Eco Finds For Everyday Life.
A collection of eco-friendly swaps for home, health and self-care.
For Your Home
Most of the swaps I’ve made at home have been gradual ones — the sort you make once and then stop thinking about altogether. Nothing dramatic, just small changes that turned out to be far more durable and easier to live with than I expected.
One of the earliest was switching to stainless steel cookware. I bought a set of stainless steel pots when my son was seven, mainly because I was fed up with replacing non-stick pans. He’s thirty‑two now, and those same pots are still in regular use. They’ve survived decades of whatever passes for cooking in my kitchen, and they’ve never needed replacing. Some choices really are buy‑once decisions.
Food storage was another simple upgrade. Replacing plastic tubs with glass containers has been more practical than I expected — many are dishwasher‑safe and oven‑safe, and they don’t stain or hold onto smells over time. They last longer and make leftovers feel a bit less leftover-ish.
Chopping boards are one area where material matters. Wooden boards are kinder to knives than glass (which can dull blades plus there’s always the risk of breakage), and don’t carry the same wear issues as plastic. One thing worth noting is bamboo — although often marketed as sustainable, many bamboo boards are laminated with adhesives, which may not suit everyone.
The same thinking applies to utensils. Swapping plastic cooking utensils for stainless steel or wooden versions reduces the amount of plastic exposed to heat during cooking, without changing how you cook day to day.
Paper kitchen towel was harder to let go of than I expected, mostly out of habit. I haven’t abandoned it completely, but I’ve found that having reusable cloths on hand makes a big difference. I’ve knitted my own organic cotton cloths, which I love — they wash well, don’t shed microplastics, and I use them all the time (they might pop up in my shop a some point so watch this space). And if you can’t quite do without kitchen towel, there are washable bamboo‑cotton alternatives you can try instead — it feels a bit weird at first but very quickly worth it.
Even cleaning gloves have had a rethink. I’ve switched to natural rubber gloves that last well and avoid plastic altogether. For me, the real benefit is choosing something durable and functional first, knowing that at end of life they won’t persist in the same way as synthetic ones.
Plastic utensils and cookware can also shed microplastics and potentially leach chemical additives when exposed to heat or friction — particularly with repeated use over time. Similarly, some non‑stick coatings contain substances that can break down if overheated or damaged. Choosing materials like stainless steel and solid wood isn’t just a durability decision; it’s also a way to reduce everyday contact with unwanted substances that may migrate into food during normal cooking and storage.
None of these swaps changed how my home runs — they just reduced how often I needed to replace things and I’m more relaxed knowing that I’m minimising everyday exposure to questionable materials. That’s been the common thread: fewer repurchases, fewer compromises, and less to think about once the choice is made.
For You
Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and while it does a very good job of protecting us, it isn’t a sealed system. Many substances applied to it can be absorbed into the bloodstream, which has made me a bit more considered about what I use day to day — not in a hyper‑vigilant way, just in the same practical, lived‑in sense as the choices I’ve made around the house.
Haircare was an easy place to start. I like to switch it up a bit but I love using Awake Organics’ Rosemary and Caffeine Powder Shampoo, which is straightforward to use and has slotted into my routine without fuss. I don’t miss plastic bottles, and harsh chemicals and my hair definitely doesn’t either. I often use their conditioner alongside it, for much the same reason — straightforward ingredients, no excess, and nothing that feels like it’s there for marketing rather than function. I appreciate that this is a more considered purchase, though. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option I would recommend trying out the Faith In Nature range. They’re vegan and cruelty free, use recycled and recyclable packaging, and offer bulk sizes and refills which helps keep both costs and waste down. Definitely well worth a look.
Soap is one thing I’ve never felt the need to overcomplicate. Using my own handmade Soap Geek soap feels like sticking with the basics done properly. A bar that cleans well, lasts, and is packed full of organic ingredients suits me far better than anything promising transformation by Tuesday. I also use the Oatmeal soap on my hair from time to time for that ‘squeaky clean’ and as a wee treat for my scalp.
Moisturiser has followed a similar path. I’ve been using UpCircle moisturiser for years now, and it does exactly what I want it to do without turning skincare into a project. I also like the thinking behind the brand — UpCircle focus on giving ingredients a second life, using upcycled by‑products from the food industry rather than constantly extracting new resources. It feels considered without being showy: solid formulations, sensible packaging, and a clear attempt to reduce waste where it actually counts. It’s built on principles I’m happy to support, it’s cruelty free and smells amazing 🥰
Small, everyday habits add up, too. Swapping disposable cotton pads for Bambaw reusable makeup pads was one of those changes that felt slightly odd for about a week, then completely normal. They wash well in their little bag, last ages, and quietly remove one more repeat purchase from the list.
Razors are another everyday item most households use and where simplicity and functionality matters more than novelty. A good reusable razor — whether for men or women — does the job just as well without constantly needing replaced, and without the pile‑up of plastic parts that never seem to disappear once you’ve finished with them. Jungle Culture do a great reusable unisex safety razor, and because it’s made entirely from metal, it’s genuinely a low waste swap. 🪒
None of these choices have changed my routine — they’ve just made me feel more comfortable with what’s in regular contact with my skin. Fewer plastics, fewer ingredients I’d rather not think too hard about, and a sense that the everyday basics are taken care of without needing a spreadsheet, a hashtag or a personality transplant.
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Thank you for reading this far! If you’re looking for more sustainable swaps, why not head on over to my Eco Starter Kit page here 💚
