Eco Swaps

Eco swaps are simple changes we can make in our homes and daily lives to be kinder to the planet. What does eco-friendly really mean? Simply put, it means not harming the environment — from the way something is made, to how it’s used, to what happens when it’s thrown away.

Eco-products are also called green products or environmentally friendly products. They’re designed to be safer for people, animals, and the planet. That means fewer toxins, less waste, and lower pollution. They might be made from recycled materials, designed to last longer, or packaged more responsibly.

A lot of people assume you need loads of time and money to switch to eco-products. Honestly? That’s not true. Many green products are now just as affordable — even cheaper — than the usual options. And because they’re often reusable or longer-lasting, they can save you money over time.

Of course, not everything labeled “eco” is actually eco-friendly. There’s a lot of greenwashing out there — companies making products look environmentally sound without meeting real standards. If you want to check which labels are genuinely trustworthy, the Good Housekeeping eco-label guide is a great place to start.

Where to Begin?

You don’t have to swap everything overnight. Just start where you can:

• Replace single-use items (like paper towels or plastic wrap) with longer-lasting alternatives

• Switch to refillable cleaning products or gentler, non-toxic options

• Choose items with less or recyclable packaging

In our family, we still use some not-so-eco things — paper towels, sponges, liquid soap — because they’re what we have right now. But little by little, we’re finding better eco swaps that work for us, and that we can actually afford.

One small step at a time. Progress, not perfection.

“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?” – Robert Redford