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Sustainability has been a major trend lately. If you are unaware, sustainability is basically a lifestyle based around the minimal use of the earth’s resources and producing minimal waste. In this lifestyle, you do your best to incorporate reusable products as much as possible and avoid single-use items. It can be intimidating to some people who believe it to be an all or nothing movement or that it is all about aesthetics and expensive alternatives, but it doesn't have to be. Making a few sustainable swaps in your everyday life can make a big difference. However, these swaps are only sustainable if they replace a waste-producing habit you already have. If you do not already line your baking sheets or use makeup wipes, then buying the “sustainable alternative” is actually a waste of money and resources.

While researching ways to reduce my waste, it seemed like every article I clicked on had the same 4 simple sustainable swaps: reusable grocery bags, metal straws, reusable water bottles, and reusable coffee mugs. Of course, these are great entry points to the sustainability movement, but I wanted to do more. I began brainstorming other actions and areas of my life that produce a lot of waste and came up with more sustainable alternatives. I have compiled my top 10 favorites, super-simple sustainable swaps to reduce your waste.

1. Dryer balls instead of fabric softener and dryer sheets
   Reusable dryer balls simultaneously cut back on static, softens the fabric and reduces the dry time of every load of laundry. You can add a few drops of essential oils if you want your clothes to have a clean and fresh scent.
   

2. Baby washcloths instead of makeup wipes or cotton products
   Baby washcloths are softer than “grown-up” washcloths, making them perfect for your face, especially the delicate eye area. The ones I have linked are made from bamboo, one of the most sustainable materials on Earth.
   

3. Reusable cotton produce bags instead of the plastic ones at the store
   Similar to reusable grocery bags, these produce bags replace the small plastic bags found all over the produce sections of the grocery store.
   

4. Stasher bags instead of single-use ziplock bags
   If you ever pack your lunch or snacks, these are a must-have! I love my glass tupperware but it is heavy and doesn’t collapse. Stasher bags are light and flexible, perfect to throw in your purse or your kid’s lunch box.
   

5. Cloth cleaning towels and rags instead of paper towels
   These are perfect for cleaning your home, drying your hands and wiping up spills. Throw them in the wash and use them again and again!
   

6. Plant-based protein instead of animal-based protein
   You don’t have to completely cut out meat and dairy, but according to mondaycampaigns.org, skipping one serving of beef every Monday for a year saves the equivalent emissions to driving 348 miles in a car. Just a little food for thought!
   

7. Silicone baking sheets instead of parchment paper
   I despise cleaning baking sheets more than almost anything. Adding a silicone baking sheet makes the job a million times easier.
   

8. Shopping second-hand first vs. buy everything new
   Shopping second-hand keeps clothing out of the landfill and decreases the demand for new clothing. Apps like Poshmark, thredUP, Depop and The RealReal are great ways to search for a particular item, or brand. I just got a like-new pair of Dr. Marten boots for a fraction of the original price on Poshmark.
   

   *If you would like to sign up with Poshmark click here to download the app, and if you use my code LEAHRANDALL9 and we both get a $10 credit to use in the app (but no pressure!).

9. Biodegradable sponges vs plastic-based conventional sponges
   Did you know you should replace your sponge every 2 weeks? That is a lot of plastic sponge material, but if you use a biodegradable or compostable sponge you can breathe easy knowing you aren’t putting 25 rectangles of plastic that will last forever into landfills every year.
   

10. Home silverware instead of plastic cutlery
    

    
    When packing a lunch remember to also pack the necessary silverware to avoid needing plastic cutlery (which sucks!) to eat your meal.