{"id":7793,"date":"2025-04-18T19:00:29","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T19:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/?p=7793"},"modified":"2025-04-20T19:15:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T19:15:40","slug":"happy-earth-month-check-out-our-list-of-25-eco-friendly-product-swaps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/18\/happy-earth-month-check-out-our-list-of-25-eco-friendly-product-swaps\/","title":{"rendered":"Happy Earth Month! Check Out Our List of 25 Eco-Friendly Product Swaps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Save money and the planet with these eco friendly products and sustainable products for you and your home.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"woman<\/p>\n

Stop buying these products and opt for these sustainable products & eco-friendly products instead! Your home, body, & wallet will thank you.<\/p>\n

\n

With April being Earth Month, there\u2019s no better time to stock up or try some new eco-friendly products! Plus, learn other ways to get involved this Earth Day<\/a> \u2013 Wednesday, April 22, 2025! \ud83c\udf0e<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Here are the 25 sustainable products and eco-friendly products I recommend switching to:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"collage<\/p>\n

\n
    \n
  1. Wooden dish brush<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Dish soap bars<\/a> & Shampoo bars<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Toothpaste Tablets<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Swedish dishcloths<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Reusable makeup remover pads<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Wool dryer balls<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Period panties<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Menstrual cup<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Reusable water filter system<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Reusable water bottle<\/a><\/li>\n
  11. Molly\u2019s Suds natural laundry detergent<\/a><\/li>\n
  12. Reusable silicone travel bottles<\/a><\/li>\n
  13. Bidet<\/a><\/li>\n
  14. Reusable straws<\/a><\/li>\n
  15. Pela compostable phone case<\/a><\/li>\n
  16. Silicone baking mats<\/a><\/li>\n
  17. Force of Nature cleaner<\/a><\/li>\n
  18. Bareaya razor<\/a><\/li>\n
  19. Toilet bombs<\/a><\/li>\n
  20. Food huggers<\/a><\/li>\n
  21. Stasher reusable silicone bags<\/a><\/li>\n
  22. Bees food wraps<\/a><\/li>\n
  23. Pour-over brewer<\/a><\/li>\n
  24. Steam mop<\/a><\/li>\n
  25. Bamboo toilet brush<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    *Read below for how much each one can save you over the next 10 years and how your switch will impact the Earth!<\/em>\ud83d\udcb0\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    Important note:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Hey, Hipsters!<\/em> \ud83d\udc4b\ud83c\udffc Just a reminder that going green is a journey, not a sprint. Small swaps over time lead to big, lasting change\u2014so don\u2019t stress if it feels tough at first. Do what feels right when you\u2019re ready.\u270c\ud83c\udffc\u2764\ufe0f \u2013 Sara, author & Hip Sidekick<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \u201cBe the change you wish to see in the world.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Mahatma Gandhi<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    \n

    On another note, shopping local, especially at zero-waste stores, is one of the best ways to live sustainably. You can refill everything from spices to soaps, cutting out tons of packaging waste!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n

    Check out how these reusable products and sustainable products will make a HUGE impact on you, your home, and the planet:<\/em><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
    \n

    \"hand<\/h2>\n

    Ditch parchment paper, non-stick sprays, and aluminum in favor of silicone baking mats.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    In 2020, Statista<\/a> reported that nearly 319 million Americans used aluminum foil, emitting significant greenhouse gases and requiring a great amount of energy. Each ton of foil takes as much energy as 1,400 gallons of gasoline to produce and lasts 400 years in landfills. A family spends around $56.58 yearly<\/strong> on foil<\/a>. Switching to silicone baking mats<\/a> offers a cost-effective, sanitary, and eco friendly alternative, replacing parchment paper and saving money in the long run.<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you get in the habit of using silicone baking mats, you\u2019ll save 24,000 sq. ft. of foil and $565.80 over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    Hip Tip:\u00a0<\/strong>Still find yourself using aluminum? Not to worry, aluminum foil is endlessly recyclable and can be rinsed and put in your curbside bin or taken to a local recycling facility.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/p>\n

    Swap plastic straws for reusable straws.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    America alone uses around 500 million straws<\/strong> daily, posing a threat to ocean life. Scientists estimate that between 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic & microplastics now pollute the world\u2019s oceans. \ud83d\ude2b A family of 5 using just 1 plastic straw per week totals 260 straws yearly. Switching to eco friendly reusable straws<\/a> not only protects oceans but also saves money in the long run.<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you and your family get in the habit of using reusable straws, you\u2019ll nix about 2,600 plastic straws over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/p>\n

    Paper towels are a waste of money, and Swedish dishcloths are endlessly reusable!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Ditching paper towels may be a big adjustment for many people, but they\u2019re an even larger culprit of waste in our country. According to CottageCare<\/a>, \u201cMore than 13 billion pounds of paper towels are used each year in the USA. This means that every day, more than 3,000 tons of paper towels are wasted in the U.S. alone.\u201d<\/em> \ud83d\ude31<\/p>\n

    If every household in the U.S. used just three fewer rolls of paper towels per year, it would save 120,000 tons of waste and $4.1 million in landfill dumping fees.<\/p>\n

    \"hand<\/p>\n

    A 12-pack of Bounty paper towels<\/a> will run you over $22.18. If you have a family of four, statistics show that you\u2019ll power through them in three weeks or less! \ud83d\ude33<\/p>\n

    Swedish dishcloths<\/a> are biodegradable, useful on many different surfaces, reusable, and easy to clean by throwing them in the dishwasher or washing machine!<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you and your family get in the habit of using an environmentally-friendly alternative to paper towels, you\u2019ll save 3,200 rolls or about $3,837.14 or more over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    Hip Tip: <\/strong>There are even more alternatives to consider, such as reusable and washable bamboo paper towels<\/a>, Zap cloths<\/a>, microfiber cloths<\/a>, bar mops<\/a>, and even some new cloth diaper inserts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/h2>\n

    Skip dryer sheets, and toss in a wool ball instead.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Dryer sheets, as per EWG<\/a>, contain harmful chemicals that impact health and pollute the air, both inside and<\/em> outside your home. Users often use more than one sheet per load. Using 2 dryer sheets<\/a> for 5 loads weekly means finishing a box in 10 1\/2 weeks, costing about $40 yearly and contributing to toxic waste.<\/p>\n

    Wool dryer balls<\/a> offer an eco friendly alternative, lasting over 1,000 loads, reducing drying time, and free from harmful chemicals and fragrances. Or, simply skip using anything and save money altogether.<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you get in the habit of using dryer balls, you\u2019ll save 5,250 dryer sheets or about $400 over the next 10 years!\u00a0 \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    \"close<\/p>\n

    Switch out plastic water bottles for refillable ones instead.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Don\u2019t stop drinking water, just stop drinking it out of plastic. Bottled water is ranked the #1 U.S. beverage by volume sold. According to the Container Recycling Institute<\/a>, \u201cmore than 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills and incinerators every day<\/strong> \u2013 a total of about 22 billion last year<\/strong>.\u201d \ud83d\ude33<\/p>\n

    \"person<\/a><\/p>\n

    The average family spends $100 per person annually on bottled water<\/strong>, totaling 2,160 bottles for a family of four. Investing in the best water bottle<\/a> for you not only saves money but also benefits the environment.<\/p>\n

    For outdoor adventures, the LifeStraw Peak Gravity Water Filter System<\/a> provides 3 liters of clean water per minute, removing 99.999999% bacteria, 99.999% parasites, and 99.999% microplastics. Lifeproof\u2019s sustainable products are leakproof and durable, perfect for backpacking, hiking, or camping trips.<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you and your family get in the habit of using reusable bottles, you\u2019ll save 21,600 bottles of water or $4,000 over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/h2>\n

    Swap plastic baggies for reusable wraps<\/a> and silicone bags<\/a>!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Realizing the excess of plastic sandwich baggies I was using hit me when my three kids started school. I used about 3 baggies per lunch, totaling 45 sandwich bags per week <\/strong>(not counting extras). That\u2019s nearly 4 boxes of Ziploc bags<\/a> monthly, projected to cost $253.92 yearly<\/strong> for items used for less than a day.<\/p>\n

    Shocked by this, we switched to Stasher Bags years ago. They\u2019re made of 100% silicone, they\u2019re versatile, durable, and reusable. They can handle freezer, microwave, sous vide, and even oven use, and are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.<\/p>\n

    \"hand<\/p>\n

    Bee\u2019s Wraps<\/a> or Meli Wraps<\/a> are another sustainable product you can switch to. They\u2019re naturally antimicrobial, made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, sustainably sourced beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. All of the ingredients combined create a malleable and easy-to-use food wrap that can be used over and over again! \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you and your family get in the habit of using reusable wraps or Stasher Bags, you\u2019ll save roughly 21,600 plastic sandwich bags and $2,539.20 over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/a><\/p>\n

    Ditch your old kitchen sponge and replace it with a brush.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    One Duke University<\/a> study showed that kitchen sponges are a better incubator for diverse bacterial communities than a laboratory Petri dish. And you\u2019re more likely to get food poisoning from an unsanitary sponge in your home than in a restaurant. \ud83d\ude31 It\u2019s recommended to replace your sponge every 2-3 weeks. If you\u2019re replacing your sponges every 2.5 weeks (on average) and buying a 3-pack of these sponges<\/a>, you\u2019re spending approximately $29 every year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    A wooden dish brush<\/a> is your most sustainable product choice to swap to, but they also make some with an efficient soap dispenser<\/a> that\u2019s even dishwasher-safe! \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffb<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you get in the habit of using a dish brush, you\u2019ll save 208 sponges and $290 over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    \"silicone<\/a><\/p>\n

    Switch out the plastic wrap for silicone stretch lids or food huggers instead.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    According to National Geographic<\/a>, the average family goes through close to 10 rolls of plastic wrap per year<\/strong>! That\u2019s about $55 per year just for plastic wrap<\/a> and a huge waste of money when there are more sustainable products on the market.<\/p>\n

    Silicone stretch lids<\/a> are perfect for storing leftovers, covering odd-shaped bowls or ones that don\u2019t have lids, and they work a heck of a lot better than plastic wrap. They\u2019re also conveniently dishwasher safe, BPA free, non-toxic, keep food fresher for longer, and reduce your household waste (obviously<\/em> \ud83d\ude0f).<\/p>\n

    \"hand<\/a><\/p>\n

    Try Food Huggers<\/a> as another alternative for your fruits and veggies! They\u2019re perfect for those half-eaten foods or tiny jars you never know what to do with.<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you get in the habit of using silicone stretch lids and\/or Food Huggers, you\u2019ll be saving about 48,000 sq. ft. of plastic wrap or $598.80 over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    \"resuable<\/p>\n

    Keurig K-Cups are harmful to you & the planet, so switch to reusable cups or<\/em> opt for a pour-over coffee maker instead.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    K-cups are hard to recycle, and the ones that make it into a landfill will take thousands of years to decompose. Not to mention the microplastics that will remain in the soil and be with you in every brewed cup! \ud83d\ude33 If you and your spouse are brewing a cup of coffee with the Keurig every day, that\u2019s 728 K-Cups a year<\/strong>. Or about 33 of these boxes of Starbucks K-Cups<\/a> \u2013 priced at $16.99 each, that\u2019s $560.67 a year<\/strong>. \ud83d\ude33<\/p>\n

    If you don\u2019t want to kick the convenience of your Keurig to the curb, opt for reusable K-cup pods<\/a> so you can still brew your favorite ground coffee blends.<\/p>\n

    \"pouring<\/a><\/p>\n

    As another alternative, ditch the cups altogether and start making pour-over coffee. Target even offers a pour-over brewer<\/a> that comes with a stainless steel filter. That means you won\u2019t even be wasting paper filters to brew your steamy cup of coffee. \ud83d\ude4c It\u2019s how I enjoy coffee every morning and I\u2019ve had the same set for over 3 years and counting!<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you and your other half get in the habit of using a reusable K-cup or pour over, you\u2019ll save at least 7,280 disposable K-cups or $5,936.70 over the next 10 years!\u00a0 \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    Hip Tip:\u00a0<\/strong>Here are more team-tested household plastic alternatives<\/a> for your kitchen if you\u2019re looking to ditch plastic altogether.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/a><\/p>\n

    Switch to makeup remover pads if you\u2019re wasting wipes.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Those makeup wipes you\u2019re using every morning and night are ending up in a landfill somewhere. In fact, according to Bustle<\/a>, 7.6 billion pounds of wipes are thrown into landfills each year, which adds up to 1.3 billion wipes tossed each day. <\/em>\ud83d\ude33 Plus, using just two a day from a popular pack<\/a> will get costly at about $169.06 a year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Make the switch to a reusable makeup remover that can be used endlessly. I\u2019ve been using the Beauty by Earth Microfiber<\/a> on rotation for years now. The microfiber rounds get a great lather and handle tough mascara, too. You can use them with micellar water<\/a> or your favorite soap or cleaner. However, there are also other sustainable products to consider, like the Makeup Eraser<\/a>, which only requires water to work.<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you switch to reusable makeup remover pads, you\u2019ll be projected to save about $1,690.68 over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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    \"designer<\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t contribute to textile waste and buy secondhand clothing instead.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    According to Earth.org<\/a>, more than 100 billion garments are produced annually, and the global emissions from it all are projected to increase by 50% by 2030. \ud83d\ude33 What\u2019s worse, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills yearly, just in America alone. That\u2019s equivalent to approximately 81.5 pounds per person, per year, and around 2,150 pieces per second countrywide. \ud83d\ude31 It\u2019s also ranked the 2nd biggest polluter of freshwater resources on the planet and accounts for 85% of the human-made material found along ocean shores, which is threatening marine wildlife and ending up in our food supply.<\/p>\n

    According to Credit Donkey<\/a>, \u201cthe average family spends $1,800 per year on [new] clothing,<\/strong>\u201d with $388 of this on shoes. Adults (aged 25-34) spend an average of $161 per month on clothing, and this increases by 26% for adults aged 35-44, with an average of $209 per month spent on clothes. \ud83d\ude31<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you and your family get in the habit of buying secondhand clothes, you\u2019ll be projected to save $18,000 on new clothes over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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    \"woman<\/p>\n

    Ditch the Swiffer dry cloths and switch to reusable mop heads!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Have you ever thought about how much waste happens with regular Swiffer<\/a> cleanings? If you\u2019re averaging 2 dry pads a week, priced at $14.49 for 52, you\u2019re spending over $28.98 a year or more<\/strong> just on Swiffer pads that\u2019ll end up in a landfill. This doesn\u2019t even include other cleaners or the multiple wet Swiffer pads you might use for deeper cleanings.<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re looking for an eco friendly alternative that\u2019s even more effective, consider a Turbo mop<\/a>. It\u2019s USA-made, can be used wet or dry on multiple surfaces, and is reusable and machine washable. They even make reusable Swiffer pads<\/a> (made by Turbo), so you don\u2019t have to pay the cost of a new mop!<\/p>\n

    \"shark<\/a><\/p>\n

    Need something for deeper cleanings? I\u2019ve had a Shark Steam mop<\/a> for over 4 years and can\u2019t rave about it enough! The pads are endlessly washable and all you need to deep clean any floor is water! Put a few drops of essential oils on top and your whole house will smell amazing!<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you and your family get in the habit of using reusable mop cloths, you\u2019ll be projected to save more than $289.80 over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    \"force<\/p>\n

    Use Force of Nature and ditch the toxic AND natural cleaners you\u2019re already using.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Verve<\/a> states that American spending on cleaning, safety, and wellness products increased 34% since pre-COVID spending in February 2020. According to recent stats, the average family spends a whopping $680 every year<\/strong> on cleaning supplies.<\/p>\n

    Not to mention, many of them are horrible for the environment since many aren\u2019t 100% biodegradable and contain toxic chemicals. Even worse many cleaners contribute to health problems according to the EPA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    However, even the most eco friendly products need to be replaced, but we have a better solution to minimize your waste altogether, and it will cut your costs by at least 80%. \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffc<\/p>\n

    \"hand<\/p>\n

    Force of Nature<\/a> is a federal EPA-registered disinfectant and sanitizer that NATURALLY kills 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses \u2013 even COVID.<\/em> \ud83d\ude31 That\u2019s right, it uses just water, salt, and vinegar and can be used to replace bleach, disinfectants, sanitizers, deodorizers, kitchen, bathroom, window, carpet, rug, floor, pet, sports, and baby product cleaners. \ud83e\udd2f The savings potential is limitless.<\/p>\n

    Force of Nature is unique because it uses electricity to convert the water and capsule of salt, water, and vinegar into an organic multi-purpose cleaner and deodorizer. It\u2019s a splurge up front, but the refill capsules are just 9\u00a2 per ounce<\/strong> \ud83e\udd29 and eliminate single-use plastic bottles. Plus, the Recyclable Activator Capsules<\/a> reduce plastic waste by 97%.<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you switch to using Force of Nature in your household, you\u2019ll be projected to save about $4,800 or more over the next 10 years! Plus, you\u2019ll save the planet from hundreds of plastic bottles too. \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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    \"Woman<\/p>\n

    A menstrual cup will replace tampons and pads forever.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    According to the global tampon market<\/a>, 6.1 billion tampons were sold in 2023, a third of the global total, and are only expected to grow even more by 2030. Even more startling, when tampons are flushed down the toilet, they can end up in the ocean when sewer systems fail. Although plastic applicators from tampons are technically recyclable, they are usually not accepted for sanitary reasons, making tampons a giant waste of money and terrible for the planet!<\/p>\n

    Before making my eco friendly products switch, I was personally spending over $10 every month on Tampax products<\/a>. That\u2019s more than $120 a year<\/strong>! Menstrual cups are game-changing. Since they\u2019re 100% silicone, they\u2019re completely safe for your body (unlike tampons), reusable, and easy to clean. Mine still looks brand new over four years later! \ud83e\udd29 Even better, it pays for itself in just a couple of cycles! Not to mention, there are incredible benefits to wearing one as opposed to tampons and pads.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Read all about my experience using the best menstrual cup<\/a> on the market!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    As another alternative, stop buying pads and stock up on period panties<\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

    \"woman<\/a><\/p>\n

    These aren\u2019t just for post-partum mommies. In fact, any and every woman who gets their cycle can benefit from owning a few pairs of period panties<\/a>. They\u2019re a great backup to a menstrual cup or can absorb plenty of fluid on their own. Plus, they\u2019re much more comfortable than a bulky or annoying pad. It\u2019s essentially like wearing any other pair of panties but with more peace of mind. \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffb<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you get in the habit of using a menstrual cup or period panties, you\u2019ll be projected to save more than $1,200 over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    \"white<\/h3>\n

    Use less toilet paper and be cleaner than ever with a bidet.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    You can cut back significantly on toilet paper by incorporating a bidet into your bathroom routine. It will save you money and even possible sewage problems<\/a> down the road. Plus, they have many other benefits<\/a> too!<\/p>\n

    According to ReelPaper<\/a>, the average person uses 141 rolls of toilet paper per year! Priced at $28.99 per 30-pack of toilet paper<\/a>, you\u2019re easily spending over $130 per year<\/strong> just to wipe! Of course, this can vary significantly with how much I know my kids waste every day.<\/p>\n

    \"butt<\/a><\/p>\n

    While there are many expensive and more permanent bidets on Amazon, The Butt Buddy<\/a> is a great option under $70. My in-laws loved it so much that they just bought a second one for traveling!<\/p>\n

    When a family of four incorporates a bidet in their daily lifestyle, it averages a savings of 80 rolls of toilet paper per year<\/strong>, which is a tenth of a tree! This means you\u2019ll likely only need 16 rolls of toilet paper per year for 4 people! \ud83d\ude31 That\u2019s a mere $17.89 on an Up & Up 18-pack<\/a> that should last all year!<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you and your family get in the habit of using a bidet, you\u2019ll be projected to save $652.80 or more over the next 10 years! \ud83c\udf89<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n
    \n

    These sustainable products and eco friendly products may not save you a ton of money, but will be safer for your home and the environment:<\/em><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
    \n

    \"hand<\/a><\/h3>\n

    Switch to toilet bombs and a sustainable and eco friendly brush for cleaning and ditch the disposable cleaning pads and toxic cleaners.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    You\u2019re not doing yourself or the planet justice if you\u2019re using Clorox toilet wand refills<\/a> or other chemicals to clean your toilets. Toilet bombs<\/a> are much more sustainable and eco friendly products to use. They\u2019ll fizz in your toilet, making it easy to clean,n and they\u2019re made up of just a few ingredients \u2013 sodium bicarbonate, non-GMO citric acid, water, and essential oils. You could even make them yourself using Lemons Lavender & Laundry\u2019s DIY<\/a> to try and save money on this sustainable product swap.<\/p>\n

    \"hand<\/p>\n

    Remember to add an eco friendly cleaning brush to your new sustainable products regime. I love this eco-friendly toilet brush<\/a> because it\u2019s ethically and sustainably made of 100% bamboo. Plus, the brush is made of coconut fiber, which is anti-bacterial. So it will not become smelly or moldy like you\u2019re old toxic plastic brushes. As a bonus, it\u2019s cute and stylish too.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Shopping around or out of stock?<\/em> There are tons of eco friendly brushes on Amazon<\/a> too!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/p>\n

    Use a durable and reusable silicone bottle when you travel.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Humangear<\/a> makes the best reusable silicone travel bottles<\/a>. They\u2019re a great eco friendly switch if you\u2019re replacing small plastic bottles when traveling. They\u2019re available in various sizes and are made from durable FDA (food-safe) silicone. They\u2019re perfect for virtually any lotion, soap, or whatever else you need to carry with you. They\u2019re also TSA-approved, and the lid can be easily converted into a loop. Plus, with their new and improved opening, they get out every last drop and they\u2019re even easier to clean. \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffc<\/p>\n

    \n

    \"dish<\/a><\/p>\n

    Bar soap for your dishes and hair will save on plastic bottles and other toxic waste.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Dish and body bar soaps are eco-friendly products that will cut down significantly on plastic bottles and toxic waste. Even better, if you can scoop up these sustainable products locally, they\u2019ll likely come with no packaging at all, making your carbon footprint nearly untraceable. If you don\u2019t have a zero-waste store, there are a plethora of dish soap bars<\/a> and shampoo bars<\/a> to choose from on Etsy. I love used dish soap bars because they fit perfectly in a little dish and are convenient for me to use with my wooden dish brush.<\/p>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/a><\/p>\n

    Switch to a natural laundry detergent that is good for you, your home, and the planet.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    After testing many natural detergents, I landed on Molly\u2019s Suds<\/a> as one of the most sustainable products in the laundry detergent market. This USA-made detergent has just 5 Earth-derived ingredients and rates an \u201cA\u201d on EWG. Even the packaging is manufactured with sustainable sources and manufacturing, and non-toxic inks. The cost of Molly\u2019s Suds ends up being 21 cents per load, and you\u2019ll be saving the planet from various toxins and lots of plastic bottle waste.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Hip Tip: <\/strong>These are the best non toxic laundry products<\/a>\u00a0I think every home needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/a><\/p>\n

    Toothpaste tablets will nix tubes altogether and are fun to use.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    In the US, there are 400 million toothpaste tubes that end up in landfills every year, and 1.5 billion globally. What\u2019s worse, they\u2019re made from a combination of different plastics and often wrapped around a thin layer of aluminum, making them nearly impossible to recycle. Toothpaste tablets naturally whiten, fight plaque, and freshen your breath while nixing tubes altogether. Even more exciting, they\u2019re much quicker and cleaner to use if you struggle with kiddos leaving messy tubes in the bathroom. I love Huppy Toothpaste Tablets<\/a> because they have very clean ingredients, my kids love them, and they\u2019re conveniently available at my local zero-waste store<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \n

    \"hand<\/a><\/p>\n

    Switch to a razor you\u2019ll never have to replace.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    According to many sources<\/a>, a whopping 2 billion disposable razors are thrown away every year and aren\u2019t even recyclable since they\u2019re nearly impossible to separate into their various components. One of my favorite sustainable products I switched to this year was my beloved Bareaya razor<\/a>, which has just one blade and is made of a brass and zinc alloy handle. It\u2019s also incredibly durable, so it can last a lifetime, and the razors can be properly recycled. Overall, this razor will have a significant impact on your footprint, is minimal, efficient, and one of the best eco friendly products you could add to your daily regimen.<\/p>\n

    \n

    \"woman<\/p>\n

    Grab a 100% biodegradable Pela phone case the next time you upgrade your tech.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    According to Pela<\/a> (and many other statistics), 1.5 BILLION phone cases are thrown away every year. Did you know it takes about 1,000 years for plastic to break down? And even then, the microplastics will end up in our precious oceans. Thankfully, Pela makes sustainable products that are changing the game.\u00a0 Plus, they minimize waste production by 80% and use 34% less water and 30% fewer carbon emissions.<\/p>\n

    Pela\u2019s innovative phone cases are made from Flaxstick\u00ae and a plant-based biopolymer, so they\u2019re made from renewable sources and\u00a0<\/em>are\u00a0100% compostable. In fact, they can be left to break down in your very own home composting environment! \ud83d\ude31 What\u2019s more exciting is that the purchase of 2 Pela phone cases is equivalent to saving the planet from\u00a054 plastic bags\u00a0<\/strong>being wasted. \ud83d\udc4f\ud83c\udffb I\u2019ve had a Pela phone case for about a year, and it\u2019s definitely my favorite I\u2019ve ever had!<\/p>\n

    \n

    \"woman<\/p>\n

    Bring a reusable bag every time you shop instead of using plastic.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Plastic bags are a huge contributing factor to our waste, and on average, a plastic bag is used for an average of just 12 minutes, and less than 3% are recycled. \ud83d\ude33 According to the scary statistic shared by PADI<\/a>, every second, 160,000 plastic bags are used around the world. That\u2019s 1 TRILLION bags a year, and if we joined all the plastic bags in the world together, they would circumnavigate the globe 4,200 times! \ud83d\ude31<\/p>\n

    \"hand<\/a><\/p>\n

    Thankfully, there are 8 states that have banned single-use plastic bags<\/a>, but it\u2019s crucial we start making the change too. Even better, some stores, like Target, Whole Foods, and Lowe\u2019s (and more), will even give you a small credit on your purchase when you bring your own bags! While it\u2019s typically only around 5-10 cents per bag, it will definitely add up over time and is just another perk of bringing your own eco friendly products.<\/p>\n

    Grab my reusable snap tote from Minted<\/a>, which can be personalized and makes a great gift too!<\/p>\n

    \n

    If just one person used reusable bags over their lifetime, they would be removing about 22,000 plastic bags from the environment which is equivalent to $1,100-$2,200 on a 5-10 cent credit!<\/strong> \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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    \n

    If you\u2019re still here, I hope you\u2019re excited to become more eco-friendly and sustainable in your home. \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n

    \n

    More importantly, you could potentially save a whopping $45,000+ over the next 10 years if you made many of our eco friendly swaps that could save you money! \ud83d\ude31\ud83d\ude31<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

    *Note that everyone\u2019s family is different in size, and these are just estimates based on our research and what the average person uses\/buys for each of these products. The outcome or sum of savings can vary greatly and will depend on the cost of what you\u2019re replacing these household items with.<\/em><\/p>\n

    \n

    Check out our Clean Series for 100% toxin-free swaps for you & your home!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Save money and the planet with these eco friendly products and sustainable products for you and your home. Stop buying […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7795,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7793"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7793"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7793\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7794,"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7793\/revisions\/7794"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7795"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7793"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.amshieldins.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}