The word "sustainable" is a buzz word these days. We're all trying our best to leave the world a little better than we found it, but it can be hard and sometimes it's easier to just carry on with what we know.

We get it. Where do you even start if you're trying to adopt eco-friendly habits at home? And are there REALLY sustainable alternatives that are ALSO convenient and that ACTUALLY work? The answer is yes! And we've compiled a list of 9 easy sustainable swaps that would be easy for anyone to make!

1. Beeswax Wraps

The next time you run out of plastic cling wrap, swap it out for Bee's Wrap Beeswax Wraps! Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly food storage alternative. They work great for covering up bowls of leftovers or wrapping up leftover produce like half cut onions or lemons. The best part? Beeswax wraps last for over a year and are backyard compostable at end of life!

2. Wool Dryer Balls

Did you know that dryer sheets are made of plastic? Make single use dryer sheets a thing of the past with our Zefiro Wool Dryer Balls! Wool dryer balls are a great addition to your laundry routine. They help separate clothing during the drying cycle which means they reduce drying time. Less drying time=less time doing laundry- count me in! The best part? Wool dryer balls last over 1000 loads- that's a lot of laundry!

3. Bamboo Toothbrush

Did you know that every toothbrush you've ever used is still sitting in a landfill somewhere? Swap out those plastic toothbrushes for a bamboo one! They last just as long, but they're better for the planet because they're plastic free and can be composted when you're done using them! Our Brush with Bamboo toothbrushes are made with USDA Certified 100% Biobased bristles and FSC certified bamboo. They also come in a kids size, because kids want to save the planet too!

4. Reusable Silicone Bags

Swap out those plastic ziploc bags for Stasher silicone bags! These durable, reusable bags are perfect for food storage, packed lunches, and carrying snacks around town. They also work perfectly as a toiletry bag when you're flying- they're TSA approved! Stasher bags are top and bottom rack dishwasher safe as well as microwave and freezer safe. These bags are functional, low maintenance and a great way to eliminate single-use plastic. They come in multiple sizes for all your storage needs: snack, sandwich, half gallon, and the stand-up mid!

 5. Swedish Dishcloth

Our Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths are a great paper towel alternative. One dishcloth replaces up to 17 rolls of paper towels! They're great for wiping down counters, washing dishes, and a ton of other household chores. They're top rack dishwasher safe and machine washable and last up to 200 washes (6-7 months depending on how often you use them). These cloths not only save you money, they are also better for the environment and can be composted when you're done using them. They're also so cute!

6. Soap and Shampoo Bars

Did you know that liquid body wash and shampoo are made up of 80% water? Swapping out body soap gel, liquid hand soap, face wash, and shampoo and conditioner for solid bars is a great way to cut down on waste. There are so many great solid soap bars these days- from facial soap to shave bars, and body soap to shampoo bars- it's getting easier and easier to cut out plastic packaging. If you prefer to use a loofah, try getting a soap saver bag to exfoliate while you wash!

7. Produce Bags

We're all pretty good at bringing our reusable grocery bags to the grocery store by now, but what about reusable produce bags? You'll never have to get one of those plastic produce bags again with Ecobags cotton produce bags! The mesh bags are perfect for produce and larger items and the muslin bags are a must have for all your bulk buying needs. Check out our Market Kit if you're looking for a bundle. Keep these stored in your car with the rest of your reusable grocery bags and you'll remember them every time you make a grocery run!

 8. Safety Razor

Ditch those disposable, plastic safety razors and swap to a safety razor! Safety razors are a completely plastic free alternative to conventional razors. They're often made of stainless steel and so are meant to last a lifetime, but when you're done using them, they're recyclable! After the initial cost of the safety razor, safety razor blades are extremely inexpensive. What does this mean? Not only are safety razors better for the environment, but they end up saving you money too! That's definitely a win-win. There are a a lot of different styles of safety razors, but our favorites are Albatross' long-handled butterfly safety razor, 3-piece safety razor, and Leaf's pivoting head razor.

9. Bamboo Dish Brushes

Did you know that most conventional dish sponges are made of plastic? Luckily there are some great dishwashing alternatives! Zefiro's bamboo dish brushes have got you covered! All of their handles are made of bamboo and the bristles are made from plants for a completely plastic free alternative. The best part? You'll never have to smell that spongey smell again! Check out our bamboo and palm fibre scrubber, the bamboo and sisal pot brush, and the bamboo bottle brush to get started on your plastic-free dishwashing routine!

The good news? There are a lot of awesome sustainable alternatives for everyday items and some amazing, small companies who are prioritizing people and planet over profit! So as you start on your sustainability journey, it will continue to get easier and easier as you go along!

And remember: any small change is good! There is no such thing as a "perfect" environmentalist, so be proud of the small changes that you're making. We definitely are!