Dr. Bronner’s is everywhere—from Whole Foods shelves to cottagecore bathrooms on Instagram. With their quirky labels, multi-use claims, and organic certifications, they’ve become a staple in many “eco-friendly” routines. But… is Dr. Bronner’s actually sustainable? Or is it just really good marketing?

When I moved into my home, I thought I had to “finish” it quickly. Decorate every room. Buy all the right things. Make it Pinterest-perfect. But the truth is—what I really wanted was a cozy, mindful space that felt like me… not a showroom. And I didn’t want to spend thousands to get there. So instead of rushing, I’ve been slowly creating a home that’s thoughtful, lived-in, and layered with intention—one budget-friendly choice at a time.

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.

There’s something liberating about realizing you don’t have to keep up with the latest hauls, gadgets, or impulse buys—especially in your 20s, when you're figuring out your values, your style, and your spending habits. In my own journey toward living more mindfully (for my brain, budget, and the planet), I started paying attention to the things I was buying… and the things I wasn’t.