the fruit produced by small trees native to parts of Asia.  The shells have been used for centuries as a way to wash, as they contain saponin, a surfactant that suds up just like soap.  They also have anti-static properties so double as a fabric softener!  And these green goodies are totally natural, biodegradable, and allergen friendly as well as pretty sustainable since the plant can be harvested for about six months of the year for up to ninety years - that's a LOT of soap nuts!

Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - Ecozone Soap Nuts Review
Soap nuts are so easy to use, plus you can tailor your fragrance!

To use them in place of traditional laundry detergent, just pop six or so shells into a cotton pouch and toss them in the washing machine!  It's as simple as that - no added steps, no preparation, no extra treatments.  You can even add any essential oils you wish for fragrance if you are missing that 'fresh' scent that comes from other products.  Plus, these lasts for ages!  You can leave those six shells in the pouch for up to ten washes (or until they start to disintegrate inside the bag) meaning a whole supply of soap nuts will potentially keep you going for years.  So not only are these more eco friendly, they're also a great money saving hack!

I have been a long time user of the Ecozone soap nuts which are super affordable and accessible since they are found in many larger chains as well as local natural shops, and I was really happy with the quality.  These do come inside a plastic pouch to keep them fresh, but seeing as the bag will last so long you are still saving a huge amount of waste from landfill.  If you are totally set against any excess packaging, then Living Naturally offer a zero waste tube as well as a variety of starter packs.

If you do swap over to soap nuts, you need to run your wash in warm or hot water - otherwise they are not able to produce suds and thoroughly clean your clothes.  While this may be a sticking point for some, I find the good outweighs this one caveat and I have been loving these little shells for many years now.  Our laundry always comes out fresh and clean, and I find they even do well with potential stains as long as you are quick to start your wash before it sets.  These are definitely a game changer for those looking to minimize plastics while also choosing a truly effective and sustainable product.

P.s. If you need something a little stronger to tackle stains or odours, you can try a zero waste DIY solution of baking soda and vinegar, or pick up a product with eco-friendly ingredients like the Living Naturally Natural Stain Remover or the Ecozone Pre-Wash Laundry Stain Remover.


6] Bar Soap

If you've been around The ecoLogical for a while you know I love a good bar soap as I find them so versatile, but I have to be honest - that was not always the case.  I totally understand why so many people are hesitant to swap their liquid pumps over to a solid alternative, as sub-par soaps have given the whole lot a bad rep.  But guess what - there ARE some total stars out there, and they are so worth picking up!

Bars use up to five times less energy to create, contain less water, require less water to use, last longer than liquids, and are often free from plastic - what more can you ask for??

When it comes to picking out a great bar, you want to look for minimal packaging, no artificial dyes or fragrances, gentle surfactants (so no SLS!), and nourishing oils in the formula.  I find this helps make the experience super gentle and keeps the skin from drying out or having that 'squeaky' feeling that is so uncomfortable.  Another good rule of thumb?  If you can't pronounce most of the ingredient list, it probably isn't your best bet...

There are so many great options out there that I actually don't have the space to highlight them all right now - eek!  I will do my best to showcase some of my favourites though, and of course I am happy to do a full post dedicated to soaps if anyone is interested.

Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - Plastic Free Soap, Mallow + White, Soap Folk, John Masters Organics Review
Plastic free soaps can be lovely - some of my favs include Soap Folk, JMO, and Mallow + White!

First up is the one that kickstarted my newfound love of bar soaps: John Masters Organics!  I got a mini size version of this beauty in my Love Lula Beauty Box years ago, and I was instantly a fan.  It comes in a simple paper wrapper, suds up super well but does not strip your skin, smells fab with lavender, ylang ylang, and rose geranium that bring calming vibes, and is just so classic that you can't fault it.

Another brand I adore is Soap Folk.  This small ethical business has such cute designs on their paper packaging and put so much care into everything they do.  I've had the joy of trying their entire soap range, and I have loved every single bar!  They are incredibly gentle, but also bring a bit of moisture so your hands end up clean and cared for, plus the scents are perfectly crafted.  There are eight options to choose from (almost all of which are vegan friendly), including the newest formula to join the family - Calendula.  This means you can choose a bar for every occasion - one for the kitchen sink, one for the bathroom, one for the shower room, one for the tub, one for travel, and one on deck!  You're sure to be a fan of Soap Folk's lovely lathering bars, but if you aren't quite sure which to try first keep posted as I have a full roundup coming soon.

I've raved about Mallow + White as well in the past, and continue to love their range of handmade soaps as they are just so good.  These are total multi-taskers, with many being able to double as a quick cleanser, hand soap, body wash, or kitchen cleaner, and some even offering exfoliating properties.   These all have the cutest bright and cheerful colours on the front of the cardboard packaging, and the product itself is hand blended and hand cut, meaning every single one is unique and made with love.  Seriously, the passion and expertise that goes into each formulation really shines through here!

Of course there are others I adore, like Kiss the Moon's award-winning pure essential oil soaps and Upcircle Beauty's cult classics - there are a lot of high performance, natural, and sustainable goodies to choose from, and that is so exciting to me.  I have a little collection I have been working through, and now more than ever I'm very pleased that I have a little stack of all these beauties ready and waiting to be used.  I can use them for basically everything, and since they keep for so long I don't have to worry about running out of soap anytime soon!

P.s. Need a way to store your soap?  You can try a natural fiber 'soap saver' that is fab for drying your soap and making the bar last longer, or perhaps the innovative reusable Soap Standle that helps keep the mess away.  Or, if you're looking to make even more swaps when it comes to cleaning, why not try out a reusable sponge?  These are free from plastic, long lasting, more sanitary, and cost effective.  Plus, they come in a whole range of super cute designs!


7] Plastic Free Toilet Paper

Remember when you could find single rolls of toilet paper in a simple (non-plastic) wrap??

Those were the days...

Almost all toilet paper you find in shops now are in multi-packs that are covered in non-recyclable plastic that ends up straight in the bin.  And sadly this "protective" coating that is there for customer convenience generates even more problems when you realize that a single roll requires 37 gallons of water, 1.5 pounds of wood, and 1/3kWh of electricity to make.  Not only that, but many high street brands bleach the paper with chlorine to make it look as white as possible (a bit odd considering what it is used for, but hey, the world is a weird place).

Considering the UK alone uses 1.3 tonnes of tissue each year, that is a LOT of waste and a lot of trees being cut down to meet the demand.

But fortunately there is a way you and your bum can help protect against deforestation, water and plastic waste, and chemical burdens.  Plastic free and sustainably sourced toilet paper!  When seeking out a brand, there a few key things to look for - no plastic obviously, where the product is made (carbon footprint is important too!), whether the paper is recycled or 'virgin', and what type of material the tissue is actually made from.

Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - Who Gives A Crap Plastic Free Toilet Paper Review
Plastic free toilet paper from Who Gives A Crap

There are more and more options hitting the market, as people are asking for more eco friendly alternatives than those in the supermarket, but one of my favourites is Who Gives A Crap.  There are two options available from Who Gives A Crap, both of which are free from inks, dyes, and scents -- their premium variety which is made from forest-friendly bamboo, and their standard option that is made with recycled paper.  We have tried both, and honestly each is great in terms of quality and comfort.  We generally go for the standard just because it's cheaper (18.8p per 100 sheets), more environmentally friendly, and I can pick this up locally at Little Shop of Vegans or get a six month supply delivered through their subscription service, both of which I find super convenient.

Honestly, swapping your loo roll is such an easy way to start living a greener life - why not give it a go??

P.s. You can try picking up some plastic free and sustainably made tissues while you are at it too!  And if you really want to push your journey with green living to the next step you can ditch single use kitchen roll (or even TP if that is something for you!) altogether and opt for reusables that can be used for years and years!


8] Degradable Trash Bags

Have you ever thought about your bin bags?  I sure hadn't until someone pointed out the silliness of dumping plastic waste into a plastic carrier, and that got me thinking.  There must be a better solution, right?

According to the numbers, "in less than two hours, the waste we produce would fill the Albert Hall in London, every eight months it would fill Lake Windermere, the largest and deepest lake in England!"  Now think about how many plastic bags that would be...  Pretty shocking visual, right?

Sadly there is no fully eco alternative to traditional bin bags.  You can opt for compostable, recycled, or 'degradable' options, but unless the bag itself is sent to a high-heat industrial composting facility it is just going to sit and mummify in landfill along with all your other waste.  The only true way of eliminating this excess is buying less and opting out of a bin liner altogether.  Instead, you can use old newspapers at the bottom of your trash can to keep it from getting all mucked up, and then dump all of the contents straight into your black bin outside when it is time for collection.

That being said, these types of bags *do* use less plastic overall and are a good way to reduce your impact on the environment if you are not ready or able to fully ditch the liners just yet.  It's not the perfect solution, but as Moral Fibers rightfully points out, "we can’t simply shop our way to sustainability."  What we can all do is weigh our choices and make the best and most sustainable choices available to us.

We personally use D2W Degradable Bags as they fit our budget and are locally available.  They are on the thinner side, but are still sturdy and hold everything we put in without any issues.  The bags are made of oxo-biodegradable plastic, meaning that the material uses an additive called D2W to break down the material naturally without resulting in toxic residue or microplastics.

D2W is essentially a mixture of salts (manganese, iron, cobalt and nickel), and "when added to petroleum based plastic renders them degradable. D2W degradable plastic can still be re-used and recycled but will also degrade and disappear completely in a short timescale leaving no methane, fragments or other harmful residues."  While some are hesitant to embrace this, and with good reason, I do think this is one of the better bags on the market in terms of price, quality, and credentials, and until I find a more sustainable option this is the one that is helping us reduce waste in the meantime.

P.s. Want to freshen up the space around your bin without the use of potentially toxic ingredients?  Why not opt for an aromatherapeutic room mist that can uplift your mood while deodorizing, or an antibacterial spray that kills germs while smelling great?


9] Ethical Shoes

Let's me real - secondhand is one of the more sustainable ways of picking up "new" clothes and accessories, but for shoes it can be especially tricky to find your size let alone the style you are looking for.  So what is the next best thing when it comes to sustainability?

Natural materials like cotton, recycled shoe tires, coconut, and jute, careful designs that are meant to last, and of course ethical and eco conscious brands who are fighting to make a difference in the fashion industry!

There are several businesses out there who either hand make footwear (Paula from All Things 7 has a lot of insight into this if you are interested!) or who focus on reducing the environmental impact of new shoes.  One of my personal favourites is Po-Zu.

Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - Po-Zu Shoe Review
Po-Zu Ethical Shoes - 'Ello' Slip On Ballet Flats
Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - Po-Zu Shoes Review
Po-Zu Ethical Shoes - 'Beaut' High Top Trainers

Po-Zu prides themselves on creating ethical footwear that are "healthy for your feet, kind to the environment and safe for all our workers throughout the supply chain."  They do not launch new lines every few weeks, instead choosing to slow the pace of consumption.  I love that they promote a return to tradition with high quality and long lasting shoes, but with a stylish modern twist - I mean, they have a whole Star Wars line which is just SO cool!  And every single pair is super comfortable, using sustainable materials like Piñatex™ (vegan leather made from pineapple), natural latex foam, coconut fibre, fair trade rubber, and more, plus they are kind to the planet.

I will say that sustainable shoes are an investment.  They do not come cheap, nor should they necessarily (but that is a topic for another time).  However, there are ways to cut down on costs, including seeking out used pairs or being patient and waiting for sales.  Po-Zu seriously earns my respect when it comes to how generous they are with sales, so if you are willing to put your new kicks on pause until the deals hit you can grab up to 70% off their gorgeous trainers, flats, boots, and sandals.  I highly recommend picking up a pair if you are looking for a sustainable swap.

P.S. Another way to boost the sustainability of your shoe habits is to get them repaired.  A cobbler can replace the bottom of your shoes, shine them up, recolour the tops, or even make them fit better!


10] Food Waste

Everyone has scraps, whether it is the peels from carrots, the stems of fruit, or the bit too stale ends of bread.  And sadly more often than not all those bits and bobs end up straight in the bin - over 10 million tonnes each in year the UK in fact!  Well, what if they didn't have to??

There are a lot of different ways you can use up food scraps, so why not try your hand at some of them and see how it goes?

First, there is always a recipe around for things like carrot tops, broccoli stalks, and mushy berries.  Sneak these into soups, stocks, smoothies, or even baked treats for an extra dose of nutritious 5-a-day goodness, or maybe create a whole meal or side dish around these scraps.

Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide - What to do with Food Waste
What to do with food waste?  Find a recipe, compost, or save for later!

Or you can start a little compost pile if you have the space outside!  It is said that up to 50% of waste in the average bin could actually be composted - that's a crazy high number, and it can really help the strain on facilities if each person chose to do something about it.  We began 'bug mountain' a few years back, and have slowly turned it into a compost pile for used coffee grounds, potato cuttings, off fruit, and more.  It's a great way to replenish soil, feed some wildlife, and feel like the scraps aren't just going to waste.

Even if you don't have an outdoor garden area, you can check to see if your local council offers roadside collection of food scraps, or if you have access to a vehicle there might be a drop off compost point near you!

P.s. You can even stash some of those scraps away to use later if you can't think of what to do with them just yet!  Just pop them in an airtight bag, store them in the freezer, and come back when you have had some inspiration!


Sustainable Swaps - Green Living Guide Review


There are so many ways you can get started on your journey with greener living, and honestly whatever steps you take are sure to be the first on a road to leading a more eco friendly lifestyle.  Just try to figure out what is most important to you at this moment - is it ensuring all your products are cruelty free, or swapping out products for vegan friendly alternatives, or reducing carbon footprint, or picking out only natural fibers?   Whatever it is, focus on that and set goals for yourself.  This will help everything stay manageable and will help you achieve what you are aiming to do!

Since the beginning of June kicked off with World Environment Week, why not pick one new objective this month and try to maintain it all the way until July.  You can drop your goal down in the comments, then we can all check in with each other to see how we did at the end of the month!  It's a great way to stay accountable and keep motivated - plus it will be amazing to see all the great steps you lovelies are taking!

Which of these swaps will be on your list to tackle?  Or if you have another that I didn't mention, share it so we can all get more ideas!  Can't wait to hear from you beauties xx

7 comments

  1. I've been meaning to try soap nuts, this has given me a nudge. Loving the toilet paper!

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    1. they're so easy and work so well - I think you'll love them! and yay - plastic free TP was such an easy swap to make :) glad you're enjoying too! x

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  2. These are all great suggestions to being kinder to the environment. We do recycle here, and I do have a bunch of reusable shopping bags. I haven't tried a reusable to go cup, I'll have to look for those for when hubby goes to work.

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  3. Some great suggestions hear. I love my Ohelo cup and would love the bottle to go with it

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    1. ooh do you have the tumbler?? how does it fit in your hand? x

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  4. I have made a few of these swaps already but need to make more - this is a really helpful post!

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  5. Some excellent tips and ideas here, we use our own bags for almost anything, aswell as water bottles etc, i use coffee bottles for my coffee from Nespresso and have found this easier to use, thermal etc, great post.

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