Easy Swaps to Make for a More Sustainable 2022

Making eco swaps and choosing sustainable alternatives to our usual picks is one of the best ways to live more sustainably, support eco-friendly businesses around the world and do your bit for our planet.

If we all make small swaps and make consistent sustainable choices, it is possible to make a huge difference. This means that every sustainable swap we make results in a ripple effect that impacts the tide of what is made and sold.  Making these changes allows us to put all our weight behind the push for a more sustainable planet and reducing the effects of climate change.

The best eco-swaps you can make are the ones that replace single-use plastics for everyday items. We know it can be overwhelming to know where to start, so here are our favorite eco swaps for your home and a selection of sustainable swaps for when you're out and about!

Kitchen Swaps

Beeswax Wraps | Use Beeswax Wraps as a natural substitute for single-use cling film. These particular ones are made from organic cotton sheets have been impregnated with 100% natural ingredients and are BPA-free.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="382"] Pack of 3 Honeycomb Bee's Wax Wraps available at Dunelm[/caption]

Linen Napkins | Make the swap to reusable linen napkins to replace single-use, disposable napkins.

Reusable Straws | We all know that plastic straws contribute a great deal to plastic pollution in our oceans. It is estimated that people in England use around 4.7 billion plastic straws each year. If your kids enjoy using a straw, there are a few options that are suitable for younger children, including these easy-clean silicone alternatives.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="356"] Hip Silicone Reusable Easy Clean Straws available at John Lewis[/caption]

Bathroom Swaps

Plastic-free Biodegradable Baby Wipes | Did you know that many baby wipes in our supermarkets contain micro-plastics? Flushing un-flushable wipes contribute to fatbergs as well as micro-plastics polluting our ocean. If you're searching for an alternative, make the change to Mum & You plastic-free, biodegradable* baby wipes. If you're searching for a plastic-free wipe that's also flushable, try our brand new Floosh! flushable toilet tissues!

[caption id="attachment_3187" align="alignnone" width="370"] Mum & You Biodegradable Baby Wipes[/caption]

Reusable Cotton Rounds | Swap single-use, disposable cotton rounds for reusable alternatives that you can wash and reuse over and over. A personal favourite of ours are large cleansing cloths to use in lieu of makeup wipes. Simply cleanse with an oil-based cleanser and wipe off with a reusable cleansing cloth!

Soap Refills | We like to buy large glass bottles that not only look great in the bathroom but also mean we can reduce the number of plastic bottles we go through.  Rather than continuing to purchase new bottles of shampoo, conditioner, or body wash every time you run out, why don't you opt to purchase a refill pouch instead?

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Shampoo and Conditioner Glass Bottles from Wearth London[/caption]

Plastic-free Tampons | Make the swap to plastic-free tampons this year. There are many options to suit your individual needs, but we love this brand for its subscription service!

Out & About Swaps

Reusable Bags for Life | Canvas tote bags are readily available in most supermarkets nowadays and are a simple yet effective swap to make if you haven't already. Luxury bag and accessory designer Anya Hindmarch has teamed up with Sainsbury's and Waitrose to create fun, convenient reusable bags which are guaranteed to last for 10 years. These bags are intended to tackle a range of sustainability problems in one: a desirable, durable, reusable, 100% recycled and 100% recyclable tote bag for everyone to take everywhere for everything. Make the change to eliminate your plastic bag waste this year.

Travel Mugs & Reusable Water Bottles | Swap out single-use coffee cups from your local coffee shop for your own travel mug this year. There are lots of brands to suit your needs, but our personal favourite offers lots of colour combinations and sizes. They're reusable, sustainable, and more hygienic! Keep an eye out in your favourite coffee shops for branded thermos mugs and keep cups.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="405"] Trice KeepCup[/caption]

Reusable Cutlery | A perfect swap for the kids. This portable cutlery set comes in a case, making it a perfect addition to school lunches. They also come in lots of fun colours to choose from and they are dishwasher safe.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="396"] Sistema Plastic Portable Cutlery & Case Set available at John Lewis[/caption]

Little changes here and there allow us to do our bit for our wonderful planet and these swaps will ensure you are taking the correct steps to a more sustainable 2022 and beyond. Have you made any sustainable swaps that have worked well for your home? Let us know if the comments below!

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*Wipes are compostable according to European Standards EN13432 and are certified by TÜV Austria as OK compost Home.