20 Easy Sustainable Swaps You'll Barely Notice
By Emma Peugh
Updated by Jaclyn Tracy
All images by Folchi Creative
At SISTAIN, we preach progress over perfection. What exactly does this mean? We want to make living life easier and more convenient, but at the same time, more sustainable in as many simplified ways we can. So, we’ve gathered our favorite easy sustainable swaps within the home and wellness space, on-the-go items, and general lifestyle routine. I personally have most of these items, and I can truly say, they make life easier. (And, I don’t even miss the old, non-sustainable versions!)
Home:
UNPAPER TOWELS
Replaces: Single-use paper towels. Use to clean surfaces and messes, toss in the wash, reuse over and over.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
WAFFLE DISH TOWELS
Replaces: Single-use paper towels (to dry hands). Dry hands, toss in the wash, reuse over and over. Simple as that.
SHOP NOW
DISHWASHING HAND BRUSH
Replaces: Traditional, plastic-derived dishwashing sponge. Made with bamboo and agave plant fiber bristles, compost at end-of-life.
SHOP NOW
LINEN NAPKINS
Replaces: Traditional paper napkin. You know the drill. Wipe your face, clean your hands, toss in the wash, reuse over and over.
SHOP NOW
WOOL DRYER BALLS
Replaces: Single-use dryer sheets. Lasts over 1000 uses and cuts drying time down by 20% (and saves energy)!
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
Wellness:
LEAFSHAVE LEAF RAZOR
Replaces: Plastic razor. Intended to last a lifetime, just replace the blade when it becomes dull.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
ADULT BRISTLE TOOTHBRUSH
Replaces: Plastic toothbrush. Made with bamboo and plant based bristles. At end-of-life, pull out the bristles to discard and compost the bamboo handle!
SHOP NOW
REUSABLE FACIAL ROUNDS
Replaces: Single-use facial rounds. Made with cotton and bamboo terry to clean your skin, to then be washed and reused over and over for up to two years.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
HIMALAYAN SALT CLEANSING BAR
Replaces: Plastic bottled soap. All-natural soap bar designed to be gentle enough for all skin types and create hydrated, glowing skin.
SHOP NOW
SEA SPONGE
Replaces: Plastic loofah. Natural material, sustainably harvested, biodegradable.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
BAMBOO TO-GO UTENSILS
Replaces: Plastic cutlery. Made with bamboo and is biodegradable at end-of-life.
SHOP NOW
STOJO FOOD STORAGE BOX / BOWL
Replaces: Plastic to-go containers. BPA-free, BPS-free, no phthalates, leads or glues. Spill-proof, dishwasher safe, and collapses when empty!
SHOP NOW
STOJO TRAVEL CUP
Replaces: Plastic cups or takeaway coffee cups. LFGB certified silicone, BPA-free, no phthalates, leads or glues. Just like the food storage boxes and bowls, spill-proof, dishwasher safe, and collapses when empty.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
GLASS STRAWS
Replaces: Single-use plastic straws. Set of 6 straws for cool-drink-sipping while making less trash. Comes in a set of 3 complementary colors with a thin scrubby brush for cleaning. Dishwasher safe.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
GLASS & SILICONE WATER BOTTLE
Replaces: Single-use plastic water bottles. Reusable over and over, dishwasher safe, and very chic.
SHOP NOW
Lifestyle:
CANVAS TOTE
Replaces: Plastic grocery bags. So convenient and endlessly reusable. Made with recycled cotton canvas and printed at a local Columbus, OH print shop.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
PRODUCE BAGS
Replaces: Plastic produce bags. Made with organic cotton for a sustainable, non-toxic grocery haul. Fruits and veggies can breathe in the mesh bags, while nuts, grains and seeds are safe in the muslin bags.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
ORGANIC SOY CANDLE
Replaces: Toxic candles made with unnatural ingredients. Small batch, hand-poured candles made with 100% organic soy and recyclable glass vessels.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
RECYCLED PAPER WEEK JOTTER
Replaces: Traditional paper journal/planner. High quality printing on luxe recycled paper used to create intentional plans for your week ahead.
SHOP NOW
WATCH THIS REEL!
STONE PAPER HARDCOVER NOTEBOOK
Replaces: Traditional paper journal/planner. Stone paper is water and coffee spill resistant and ink is printed with soy-based ingredients. Reduces deforestation!
SHOP NOW
Share with us any other sustainable swaps you’re loving or have a suggestion for something we should carry — we love learning from our community!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emma Peugh is a formally trained graphic designer, new mama, and SISTAIN’s former Creative Director. Drawn towards holistic living, beautiful relationships, and simple + daily pleasures, creating a conscious life with her family is the ultimate goal. She aims to make this world a better place, one thoughtful design at a time.
