There are a number of possibilities for making eco-friendly substitutions in all our lives.

1. Take your own reusable bag to the supermarket

This one is an oldie but a goodie. Use a cloth bag or bags when you do grocery and food shopping. Reusing plastic bags is also an option. I was pleased when this became a more widely adopted habit in Australia sometime ago.

2. Reuse takeaway containers to store food

This is an ideal alternative to using cling wrap or comercial containers and the food stays fresh. Wash the container after each use including when first bought.

3. Use organic based soap.

Real soaps are made from vegetable oils or animal fats. These biodegrade quickly.

4. Cleaning product substitutions

The above meantioned soap is one eco-friendly cleaning product.

Baking soda can be mixed with water to soak clothes with to remove stains. It is a disinfectant and mild abrasive which can be used dry, mixed with water or with water and a small amount of detergent. It can also be used as a water softner.

A microfibre cleaning cloth can be used instead of detergent to bring water into contact with the surface you are cleaning.

Vinegar or acetic acid can cut through grease, disinfect and discourage mould. I have used it on most of the grease on our stove top effectively and on a variety of kitchen and bathroom surfaces.