As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to give your home—and your habits—a quick sustainability reset. With just a few intentional changes, you can reduce waste, clear your space, and step into the new season feeling organized and refreshed.
Here are five easy, high-impact swaps to start today—plus a few bonus tips for even bigger results.
1. Swap Paper Towels for Reusable Cloths
Paper towels may be convenient, but they create a staggering amount of unnecessary waste. Instead, switch to reusable cloth towels, Swedish dishcloths, or even DIY cleaning rags made from old towels and t-shirts you already have at home.
These alternatives are super absorbent, long-lasting, and can be washed and reused hundreds of times. Over the course of a year, you’ll save dozens of rolls from ending up in the trash, and you’ll save money, too.
Three Small Home Swaps with Big Impact:
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Replace napkins with washable cloth napkins for daily meals.
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Keep a basket of cut-up old t-shirts for quick cleanups instead of grabbing a paper towel.
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Use Swedish dishcloths for wiping counters and mirrors—they replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels each.
Curious about how we became so dependent on paper towels in the first place?
[Read more in The History of Paper Towels and Better Eco-Friendly Alternatives →]
2. Switch to a Zero Waste Dishwashing Routine
Plastic sponges and brushes aren’t just bad for the environment—they’re breeding grounds for bacteria. Switching to natural brushes with replaceable heads and compostable sponges guarantees your cleaning tools won’t live forever in a landfill.
And no more giant plastic jugs filled with harsh chemicals you can’t even pronounce. A solid dish soap bar delivers the same cleaning power without the waste, lasts longer, and is gentler on your skin. Pair it with a silicone draining soap dish to keep it dry and long-lasting.
Bonus: Natural dish tools aren’t just functional—they look beautiful on your countertop, turning your kitchen into a more pleasant, plastic-free space.
[Shop the Zero Waste Dishwashing Set →]
3. Organize Your Space Sustainably
Before heading to the store for new storage containers, take a moment to “shop” your home—glass jars, tins, baskets, and boxes can be repurposed into perfect organizers. And if you need more, head to a thrift store first. They’re full of affordable, pre-loved bins and baskets that can be just as effective (and much more eco-friendly) than buying new.
These solutions do more than just keep things tidy, they:
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Make it easier to find what you need (saving time and frustration)
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Reduce your environmental footprint by avoiding new production
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Add character to your space with unique, one-of-a-kind storage pieces
Every reused or secondhand item is one less thing that needs to be manufactured, packaged, and shipped—a small but meaningful way to lower your household’s impact.
4. Declutter with Purpose (and Donate Responsibly)
Decluttering doesn’t have to mean a mountain of trash bags. It’s about making intentional choices about what stays, what goes, and where it goes. Many items—clothes, home goods, furniture, electronics—can be donated, sold, or repaired to extend their life.
Ideas for Responsible Decluttering:
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Donate clothing to domestic violence shelters, not just thrift stores
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Offer gently used kitchen items on local “buy nothing” or community swap groups
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Bring textiles in poor condition to textile recycling centers
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Partner with local schools, shelters, or art programs for creative reuse
When you declutter with purpose, you not only reduce waste—you also help people and organizations in your community.
Read more: [Living Lighter: How Sustainability and a Clutter-Free Lifestyle Go Hand in Hand →]
5. Choose Multipurpose, Long-Lasting Products
If a product only does one job, it might not be worth the space or money. Multipurpose items help reduce clutter, save money, and cut down on waste.
Single-Purpose vs. Multipurpose Examples:
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Single-use: A salad spinner
Multipurpose alternative: A large stainless steel mixing bowl with a mesh strainer—works for salads, washing produce, draining pasta, or serving food. -
Single-use: A pancake batter dispenser
Multipurpose alternative: A large glass measuring cup—great for mixing and pouring pancake batter, sauces, dressings, and beverages. -
Single-use: Aluminum Foil + Parchment Paper
Multipurpose alternative: A flat baking tray with a reusable silicone mat for baking, roasting, and cooling baked goods.
Multipurpose items mean fewer things to store, fewer purchases to make, and fewer resources wasted. Every time you choose a product that can do more than one job, you’re making a smarter investment for your home and the planet.
Why a Sustainability Reset Matters
Small swaps can add up to big changes for your home, your budget, and the planet. By making thoughtful choices now, you set the tone for a cleaner, calmer, and more sustainable season ahead.
Whether it’s replacing paper towels with reusable cloths, upgrading your dishwashing routine, or rethinking the way you shop, these steps are simple, practical, and impactful.
Ready to start your sustainability reset?
[Shop Eco-Friendly Home Essentials →]
