Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

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Looking for ways to make your home greener without breaking the bank? Here are simple, practical tips for building an eco-friendly home, plus 7 useful affiliate product recommendations for sustainable living and smarter travel.

Sustainability starts at home. It doesn’t require solar panels overnight or a complete lifestyle overhaul. In fact, some of the most powerful changes are the smallest—like switching out a lightbulb, carrying a reusable water bottle on your next family vacation, or choosing bamboo over plastic.

That’s the heart of an eco-friendly lifestyle: small, thoughtful choices that add up to a big impact over time. Whether you're a busy solo traveler or a family trying to balance modern life with a greener mindset, your home can be a reflection of your values—without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

In this guide, we’ll explore simple ways to create a more eco-friendly home, told through relatable stories and packed with practical advice. Plus, we’ll weave in 7 handpicked affiliate products (with links) to help you live more sustainably—whether you’re at home or planning your next trip.

1. Switch to Reusable Essentials

Let’s face it—disposables are convenient, but the waste adds up fast. One of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental footprint is by swapping out single-use items for reusables. It’s a shift that benefits both the planet and your wallet.

Story moment: After a beach trip where they picked up more plastic waste than seashells, the Rivera family committed to a few changes: they now carry reusable water bottles, snack bags, and grocery totes—and haven’t looked back since.

Tips:

• Start with items you use every day: water bottles, coffee cups, sandwich bags.

• Keep a "green kit" near the door so you never forget your reusables.

Affiliate Recommendation:
💧 Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle (Amazon) – Keeps drinks cold or hot all day, perfect for daily use and family travel.

2. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that harm the environment—and your health. Making the switch to non-toxic, biodegradable options is one of the easiest steps toward a more eco-conscious home.

Story moment: When traveling in Scandinavia, Megan noticed how fresh the homes smelled—not from artificial sprays, but from simple, plant-based products. Inspired, she returned home and swapped her old cleaning supplies for natural alternatives.

Tips:

• Look for brands with transparent ingredient lists and refillable containers.

• Make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

Affiliate Recommendation:
🧼 Puracy Natural All-Purpose Cleaner (Amazon) – Non-toxic, plant-based, and safe for kids and pets.

3. Incorporate Energy-Saving Devices

Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the planet—it’s great for your electric bill, too. Smart thermostats, LED bulbs, and energy-saving power strips are simple upgrades that pay off fast.

Story moment: Alex and Priya installed a smart thermostat before heading on a two-week trip. They returned to a lower energy bill and a perfectly cooled home, without wasting electricity while they were away.

Tips:

• Start with LED bulbs and programmable thermostats.

• Unplug devices when not in use, or use power strips with timers.

Affiliate Recommendation:
💡 Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip (Amazon) – Control devices remotely and cut phantom energy use, perfect for travelers and homebodies alike.

4. Decorate with Natural and Recycled Materials

Eco-friendly doesn’t mean boring. In fact, decorating with sustainable materials—like reclaimed wood, organic cotton, and recycled glass—adds texture and warmth to any room.

Story moment: While road-tripping through the Pacific Northwest, Henry and Emily visited a local artisan market. They picked up a beautiful set of coasters made from recycled wine corks and now use them every evening with their tea.

Tips:

• Choose natural fiber rugs, bamboo accents, and secondhand furniture.

• Display travel souvenirs made by local artisans instead of mass-produced decor.

Affiliate Recommendation:
🪵 Greenco Reclaimed Wood Floating Shelves (Amazon) – Stylish and sustainable shelves that pair well with travel keepsakes or eco-friendly finds.

5. Travel with Sustainability in Mind

Making your home more eco-friendly also includes how you prepare for travel. Being mindful of your environmental impact while on the road ensures your home values extend beyond your four walls.

Story moment: Olivia always packs her own bamboo utensils and collapsible food containers when traveling. On a recent camping trip with her kids, she avoided single-use plastics entirely—and even taught her children how to wash and reuse gear responsibly.

Tips:

• Pack reusable utensils, collapsible cups, and food containers.

• Bring a mini recycling bag when traveling with kids to sort waste easily.

Affiliate Recommendation:
🥄 Bamboo Travel Utensil Set with Case (Amazon) – Lightweight and perfect for zero-waste meals on-the-go.

6. Grow Something Green—Indoors or Out

Nothing says eco-friendly like bringing nature indoors. Whether it’s a windowsill herb garden or a few potted succulents, adding plants purifies your air and boosts mood.

Story moment: After staying in a plant-filled Airbnb in Costa Rica, Sam started a small indoor herb garden at home. Now, his kitchen smells like fresh basil, and he hasn’t had to buy parsley in weeks.

Tips:

• Start with low-maintenance plants like pothos, aloe vera, or herbs.

• Use biodegradable pots or upcycled containers.

Affiliate Recommendation:
🌱 AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Garden (Amazon) – Grow herbs indoors year-round with minimal effort and maximum green vibes.

7. Make Laundry and Bathroom Routines Greener

Two often overlooked areas in the home are the laundry room and bathroom. But these spaces use a lot of water and often involve plastic-heavy products.

Story moment: While house-sitting in Sweden, Jamie noticed the family used wool dryer balls instead of fabric sheets and shampoo bars instead of plastic bottles. Inspired, she now travels with her own solid toiletries and uses refillable laundry soap at home.

Tips:

• Replace dryer sheets with wool balls.

• Try solid shampoo, conditioner, and refillable soap bottles.

Affiliate Recommendation:
🧺 Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls (Amazon) – Chemical-free and reusable alternative to dryer sheets, great for eco-conscious families.

Start Small. Stay Green. Feel Good.

Creating a more eco-friendly home isn’t about being perfect. It’s about choosing progress over perfection—starting with what’s doable for your lifestyle and growing from there.

Maybe it’s packing a bamboo cutlery set for your next flight, switching to a non-toxic cleaner, or just keeping a few plants by the window. Every little change is a step toward a greener, healthier home and planet.

Ready to green up your life and your next trip?

Click here to view these eco-friendly home and travel products on Amazon and start making small changes that truly matter.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love and believe in to help you live more sustainably—at home or on the road.