If you're trying to embrace a vegan lifestyle, it's not just about the food you eat. You might have swapped your favourite thai meal to our vegan thai curry  but you might be surprised to learn that there are some everyday household items that are not vegan-friendly. But don't worry! We're here to help you make easy and inexpensive swaps to create a more vegan and eco-friendly home.

1. Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are not only harmful to the environment but also contain slipping agents derived from animal fat, making them non-vegan. Thankfully, it's time to say goodbye to plastic bags altogether. They're unsustainable and expensive, not to mention they don't look as good as reusable alternatives like tote bags or fabric shopping bags. Make the switch to reusable coffee cups, straws, and paper packaging while you're at it!

1. Cosmetics

Cosmetic products often undergo animal testing or contain animal ingredients, which makes them non-vegan. When transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, swapping non-vegan cosmetics for vegan-friendly alternatives is a crucial step. Look for products that are both cruelty-free and vegan. The leaping bunny mark ensures that no animal testing has been done, making the product 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

1. Razors

Even your trusty razor might not be vegan-friendly. Many razors have lubricant strips made with animal-derived ingredients like lanolin or glycerin. Look for vegan razors that are free from animal ingredients and also eco-friendly. Some companies even offer regular delivery of replacement razor blades, making it convenient and sustainable.

1. Icing Sugar

Surprisingly, not all sugars are vegan. Icing sugar often contains dried egg whites, which makes it non-vegan. However, you can easily make your own vegan icing sugar by blending granulated sugar with cornstarch until you get a fine powder. It's a quick and simple alternative.

1. Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners, like cosmetics, can contain animal fats and are often tested on animals, making them non-vegan and not cruelty-free. Fortunately, more vegan-conscious brands are emerging, offering fabric softeners that are both vegan and cruelty-free. Look for these alternatives to make your laundry routine more aligned with your vegan principles.

1. Nail Polish

Nail polishes often contain ingredients like guanine and carmine, which are derived from fish scales and crushed beetles, respectively. These ingredients make most nail polishes non-vegan. Luckily, there are many vegan nail polish brands available that offer a wide range of colours and finishes, so you don't have to compromise on style while being vegan.

1. Shampoos and Conditioners

Animal ingredients such as lecithin are commonly found in shampoos and conditioners, making them non-vegan. But fret not! There are plenty of vegan and cruelty-free alternatives on the market that not only keep your hair healthy but also align with your ethical choices. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are free from animal-derived ingredients.

1. Clothes

Leather, wool, silk, fur, and suede are popular clothing materials derived from animals, making them non-vegan. When it comes to clothing, choose natural vegan fabrics like organic cotton, linen, seaweed, or coconut fibre. Opting for these materials not only saves animal lives but also reduces your carbon footprint. Consider donating or phasing out your non-vegan clothes for a more sustainable option.

While these eight swaps are a great start as is loading up your freezer with our frozen vegan meals, there are many other common household items infused with animal products or by-products. From electronics to personal care products, it can be a challenge to find vegan-friendly alternatives for everything. However, making these swaps is a step in the right direction towards aligning your living space with your vegan principles.

Do you have any other recommendations we've missed out on? Let us know via Instagram @rootkitchenuk! We're always looking for more great suggestions to share.