5 Eco Friendly Swaps That Will Save You Money

When it comes to reasons NOT to live an eco friendly lifestyle, the number one excuse I hear would have to be, "It's too expensive." Here's a list of easy swaps you can make that will not only save you money, but also help save the planet.

Paper Towels → Reusable Paper Towels

The average American spends about $120 on paper towels each year. You can get a roll of 150 reusable paper towels for $20. In 10 years, that's $1,200 spent on regular paper towels. If you use reusable paper towels? In 10 years, you'll have spent $20.

Plastic Water Bottles → Reusable Water Bottles

Let's say you buy a plastic water bottle from the vending machine at work every day for a year. That's anywhere from $1-4 a day, depending on the brand, or up to $1,460 a year just on water bottles. Or maybe you buy those packages that come in bulk - congrats, you've found a surefire way to kill marine wildlife. Instead of plastic, opt for a reusable choice. You'll save money, and maybe even a turtle.

Tissues → Handkerchiefs

When it comes to items that are burning a hole in your wallet, I'm willing to bet that your mind doesn't go straight to tissues. They're cheap, about $1 a box, and how long does that box last? A pretttty long time. Maybe you go through a box every month, but hey that's $30 a year, $30 that could be spent on anything other than tissues IF you use a handkerchief instead. Plus, you can keep one in your pocket (unless your pants have those ridiculous fake pockets they put on women's' pants. AAARGH. This needs to be talked about.) or purse for safekeeping and have it with you wherever you go. Unless you want to carry a tissue box with you everyone, that's a bit odd though don't you think? Yeah, they make those mini packs of tissues, but why do that when you could save the earth AND radiate major '50s vibes with a lovely handkerchief?

Aluminum Foil/Plastic Wraps → Beeswax Wraps

Sometimes, I lay awake at night pondering over the age old question of WHY ALUMINUM FOIL IS SO EXPENSIVE. You probably spend about $500 a year on it. After 10 years? That's $5,000. But if you switch and start using beeswax wraps, which are reusable (bet ya didn't see that one coming) you can make that 10 year cost $30 instead.

Pads/Tampons → Period Underwear

Those of us who have periods experience the joys of purchasing pads/tampons/choice products each month and let's be real: they aren't cheap. The average cost throughout the lifetime of an American who has a period is over $6,000. Outrageous. Luckily, there's a better option for both your

wallet and the environment. Reusable (yes, again) period underwear.

Moral of the Story (but not the one by Ashe feat. Niall Horan)

Reusable. Reusable. Reusable. ReUsAbLe!!!!! (*Insert heavily sarcastic tone.* Unless of course you enjoy being broke and planetless, then don't worry about it!)

All jokes aside, these simple swaps don't cost a lot and are super easy to do, but can have an extremely significant impact on the environment.

Note: All of the products listed can be easily found on Amazon or other sites. :)