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In 2026, the impact of climate change is increasingly more prevalent in the world. This year record breaking heatwaves across the US and Europe have sparked a considerable amount of climate change conversation. Many people are wondering, what can I do to help? Climate change can be daunting and at times it may feel like the only way to reduce greenhouse gas and encourage environmentally friendly practices is through voting and legislation. Especially when a majority of CO2 emissions stem from large corporations and fossil fuel companies. This year, 10 corporations were linked to 44% of the United States greenhouse gas emissions (EcoRI).
Fortunately, there are many ways consumers can help mitigate their consumption and their impact on the environment. Consumers can help the environment financially by purchasing products from companies that contain natural ingredients, create bio-degradable packaging, and reinvest in the environment. As a college student, the list of eco-friendly businesses can be overwhelming and stressful to find affordable companies that actually practice what they preach. Here are 5 easy and affordable ways to swap out everyday products for a better, environmentally friendly alternative.
1. Wool dryer balls
Dryer balls are a much better alternative to one-time use dryer sheets, they’re great for the environment, and one dryer ball can last up to 1,000 loads of laundry. Many brands sell wool dryer balls, but my pick would be Molly’s Suds. They sell a 3 pack for $15 and they are packaged in a reusable muslin (cotton) bag.
2. Plant-based sponges
There are many plastic free and eco-friendly dish cleaning products such as wood and bamboo scrubs, cotton cloths, and plant based sponges. Whichever product you choose depends entirely on preference. Blueland has a great value pack with one cotton cloth, cellulose sponge, and a cellulose scrub sponge all for $14. All of Blueland’s products are cruelty free, plastic free, and recyclable and/or compostable.
3. Bamboo toothbrushes
Bamboo toothbrushes are a great option because unlike plastic toothbrushes, they degrade over time and can be put back into the environment. Typically, bamboo toothbrushes last for three months before they begin to decompose. Luckily, these toothbrushes are often sold in packs of ten or more, so you can buy a 10 pack for $10 and it’ll last two years.
4. HYdroxyapatite toothpaste
This is a great alternative to fluoride toothpastes, hydroxyapatite is a calcium phosphate mineral, a substance that builds human tooth enamel. There are many toothpaste brands that sell hydroxyapatite and contain sustainable packaging. My choice is the Davids Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste because their ingredients are naturally sourced, the packaging is sustainable and recyclable, even the toothpaste tube is metal instead of plastic, and they’re a family owned business that does not test on animals.
5. Toilet cleaning pods
Instead of using toilet cleaner with harmful chemicals and plastic packaging, a good eco-friendly option are toilet cleaning pods. These pods are designed to disintegrate into the toilet water and then you can scrub the water around to clean the toilet. In addition, the packaging is compostable, so it will return back to the Earth over time. My personal favorite are the Wild Lavender Toilet Bowl Pods from Blueland.
SMALL SWAPS COMPOUND OVER TIME
Eco-Friendly swaps can look different for every dorm, household, and apartment, but it can make a big difference in the long run. The best practice is to use up the products already at home and make the swap when those products run out. One small change at a time, will eventually lead to a big difference in the future, for both your place and your bank account.