10 Easy Eco Friendly Swaps For Everyday Items

Easy Eco Friendly Swaps

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1. Compostable, Eco-Friendly Phone Case

What is the one item you use daily and goes with you everywhere? Your phone! Why not show the earth some love and forgo the dense plastic phone cases and make an eco friendly swap to something more earth friendly.

Pela Case is a 100% compostable and biodegradable phone case that actively works towards eliminating plastic from lands and oceans.

These eco friendly iPhone and Android phone cases are made from compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw materials. They’re free of lead, cadmium, BPA and phthalates and yes, these cases are truly compostable.

Oh, and we can personally vouch that the Pela Case will protect your phone when you drop it. Ditch the plastic case and go the compostable phone case route!

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For more phone case styles, browse the latest selections here.

2. Eco Friendly Sunglasses

Who doesn’t love a good pair of polarized sunglasses? They’re great. Do you know what’s even better? Polarized sunglasses are made from sustainable materials like upcycled bamboo and plant-based cellulose. You can look fresh, catch some beautiful rays and do a little good for the planet. The trifecta.

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3. Recycled Blue Light Reading Glasses

If you have a hard time seeing, a good pair of eco friendly eyewear is for sure an everyday essential for you. Made from 2.5 plastic bottles, recycled reading glasses by Parafina are a great option for you glasses-wearing folk.

These lenses also have a blue-light filter that can help reduce up to 90% of harmful light produced by our screens. Let’s keep those beautiful eyes safe and stylish!

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For more reading glasses styles, browse the latest selections here.

4. Reusable Grocery + Produce Bags

Cut the plastic out of your grocery trip altogether by using reusable grocery and produce bags. Hundreds and thousands of plastic grocery and produce bags end up in our landfills and oceans. Who wants that?! No one, especially not Mother Earth.

Do your part by saying no to plastic wrapped produced and plastic bags during your grocery stores trips. Make a few eco friendly swaps to a more environmentally friendly approach with recycled cotton and mesh bags.

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5. Reusable Water Bottle + Reusable Straws

We both came from families who would buys packs and packs of single-use plastic water bottles. Thinking about that now, and all the waste we caused, gives us anxiety. So young and so naive we were.

Same goes for single-use plastic straws. Think about all the plastic straws you used in your life…CRAZY amounts, right?! All these single-use plastic items, like straws and water bottles, go straight to our landfills and oceans. By going the reusable water bottle and reusable straw route, you cut your use of single-use plastics all together and save money while you’re at it. Neat, right? Yes, very neat.

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Browse the latest selections of reusables straws and reusable water bottles

6. Natural & Non-Toxic Candles

Soy-based candles vs paraffin wax candles. Have you ever thought about this before? If not, no worries, let us tell you about it!

Soy candles are made from soybeans, a natural, renewable source where paraffin candles are made from petroleum, which is a nonrenewable source that contains carcinogenic substances. Yes, carcinogens.

Let’s set the scene, you’re enjoying your cozy space, lighting a candle and unbeknownst to you, the fake fragrances and paraffin wax are releasing chemicals into the air and your home. Not exactly the ambiance to set the mood you were looking for right?

Focus on 100% soy candles that are free of fragrant oils, paraben-free, phthalate-free, vegan, and come in glass containers (avoid plastic where possible). As a warning, we want to point out that not all soy candles are created equal. Always read the label or confirm with the manufacturer to make sure no chemicals are used.

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Browse the latest selections of soy candle scents here.

7. Eco Friendly Journal

If you’re an avid journaler or just enjoy taking notes the good ol’ fashioned way, check out and consider an eco-friendly journal for your next purchase. Made from upcycled stones from construction and factories, the Stone Paper Journal is tear-resistant and water-resistant. A perfect journal for home, the office, or documenting your adventures.

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For more eco friendly journals, browse the latest selections here.

8. Eco Friendly Headphones + Earbuds

Whether you’re at work, en route to a new destination, or something in between, a good pair of headphones is a must. If you’re on the hunt for some eco friendly and sustainable headphones, look no further than House of Marley.

House of Marley’s eco friendly headphones and earbuds are made of bio-based polymer and recycled silicone. Plus, House of Marley plants a tree for every item purchased.

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For more eco friendly electronics, browse the latest selections here.

9. Sustainable Shoes

You wear something on your feet everyday so why not make it something good for the environment? Saola Shoes are made with recycled materials like plastic bottles, natural cork, Algae Foam, and organic cotton.

Casual, comfortable vegan shoes for both men and woman are the Semnoz shoes. Look good and feel great in these sustainable, eco-friendly kicks.

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Browse the latest selections of eco friendly men’s and women’s shoes

10. Eco Friendly Lunch Box

Perfect for adults and kiddos is the zero waste lunch box. Bring it to work, school or on a picnic, you’ll be able to grab and go with leaving not waste or mess behind. Plus, every item in the zero waste lunch kit is reusable (saving you money) and eco friendly. From bamboo utensils to a stainless steal lunch box, you’re ready to eat where ever you are!

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WANT MORE INFORMATION ON SUSTAINABILITY AND ECO FRIENDLY SWAPS?

22 Sustainable Gift Ideas for Travelers

Eco Friendly Products For Home

Eco Friendly Toiletries for Travelers and Homebodies

PIN IT FOR LATER!

For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram @wanderingstus, Pinterest and on Facebook. Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)