When I moved into my apartment, I saw it as an opportunity to start fresh.
Over the years, I've become increasingly aware of how much toxicity we encounter in our everyday lives. Microplastics are everywhere, harsh chemicals have replaced natural ingredients, and even our water is said to no longer be safe.
I've become more and more conscious of how consumrism encourages us to constantly chase the next trend or must-have product that's being marketed as the solution to a problem we didn't know we had. It can feel like a never-ending game of keeping up with what's popular this week and sometimes we're made to believe we need to buy more to achieve the lifestyles that we see online.
When I decided to make the change, I tried to focus on everyday essentials and only replacing something when it ran out. There is a common misconception that healthier means more expensive, and as true as that can be, it's not always the case.
I want this blog to be realistic, showcasing the more affordable and simpler side of health and sustainability. So here are 9 simple and affordable swaps that I've made around my new home.
A Cosy Chapter Quick Read 📚
🌱 Refillable Amber Glass Bottles for Cleaning Products
🌱 Glass Storage Containers and Upcycled Jars
🌱 Plastic-free Dishwashing Supplies
🌱 Recycled Toilet Paper
🌱 Stainless Steel pans and Glass Oven Dishes
🌱 Bamboo Toothbrushes, Natural Toothpaste and Refillable Floss
🌱 Reusable Straws
🌱 Solid Bars of Soap
🌱 An Electric Wax Burner
1. Refillable Cleaning Products
I have to admit, it took me a while to find glass spray bottles that were reasonably priced, but they've been well worth the investment. Unlike plastic, glass is highly durable, reusable, and non-reactive, meaning it won't absorb odours or chemicals over time. Amber glass also has the added benefit of protecting ingredients from UV and blue light, making it ideal for homemade and natural cleaning products.
Another unexpected benefit has been simplifying my cleaning routine. It's easy to accumulate a cupboard full of specialised products, each designed for a different surface or task. By switching to a handful of versatile cleaners, I've saved money, freed up storage space, and reduced the number of chemicals I keep around my home.
When my bottles are empty, I simply refill them at my local refill shop, which cuts down on packaging waste and means I only buy what I need. I pair them with reusable cotton cloths for everyday cleaning and keep a roll of recycled paper towels on hand for quick clean-ups.
They're practical, long-lasting, and, in my opinion, look far nicer on the countertop than a collection of brightly coloured plastic bottles.
Amber Glass Bottles: The Range - £1.99
Labels with chalk pen: B&M - £1
2. Glass Jars & Tupperware
Another swap I've made since moving into my apartment is using glass containers and upcycled jars for food storage.
For years, I collected jars without really knowing what to do with them, but they've finally found a purpose. Rather than throwing them away, I've started reusing them to store everything from herbs and spices to grains, pastas and homemade sauces. It's a simple way to save money, and minimise the amount of packaging that goes into my waste.
I've also gradually introduced glass food storage containers for leftovers and meal prep. Unlike plastic, glass doesn't stain, absorb odours, or become discoloured over time, making it a durable option that should last for many years. I particularly like these ones from Flying Tiger because, unlike most of the snap-locking lids, these ones have a simple design that enables easy cleaning.
One thing I've learned throughout this journey is that sustainable living doesn't always mean buying something new. In many cases, the most sustainable option is simply making better use of what you already have. Reusing jars that would otherwise be recycled or thrown away has helped me organise my kitchen, reduce waste, and create a space that feels calmer and more intentional.
Glass Tupperware: Flying Tiger - £3
3. Plastic-Free Dish Cleaning
Washing up was another area where I found myself making several small changes at once. I bought all of these items from Peace with the Wild, which is slowly becoming my favourite online shop for natural products. I opted for a solid bar of dish soap, a bamboo pot brush and compostable sponges. Having everything available in one place made the transition feel much simpler and convenient, especially when I was still settling into my apartment.
I have to admit, I was a little sceptical about whether a solid dish soap bar would work as well as traditional washing-up liquid. However, after using it for the past two months, I've been pleasantly surprised. The 170g bar is still going strong, produces a lovely lather, and has a subtle, clean scent that isn't overpowering.
Combined with the bamboo pot brush and compostable sponges, this swap has simplified my washing-up routine and reduced the amount of plastic I bring into my home. Surprisingly, it's also made washing dishes a much more enjoyable task. There’s something satisfying about using simple, natural materials and knowing that these products were designed to be reused, composted, or biodegrade naturally at the end of their life. When I'm done with the sponges, I simply cut them up and throw them into my food bin. So easy!
Dish Soap Bar: No Tox Life - £7.50
Bamboo Pot Brush: Peace with the Wild - £4.25
Compostable Dish Sponges: Green Island - £6.95 for 3
4. Recycled Toilet Paper
Toilet paper probably isn't the first thing most people think about when it comes to sustainable swaps, but it was one of the easiest changes I've made.
I switched to Who Gives A Crap toilet paper, which is made from recycled materials and comes wrapped in colourful, recyclable paper instead of plastic packaging. While I love the environmental benefits, I have to admit that the fun designs and prints were what initially caught my attention. They bring a little bit of personality to my bathroom and make an otherwise ordinary household essential feel a bit more fun.
I was buying single rolls for £1 each at my local refill shop, but I recently discovered that Tesco sell a box of 12 rolls for £8.50 (clubcard price), making them a little more affordable. They also sell bamboo toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, toilet wipes and bin bags, though I am yet to try these out.
Some swaps are simply about making a choice. If you run out of toilet paper and pop out to get some more, consider choosing the sustainable option. And the great thing is that you can buy a small pack or single roll to try it out before you make the commitment.
Who Gives a Crap Toilet Paper: Tesco - £8.50 for 12 rolls (clubcard price)
5. Stainless Steel & Glass Cookware
When I moved into my apartment, I needed to purchase a few kitchen essentials, including cookware and bakeware. Rather than automatically replacing everything with the cheapest option available, I wanted to invest in pieces that would last.
I chose stainless steel cookware and glass bakeware because they're incredibly durable, versatile, and free from many of the concerns associated with damaged non-stick coatings. While they can sometimes cost a little more upfront, they often last significantly longer when cared for properly, making them a worthwhile investment in the long run.
I found the Stainless Steel saucepan and frying pan in T K Maxx for around £15 each. Everything has cooked really well in these so far, but there are couple of things to be mindful of before using them. I always make sure the pans are heated enough before adding any food to them. You can check this by doing the water drop test - Flick a few drops of water into the pan. The water will bead up and "dance" around the pan if it's ready. This should create a natural, stick-resistant surface.
The Glass oven dishes came as a pack of 2 in asda for around £15. I no longer use aluminium foil for cooking, due to the potential health risks, so I usually line the dishes with a sheet of baking paper for easier cleaning. My bamboo pot brush works great on these, and the dish soap cuts through grease much easier than I thought.
For me, this swap wasn't just about sustainability. It was about choosing quality over convenience and filling my home with practical items that are built to last.
6. Natural Oral Care
Replacing my oral care was an immediate no brainer for me. Considering these products come into contact with our mouths daily, I knew it was going to be one of the first things I did. I also have invisalign, and so oral care for me is super important as I'm brushing my teeth at least three times a day.
I compared the prices of bamboo toothbrushes in various shops and came across these ones in Tesco for only £1.50. I try to support smaller and independant businesses but sometimes, when you're on a budget, a little convenience can go a long way. Just remember that if you switch to a bamboo toothbrush, always dry the handle after use to prevent any nasties from building up.
For the last few weeks I've been using the Kingfisher Mint toothpaste with fluoride and have been loving it. I chose the fluoride option because I don't want to make any big changes while I'm undergoing the invisalign treatment, but I am planning to try their fluoride-free options when I'm finished. Kingfisher uses natural ingredients, avoiding any artificial flavourings, colourings, preservatives or sweeteners. They are also cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, GM-free (genetically modified) and comes in 100% recyclable packaging.
I found the refillable jar of floss in an independant shop in Newcastle Emlyn, in Carmarthenshire, and couldn't leave without it. It was £5 for the initial jar and then refills were around £3. I went for the natural silk floss with a gentle cardamom flavour and I've really been enjoying it so far. It's a much better option than my usual plastic floss harps, which are cheap and effective but terrible for my oral and environmental health.
Bamboo Toothbrushes: Tesco - £1.50
Kingfisher Toothpaste: Holland & Barrett - £4-6
Refillable floss: Save Some Green - £5 (£3 for refills)
7. Reusable Straws
Reusable straws probably don't fall into the "essentials" catagory, but they're something I really enjoy using.
I keep a mixture of glass, stainless steel and bamboo straws, but I mainly use the glass. To me, there is nothing better during the summer than a cold glass of pepsi max with ice and a slice, drank through a glass straw! Oh, and they also come with cleaning brushes, so they're super easy to wash and reuse.
If I'm being honest, I originally picked them up because I don't particularly like drinking directly from public glasses when I'm out and about, so having a reusable straw in my bag means I always have a clean option available.
Glass Straws and cleaning brush: B&M - £3
8. Bars of Soap
Switching from body wash to soap bars felt like an easy way to reduce waste without making any major changes to my routine.
I've been using the Faith in Nature bars from my local health shop. They are sold loose on the shelf, so you just pop them into a paper bag to take home. They're incredibly creamy and gentle on the skin, they produce a lovely lather, and leave a subtle scent that lingers without being overpowering.
They are vegan and cruelty free, and contain no parabens, SLS or SLES.
Faith in Nature soap bars: Holland & Barrett - £3.49
9. Electric Wax Burner
This is probably the most unexpected swap on the list, but it's become one of my favourites. I've always been a candle girly, but after learning more about indoor air quality and the particles released when anything burns, I became curious about alternatives and decided to try an electric wax burner.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting to prefer it, but it's been a complete game changer. The fragrance is a lot stronger than most candles I've used, without the smell of smoke or a burning wick. I've also found that wax melts seem to last much longer than candles, making them a surprisingly economical option. I like to buy them loose from independant shops, though I couldn't refuse using these Gilmore Girls inspired ones first!
Electric Wax Burner: Amazon - £12-25
Looking back, none of these swaps have been life-changing on their own.
They're small changes that have happened gradually as products have run out, needed replacing, or simply no longer aligned with how I wanted to live. Some have helped me reduce waste, some have saved me space and money, and some have just added a little whimsy to my home.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned so far is that sustainable living doesn't have to be expensive, overwhelming, or all-or-nothing. It's easy to feel like you need to replace everything at once and the prices can be intimidating when you start adding them all up. But, it's important to be aware of what we need vs what we want, and be mindful of our personal budgets.
For me, this journey isn't about creating a perfect zero-waste home. It's about being more intentional with the things I bring into my space, making use of what I already have, and choosing products that are practical, long-lasting, and genuinely improve my day-to-day life.
These are just a few of the swaps I've made since moving into my apartment, and I'm sure there will be many more to come as I continue learning, experimenting, and finding what works for me.
I'd love to know if you've made any sustainable swaps of your own, or if there's one change you've been thinking about making.
With love and light, Amber 🫶🏼
Nice blog.
Big love,
Charlie