The good news is that some sustainable habits aren’t just better for the environment – they can make caring life easier and more affordable. For instance, the Energy Saving Trust highlights that small home energy changes, like efficient lighting and heating adjustments, can significantly reduce household bills over time. For carers managing tighter budgets and higher home energy use, those savings matter. Below are 15 sustainable swaps chosen specifically with carers in mind, each one designed to offer practical benefits beyond sustainability.

Switch to LED bulbs in high-use rooms

LEDs last for longer and use much less electricity. If you’re keeping lights on overnight or in frequently-used rooms, this reduces both bulb changes and bills.

Add draft stoppers to bedrooms and living spaces

Maintaining a stable temperature is important for many people with health conditions. Draft stoppers keep rooms comfortable by sealing gaps and keeping cold air out, maintaining temperature without constantly turning up the heating.

Lower the thermostat slightly – and use layered clothing or blankets

If your household runs heating most of the day, even the slightest reduction can lower costs. Comfortable throws or thermal layers keep the person you care for warm without overheating the whole house.

Use washable cleaning cloths instead of disposable wipes

Caring often means more cleaning. Reusable cloths are gentler on skin, reduce repeat purchases, and are easy to sanitise in the wash.

Batch cook and freeze portioned meals

Part of your role as a carer is to plan and manage meals, and you can take it to the next step. Cooking meals in big batches and storing them in the freezer means you have something readily available that can reduce stress on busy or exhausting days. It also cuts energy use compared to cooking from scratch every night.

Keep a refillable water bottle nearby

Staying hydrated is important for both carers and those that you care for. Having a refillable water bottle easily accessible prevents dehydration while also reducing plastic waste.

Wash laundry at 30ºC (when suitable)

Caring households often run multiple washes a week. Lower temperatures save energy while still keeping everyday clothes clean.

Air-dry clothes when and where possible

If you’re doing frequent laundry (especially bedding or towels), line-drying reduces energy use and keeps fabrics fresh for longer.

Choose refillable soap and handwash

Frequent handwashing is essential in caring environments. Refill pouches reduce plastic waste and are often more cost-effective long-term. Another option is organic soap bars, which often have minimal packaging that’s plastic-free.

Use timers for heating and lighting

Timers ensure you get warmth and visibility when needed, which could be particularly helpful if the person you care for has mobility and/or cognitive challenges – without wasting energy overnight.

Keep a “grab basket” for appointments

Store reusable shopping bags, a travel mug, and any essentials in a travel kit that you can bring to appointments. This reduces the last-minute stress of finding everything you need while cutting down on single-use purchases while out.

Plan errands together

Make the most out of your time outside and combine errands whenever possible. Combining pharmacy trips, food shopping, and appointments reduces fuel use and costs, and saves valuable time and energy.

Choose durable reusable storage containers

If managing medications, supplements or specialist foods, sturdy reusable containers help with organisation and cut down on packaging clutter.

Use thermal curtains in colder months

Keeping rooms consistently warm can be especially important for older adults and those with circulation issues. Insulated curtains keep the temperature comfortable and mean you rely on central heating less. There’s a good resource from Dunelm on seasonal sustainability at home that provides practical, realistic suggestions that can fit naturally into a caring household.

Declutter and donate unused items

A clearer space can reduce trip hazards and make movement easier, particularly for those with mobility challenges. Donating usable items keeps them in circulation and benefits other people who may need them, instead of sending them to landfill.

Why these swaps work for carers

Caring can increase the consumption of basic resources from things like energy use, laundry loads, and cleaning demands. Sustainable swaps help save money, improve comfort, reduce daily stress, and make caring easier, especially on difficult days.

The aim isn’t to be perfectly eco-friendly. Making swaps is about:

Lowering running costs Creating a more comfortable environment Reducing repetitive admin and errands Making routines smoother on tiring days

Even adopting two or three can make a noticeable difference over time.

Finding wider support

Sustainable habits can help, but carers shouldn’t shoulder everything alone. We’ve outlined practical guidance, information on benefits, and tools designed to make everyday life manageable for carers – from financial help to wellbeing resources. You can explore that support on Carers Card UK My Support Explained.

Author’s BioBethany Harper has written extensively about caring responsibilities, household budgeting and wellbeing. She is passionate about sharing practical home strategies, financial resilience and wellbeing tools to help carers manage both responsibilities and everyday life.