As seen on FOX 5 DC’s Good Day DC

Did you know that April is Earth Month? While Earth Day may be celebrated on April 22nd, the entire month is a great reminder to take stock of our habits and ask ourselves: What small changes can I make to live more sustainably?

The good news? You don’t have to go zero waste overnight or live completely off the grid to make a difference. Even the smallest shifts in your household routines can have a big impact on our planet over time. And many of these changes aren’t just good for the earth—they’re good for your wallet too.

On a recent segment of FOX 5 DC’s Good Day DC, I had the chance to share some of my favorite everyday eco-friendly products that help you reduce waste, cut down on plastic, and move toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Many of these ideas were inspired by conversations with my friend’s daughter, who is studying sustainability in college—proof that we can all learn from the next generation!

Let’s break down everything I showcased on air, along with the why behind each product.

1. Wool Dryer Balls: Energy-Saving & Long-Lasting

If you’re still using disposable dryer sheets with every load of laundry, it’s time to make the switch to wool dryer balls. These fluffy little spheres are a simple but powerful swap:

• 🌀 They help reduce drying time by up to 25%, which means you’re saving energy with every load.
• 💲 They’re reusable for hundreds of loads, which saves you money compared to constantly buying dryer sheets.
• 🌍 They’re made from natural materials, which means no synthetic chemicals or microplastics enter your home (or the environment).

And as a bonus? They help reduce static and can even fluff up your clothing or comforters for that freshly laundered feel.

2. Reusable Silicone Bags: Goodbye, Single-Use Plastic

How many plastic sandwich or freezer bags do we throw away each week? It adds up fast—and unfortunately, these plastics often end up in landfills or oceans.

Reusable silicone food storage bags are a game-changer:

• ♻️ They’re leak-proof, heat-safe, and dishwasher-friendly.
• 🌡️ You can use them to store food, freeze leftovers, and even microwave meals.
• 🌿 They eliminate the need for thousands of plastic baggies over your lifetime.

These are perfect for lunch prep, snacks on the go, or even storing craft supplies and travel toiletries.

3. Laundry Detergent Sheets: Zero-Waste Cleaning

This is one of my favorite discoveries—laundry detergent sheets! Instead of heavy plastic jugs or messy powders, these are lightweight, pre-measured sheets that dissolve in the wash.

Here’s why they’re worth trying:

• 🌱 Each sheet is biodegradable, meaning less waste and no harmful runoff into waterways.
• 🧼 You only need half a sheet per load, so a single pack goes a long way.
• 💪 They clean just as well as traditional detergent—without the plastic waste or harsh chemicals.

It’s a small change, but one that adds up fast when you think about how often we all do laundry.

4. Swedish Dish Cloths: Ditch Paper Towels for Good

Paper towels may be convenient, but they’re wasteful. The production of paper towels contributes to deforestation, and most of them end up in landfills after a single use.

Enter the Swedish dish cloth—a reusable cloth made from natural cellulose and cotton that can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels!

• 🌍 One dish cloth lasts for months and can be washed and reused many times.
• 💦 They’re super absorbent, great for spills, and dry quickly (which helps prevent bacteria).
• 💵 A 10-pack can easily save you hundreds of dollars over the year.

It’s a small investment with a huge payoff for your home and the environment.

5. Silicone Baking Mats: A Baker’s Best Friend

If you’re a home chef or baker, it’s time to say goodbye to aluminum foil, parchment paper, and wax paper. Silicone baking mats are:

• 🔁 Reusable up to 1,000 times, making them one of the most durable kitchen swaps.
• 🔥 Oven-safe and perfect for roasting veggies, baking cookies, or preparing sheet pan meals.
• 🧼 Easy to clean with soap and water—or pop them in the dishwasher!

Not only do they reduce waste, but they also help food cook more evenly.

6. Wooden Cutting Boards: Safer and More Sustainable

Plastic cutting boards can leach chemicals into your food and dull your knives. Opting for wooden cutting boards is not only more stylish but also more sustainable:

• 🌳 Wood is a renewable, biodegradable material that’s long-lasting and durable.
• 🍽 It’s gentler on knives and less likely to harbor harmful bacteria when cleaned properly.
• 👩‍🍳 Bonus: They look great on countertops and double as serving boards!

A simple switch, but one that elevates both your kitchen aesthetic and environmental impact.

7. Compostable Trash Bags: Look the Same, Break Down Naturally

At first glance, compostable trash bags look and feel just like the plastic ones we’ve used for years, but these are designed to break down in landfills or compost systems.

• ✅ They’re strong enough to hold everyday waste, but are made from materials that decompose naturally.
• 🌿 Perfect for kitchen trash, bathroom bins, or even yard waste.
• 💡 Pro tip: If you compost at home, these are ideal for food scraps and biodegradable waste.

You’ll feel better knowing your garbage bags aren’t going to last 500+ years in a landfill.

8. Bamboo Toothbrushes: The Easy Bathroom Swap

A typical plastic toothbrush can take over 400 years to decompose. Multiply that by the billions used each year, and you can see the problem.

Bamboo toothbrushes are a no-brainer, eco-friendly swap:

• 🌱 Bamboo grows quickly and doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers.
• ♻️ The handles are fully compostable, and many brands use recyclable bristles too.
• 🪞 They look beautiful in a cup on your bathroom counter!

They function exactly the same as traditional toothbrushes, without the lasting waste.

9. Reusable Cotton Rounds: Makeup Removal Meets Sustainability

We’ve all used disposable cotton pads to remove makeup or apply toner, but they go straight into the trash.

Switching to reusable bamboo cotton rounds is an easy fix:

• 🧼 You can wash them in the included laundry bag, so you always have a fresh one ready.
• 🌟 They come in different textures for gentle exfoliation or sensitive skin.
• 💰 You’ll never need to buy disposable rounds again!

Plus, they’re cute and come in fun colors, so they won’t stain easily with mascara or lipstick.

10. Bamboo Bedding: Sleep Cool, Sleep Clean

If you’ve never felt bamboo sheets or pajamas, you are in for a treat. Not only are they incredibly soft and luxurious, but they’re also naturally breathable and moisture-wicking—perfect for women in perimenopause or menopause dealing with night sweats.

• 🌬 Bamboo fabric helps regulate body temperature.
• 🌱 It’s naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
• 🛁 Machine-washable and long-lasting—better for your skin and your wallet.

Once you switch to bamboo bedding, you may never go back. Trust me—these are a game-changer for sleep comfort and sustainability.

Why These Swaps Matter

Every product we use has an environmental impact. From how it’s made to how it’s disposed of, our daily habits leave a footprint. But here’s the good news:

Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Start small. Pick one or two swaps that feel doable for your household. Over time, those choices stack up—and you’ll be surprised at how naturally the rest follow.

A Personal Milestone

This Earth Month segment also happened to coincide with a big personal milestone: I just recorded my 100th episode of the Living Ageless and Bold podcast! This show is all about reinvention, confidence, and bold living for women over 50, and I’m so grateful to share conversations that inspire and educate.

Whether I’m talking about sustainable living, financial health, style after 50, or purpose-filled reinvention, my mission is always the same: to help women thrive in their next chapter.

Watch the Segment

If you missed the FOX 5 DC broadcast, you can catch the full segment here:

Want More Tips? Let’s Connect!

I’m always sharing tips, product finds, and behind-the-scenes content across all my channels. Let’s stay in touch:

🌐 Website: www.ChristinaDaves.com
🎙 Podcast: Living Ageless and Bold
📲 Instagram + TikTok: @christinadavesofficial

🌿 Let’s Make Every Month Earth Month

What sustainable swaps have you made recently? Have a favorite eco-friendly product you can’t live without? I’d love to hear from you!

Together, we can make small changes that lead to a bold impact.

#EarthMonth #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlySwaps #GreenHome #ChristinaDaves #GoodDayDC #LiveAgelessAndBold #WomenOver50 #ReduceWaste #SmallStepsBigImpact