9 Eco-Friendly Swaps for a Greener Home

Published on March 2, 2025

by Benny Goodwin

Making your home greener doesn’t require a full renovation or a huge budget. Small, smart swaps in your everyday habits and household items can lead to big environmental impacts — and often save you money in the long run.

This guide highlights nine eco-friendly swaps that are easy to implement, cost-effective, and better for the planet.

Simple Swaps That Make a Big Difference

Each of these swaps replaces a common item or habit with a more sustainable alternative. Try a few and see how small changes add up:

1. Reusable Kitchen Towels Instead of Paper Towels

Americans use billions of paper towels a year. Replacing them with washable cloths reduces waste and saves money over time.

Look for organic cotton or bamboo fiber cloths
Designate a bin for used ones in the kitchen
Use different colors for different cleaning tasks

2. LED Light Bulbs Instead of Incandescents

LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last 10–25 times longer than traditional bulbs. One swap can cut your electricity use significantly.

Choose ENERGY STAR-rated bulbs
Warm white light is best for living spaces
Start with the most-used lamps and fixtures

3. Refillable Soap and Cleaning Products

Reduce plastic waste by switching to refillable bottles and cleaning concentrates. Many brands now offer sustainable packaging and delivery options.

Buy one set of durable glass or metal bottles
Choose tablet-based or concentrated refills
Store refills in a labeled, organized basket

4. Wool Dryer Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets

Dryer balls reduce drying time and soften clothes without the chemicals. They’re reusable for hundreds of loads.

Add a few drops of essential oil for scent
Use 3–6 balls per load for best results
They reduce static and help clothes dry evenly

5. Water Filter Pitcher Instead of Bottled Water

Plastic water bottles are costly and damaging to the environment. A reusable filter system provides clean, great-tasting water with less waste.

Choose filters certified for contaminants in your area
Pair with a reusable stainless steel or glass bottle
Refill from the fridge instead of buying bottled

6. Compost Bin Instead of Food Waste in Trash

Composting keeps food scraps out of landfills and turns waste into garden gold. It’s easier than you think — and doesn’t require a backyard.

Start with a countertop bin for scraps
Use a tumbler or drop-off site if no yard
Balance greens (food) and browns (paper/leaves)

7. Bar Soap Instead of Plastic Bottles

Bar soaps for hands, body, and hair eliminate the need for plastic packaging. Many are made with natural, skin-friendly ingredients too.

Choose palm oil-free or locally made bars
Store on a draining soap dish to make them last
Try shampoo and conditioner bars for travel

8. Programmable Thermostat Instead of Manual

Set-it-and-forget-it settings can save you up to 10% annually on heating and cooling. Smart models offer remote control and automation.

Set temperatures to drop while sleeping or away
Use app reminders to adjust seasonally
Some models qualify for energy rebates

9. Cloth Shopping Bags Instead of Plastic

Switching to reusable bags is one of the easiest eco-friendly habits. Keep a few in your car, purse, or entryway to make it effortless.

Choose durable, washable fabric like canvas
Designate separate bags for produce or bulk items
Keep a foldable one with you on the go

Why This Matters

Every item we use daily has an environmental footprint. Swapping disposable or energy-intensive items for reusable, efficient alternatives cuts down on landfill waste, reduces energy use, and protects natural resources. By making smarter choices at home, we’re voting for sustainability with every dollar we spend.

Additional Tips for Greener Living

Unplug chargers and small appliances when not in use
Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste
Opt for secondhand or refurbished when possible
Recycle right — rinse items and know your local rules
Educate others and share your swaps!

Takeaway

Eco-friendly living starts with small, conscious decisions. You don’t have to do it all at once — just pick one or two swaps that make sense for your lifestyle and build from there.

The more we shift our daily choices toward sustainability, the bigger our collective impact will be. Start now, and let your home be a part of the solution.