Affordable Eco Swaps That Are Actually Worth It

Switching to more sustainable products doesn’t have to be expensive, aesthetic, or overwhelming. In fact, some of the best eco swaps I’ve made in the past few years have actually saved me money—and made my routines a lot easier, too.

So if you’ve been wondering where to start with sustainable living (or which trendy swaps are actually worth it), this post is for you. Here are my go-to, budget-friendly eco swaps that are easy to make, feel good to use, and don’t require a whole lifestyle overhaul.

💸 Spoiler: You don’t need a whole cart of “green” products to start living more sustainably. Start with what you already have—and swap out as you go.

[Insert cozy kitchen shot with a cloth towel in use.]

[Insert bathroom shelfie or close-up of your razor + eco swaps.]

[Insert skincare flat lay of your routine + rounds.]

1. Paper Towels → Reusable Cloths

This was one of the first swaps I made, and honestly? I don’t miss paper towels at all. We use a mix of cut-up old T-shirts and cute reusable cloths that we wash weekly. They work better, save money, and reduce waste.

2. Plastic Razors → Safety Razor

It might look intimidating at first, but I love my metal safety razor. It’s a one-time investment, and the blades are super cheap (and recyclable!).

3. Liquid Soap → Bar Soap or Refillable

Bar soaps last forever and usually come in zero-waste packaging. If you prefer liquid, go for refillable bottles or local refill shops when possible.

4. Plastic Loofahs → Natural Fiber Cloth or Konjac Sponge

Loofahs made from plastic? No thanks. A konjac sponge or cotton cloth is compostable and feels just as good.

5. Body Wash → Bar Soap

Most bar soaps are more affordable and sustainable than body wash in plastic containers. Bonus: they’re easier to travel with.

6. Makeup Wipes → Reusable Rounds + Oil Cleanser

I used to go through so many disposable wipes. Now I use reusable rounds with an oil cleanser or micellar water. Soft on skin and the planet.

7. Dryer Sheets → Wool Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls cut down on drying time, reduce static, and last for literal years. You can add a few drops of essential oil if you love a scent.

8. Bottled Cleaning Sprays → Concentrates or Tablets

Brands like Blueland or Grove make cleaning tablets that dissolve in water. They’re affordable and reduce plastic use massively.

9. Disposable Bags → Silicone or Beeswax Wraps

I still use up what I have (no waste in tossing usable stuff), but once I switched to reusable snack bags and beeswax wraps, I never looked back.

10. Plastic Dish Sponge → Swedish Dishcloth

These feel like a cross between a sponge and cloth, but they dry faster, last longer, and are compostable when you're done.

11. Toothpaste Tubes → Toothpaste Tablets (Optional)

Not for everyone—but worth trying if you're curious. Some brands are hit-or-miss, so check my greenwashing database before buying!

12. Single-Use Coffee Pods → French Press or Reusable Filters

French press coffee is cozy, simple, and creates no waste. I promise it’s not as much effort as it seems. ☕️

13. Plastic Water Bottles → Refillable Glass or Stainless Steel

This one’s a no-brainer but still worth saying: a good refillable bottle is the easiest way to reduce waste. Bonus if it fits in your car cup holder. I did some research, and Stanley is a great brand with sustainable values to support if you’re on the hunt.

14. New “Eco” Products → What You Already Own

The most sustainable swap is using what you have. Don’t toss perfectly good items just to replace them with something trendy. Swap slowly and intentionally.

🧠 WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU BUY AN “ECO” PRODUCT:

• Do I already have something that works?

• Will I use this long-term?

• What’s it made of?

• Can I recycle or compost it at end of life?

• Is it just another form of overconsumption?

If you’re not sure if a product is actually sustainable or just well-marketed, check out my Sustainable or Greenwashing Database →

🛒 WHERE TO SHOP FOR AFFORDABLE SWAPS:

• Thrift stores (especially for jars, baskets, kitchen goods)

• Local refill shops (bring your own containers!)

• Low-waste brands with refill options (like Arbor Made, Meow Meow Tweet, or your faves!)

• Reuse what you have first—that’s always the best start

💭 CONCLUSION: SMALL SWAPS, BIG IMPACT

Eco-friendly living doesn’t have to be expensive or extreme. It can be as simple as using a cloth instead of paper towels, refilling a bottle instead of tossing it, or saying no to a product you don’t actually need.

Start with one small swap, and let that build momentum. Over time, your habits shift—and you’ll find yourself building a life that feels more aligned with your values, one reusable bag at a time.

And honestly? These swaps don’t just feel better for the planet—they feel better mentally too. Less clutter. Fewer decisions. More intention.

If you're anything like me, you might have felt overwhelmed at the start of your sustainability journey. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to buy a whole new set of “green” products or have the perfect zero-waste pantry. But the truth is: you don’t have to do it all at once. You can start exactly where you are—with what you already have.

That’s the magic of mindful consumption. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about paying attention. Noticing your habits. Asking questions. Making shifts when you can. And giving yourself a whole lot of grace along the way.

💌 My advice? Choose one of the swaps from this list that feels doable and give it a try this week. Then come back and try another. Bookmark this post. Share it with a friend. And celebrate the fact that you’re showing up and doing the best you can.

📥 BONUS: WANT EVEN MORE SWAPS?

I put together a full Plastic-Free Living Guide that includes:

• Easy swaps for every room in your home

• Shopping tips for beginners

• A printable checklist so you can track your swaps

It’s perfect if you're ready to take your next steps—without the pressure to be perfect.

🌎✨ Want to take the next step?
Grab my Plastic-Free Guide for more beginner-friendly swaps →

Thanks for being here. And thank you for caring about the little things—because they do add up.
You’ve got this. 💚

XOXO,

Krys