Discover 8 practical and evidence-based sustainable swaps for everyday household items.
The Plastic Waste Problem
Plastic waste is a growing issue with global consequences. According to the United Nations, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, and 91% of it is never recycled. Many of these plastics come from everyday household items. By switching to sustainable alternatives, individuals can reduce their environmental impact while still meeting daily needs.
This article introduces 8 realistic product swaps you can make at home. Each alternative comes from Eco Guardian’s range of compostable or reusable products.
Now, discover 8 practical and sustainable swaps for everyday household items:
Swap 1: Ditch Plastic Plates for Sugarcane Fibre Plates
Plastic and foam plates are a top contributor to landfill volume after picnics and parties. Globally, over 500 billion are discarded each year. Most are not recyclable and can take centuries to break down.
Eco Guardian’s Compostable Bagasse Plates offer a clean alternative. Made from renewable sugarcane fibre, these plates are strong, leak-resistant and compostable in commercial conditions within 60 days.
Swap 2: Switch to Compostable Cutlery
An estimated 57 million plastic utensils are thrown out every day in Canada. These items are too small and light to be processed by recycling machines, so they end up in landfill or the ocean.
Choose Eco Guardian’s Wooden Cutlery Sets or Plant-Starch Cutlery instead. Both options are durable, safe to use, and decompose naturally in composting facilities.
Swap 3: Choose Compostable Coffee Cups
Globally, 16 billion coffee cups are used each year, most with a hidden plastic lining that makes them impossible to recycle. These cups clog landfills and pollute waterways.
Eco Guardian’s Compostable 8 oz Cups are made from plant-based fibres with no plastic barrier. They hold heat well and fully break down in the right conditions.
Swap 4: Use a Reusable Grocery Bag
More than 2 billion plastic grocery bags are used in Canada every year. They’re rarely recycled and often become litter that harms wildlife.
Eco Guardian’s Reusable T-Shirt Style Bags are made from non-toxic, washable polypropylene and can hold the equivalent of hundreds of plastic bags over their life span.
Swap 5: Opt for Mesh Produce Bags
Thin plastic bags used for fruits and vegetables are rarely recycled due to contamination and material type. They’re a common source of microplastic pollution.
Eco Guardian’s Produce Bags are breathable, washable and reusable. Ideal for storing produce, they help phase out the need for single-use produce bags.
Swap 6: Replace Styrofoam Containers with Compostable Bowls
Styrofoam is often used in takeaway packaging but contributes heavily to pollution, taking over 500 years to degrade. It’s banned in several regions for this reason.
Eco Guardian’s Compostable Bowls are a reliable alternative. They are safe for the microwave, strong enough for hot foods, and fully compostable.
Swap 7: Use Compostable Tableware for Events
Celebrations often lead to large volumes of plastic waste from disposable plates and cutlery. Decorative plates are especially wasteful as they’re rarely recyclable.
Eco Guardian’s Elegance Collection offers gold-rimmed compostable plates that bring style to events without adding to landfill.
Swap 8: Rethink Takeaway with Fibre Meal Trays
Many takeaway containers are made of black plastic, which cannot be sorted by recycling systems. These containers make up a significant portion of urban plastic waste.
Eco Guardian’s Fibre Containers are designed for meal prep and takeaway. They separate food, resist heat and moisture, and compost efficiently.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Sustainability?
Each of these swaps is a small change that adds up to a big difference. Whether you’re an individual looking to create a plastic-free home or a business aiming to reduce single-use waste, the journey to a more sustainable future starts with action.
If you’re ready to make the switch, Eco Guardian is here to help. We offer a full range of compostable, reusable, and eco-conscious packaging solutions — and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
👉 Click here to explore our product catalogue and connect with our team
Once you submit your details, our sustainability advisors will be in touch to help you take the next step.
Make your next choice a sustainable one — with Eco Guardian.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article, we hope you are now well versed in sustainable swaps for everyday house hold items.