Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps You Can Make Today

When I thought of starting my journey toward living more sustainably, I felt overwhelmed. It seemed like everything I was doing was “wrong” for the planet. The idea of changing my entire lifestyle was just… a lot. But then I realized something: I didn’t have to do everything at once. Small, simple swaps could still make a difference—and they were actually pretty easy to stick with.

Here are a few of the easiest eco-friendly swaps I’ve made that don’t feel like a big deal but have helped me feel more in tune with my values:

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1. Reusable Bags Over Plastic Bags

This was one of my first swaps because it’s just so easy and tote bags now are everywhere. I started keeping a couple of reusable bags in my car and in my handbag. That way, I’m never (almost never) caught off guard at the checkout line. Bonus: they’re sturdier than plastic, so no more ripped handles!

2. Reusable Water Bottles Over Disposable Plastic Bottles

We used to buy bottled water all the time, mostly out of convenience and seemed like everyone does that in Cyprus. But now, I carry a reusable water bottle with me everywhere. At home we filter the water from the tap before we drink it. It is a small habit, but it means I’m not constantly throwing away plastic bottles. Plus, it’s saved me money in the long run. Occasionally, I might be buying the water in a plastic bottle but it happens only if for some reason I don’t have mine with me or I forgot my child’s water bottle, etc.

3. Cloth Towels Over Paper Towels

I grew up in Armenia and as far as I remember, we always used cloth towels in the kitchen. Therefore, it was a habit and I just continued doing the same here in Cyprus. I use them for everything from cleaning spills to drying dishes. I still keep a roll of paper towels for emergencies, but I rarely reach for it.

4. Bar Soap Over Liquid Soap/shower Gel in Plastic Bottles

This was one of the easiest and favorite swaps. I switched to using bar soap for washing my body, and I mainly use handmade soaps supporting small businesses at the same time. They last longer, smell amazing, and don’t require plastic pumps or bottles.

Take It One Step at a Time

If you’re just getting started with sustainable living, don’t feel like you need to do everything at once. Choose one swap that feels the easiest and go from there. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. I’m still figuring things out as I go, but every small change makes a difference.

There are swaps I couldn’t make: for example, switching to a hard shampoo. Tried it, didn’t like it, came back to one of the favourite shampoo brands in a bottle. Also tried reusable pads for cleaning make-up, also didn’t work. For some reason, after a couple of washes the stains wouldn’t come off, so went back to cotton ones for now. I am not going to punish myself for that😊 Will be searching for a solution that will easily become a habit.

Do you have a favorite eco-friendly swap? Or maybe one you’re curious about trying? Let’s chat in the comments! 🌿