10 Simple Sustainable Swaps You Can Make This Week
The Myth of the Perfect Eco-Warrior: Why Progress, Not Perfection, is the Only Sustainable Way
When I first started my sustainability journey, I was overwhelmed.
I thought I needed to be a perfect 'eco-warrior' overnight. I pictured myself living in a zero-waste utopia, making all my own cleaning products, and never, ever forgetting my reusable coffee cup. The pressure was a lot, and in actual fact, it seemed to slightly paralyse me. I was so afraid of doing it wrong that I ended up doing nothing at all.
I quickly realised that this all-or-nothing mindset was the biggest barrier to making real, lasting change. The truth is, sustainable living isn't about being perfect; it's about making better choices, more often. It’s about accepting that you will forget your bag sometimes, you will occasionally buy something in plastic, and that’s okay.
What matters is that you keep showing up and making small, intentional changes.
That’s why I love these simple swaps. They are designed to be easy to implement, affordable, and low-pressure. Choose one or two to try this week — that’s more than enough to start building momentum.
10 Simple Sustainable Swaps You Can Make This Week
1. Reusable Bag: The Unsung Hero of Your Pocket
Instead of buying new, keep a tote in your bag, car, or by the door. This is the simplest habit change, but it’s one of the most powerful. I used to forget mine all the time, but now I have a dedicated spot for my Love Earth Daily Tote by the front door, and another one rolled up in my handbag. It’s a small investment that saves countless plastic bags from landfill.
Why it matters: Plastic bags are used for minutes but last for hundreds of years. Having a stylish, durable tote like the 'Live Gently' Tote makes remembering it a pleasure, not a chore.
2. Refillable Water Bottle: Hydration, Sustainably
If you already have one — use it more often. This is a simple mental shift. Before you leave the house, fill it up. Before you buy a plastic bottle, look for a refill station.
Why it matters: Single-use bottles are one of the most common plastic waste items worldwide. By carrying your own, you're reducing demand and saving money.
3. Bar Soap: A Simple Bathroom Revolution
A simple bathroom swap with a big impact. Switching from liquid soap in a plastic pump bottle to a solid bar is one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic in your home. I personally love the Lime & Sea Salt Natural Soap Bar for a refreshing morning shower, and the Ginger & Spice Natural Exfoliant Bar is fantastic for a little self-care. They last longer, smell incredible, and come in minimal, compostable packaging.
Why it matters: Less plastic, fewer chemicals, and bars usually last longer, making them a more economical choice in the long run.
4. Reusable Coffee Cup: Your Daily Ritual
You don’t have to be perfect, even one use a week helps. I keep a reusable cup in my car console so I can grab it on the way to my favorite coffee shop. Even if you only manage to use it once a week, that’s 52 fewer single-use cups a year.
Why it matters: Most takeaway cups aren’t recyclable due to a plastic lining. Using your own cup is a direct way to reduce waste from your daily routine.
5. Cloth Towels: Ditch the Paper
Use old t-shirts or tea towels before buying anything new. Once those wear out, consider investing in high-quality, reusable options. Our Organic Cotton Dish Cloths are incredibly absorbent, machine washable, and a beautiful addition to the kitchen. They’ve completely replaced my need for paper towels.
Why it matters: Reduces waste and saves money long-term. Plus, a good cloth towel is far more effective than a flimsy paper one.
6. Choose Second-Hand Before Buying New
Clothing, furniture, books— check second-hand first. This is a mindset shift that requires patience, but the rewards are huge: unique items, lower prices, and a massive reduction in your environmental footprint.
Why it matters: It reduces demand for new production and keeps items in use longer, which is a core principle of the circular economy.
7. Cook One Extra Meal at Home: The Kitchen Challenge
Not every meal, just one more than usual. This simple act gives you more control over your ingredients and packaging. When I cook at home, I love using my Bamboo Cutlery Set for packed lunches, which stops me from grabbing plastic forks when I’m out. It's a small detail that makes a big difference.
Why it matters: Less packaging, less food waste, and more control over ingredients.
8. Switch Off Lights & Plugs You’re Not Using
A habit, not a purchase. This is a purely mindful swap. Get into the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room and unplugging "vampire" electronics that draw power even when turned off.
Why it matters: Energy waste is one of the easiest things to reduce, lowering your carbon footprint and your electricity bill.
9. Buy Less, Buy Slower: The Intentional Pause
Pause before purchasing and ask: Do I really need this? This is the most challenging, yet most rewarding, swap. It forces you to be intentional about what you bring into your life.
Why it matters: The most sustainable purchase is often no purchase at all.
10. Learn As You Go (No Guilt Required)
You will forget. You will slip up. And that is perfectly fine. Sustainable living only works when it’s compassionate. Forgive yourself, learn from the mistake, and move on. This is the lesson I learned when I was paralysed by the need for perfection.
Why it matters: Guilt is a poor motivator. Compassion and consistency are the keys to a lifelong sustainable journey.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’d like a step-by-step approach to building sustainable habits without overwhelm, my Sustainable Living Guide is designed specifically for beginners. It helps you:
•Focus on what matters most
•Build habits gradually
•Let go of eco-guilt
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Final Thought
You don’t need ten swaps. You need one you’ll actually stick with. Start there, and remember: we’re all just doing our best, one small swap at a time.