Many items and products we use every day can have an adverse effect on the environment that we aren't even aware of. Simply taking a few small steps such as making substitutions can help save marine life and even our future on this planet. Here are 5 sustainable replacements for some products you may regularly use.

1. Biodegradable Glitter

Something so small and pretty actually has such a negative impact on the environment. Glitter is made of plastic and when it is washed down the drain or is on a piece of paper that gets thrown away, it ends up in the ocean. Small marine organisms eat the glitter and then are eaten by larger organisms which leads to the glitter being carried through the food chain in an endless cycle. Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down which means we need to start being aware of what we can do to reduce our plastic consumption.

One of the places you can buy biodegradable glitter is on Etsy for under $10.

2. Paper Straws

As previously mentioned, plastic doesn't break down easily and ends up harming marine life. Straws are often eaten by a variety of marine organisms that mistake them for food or other organisms. Over 500 million straws are used every day in America and by switching to paper straws, stainless steel straws, or not using straws at all we can really make a big impact on the environment.

Amazon sells 144 biodegradable paper straws for only $8 !

3. A S'well Bottle

S'well bottles are reusable, BPA free, stainless steel bottles. They keep your drinks hot or cold for an extended amount of time. You will save so much money as well as lives by using this reusable water bottle.

S'well is a company dedicated to ending the use of plastic water bottles and providing clean drinking water for communities in need.

The bottles come in multiple sizes and colors. You can get one for as low as $25!

4. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Most of the products we use to clean our homes contain a lot of harsh chemicals in the products. Sometimes we don't even know what chemicals are in those products whether it be laundry detergent or other cleaning formulas for mirrors, showers, floors, or countertops. When these harmful chemicals get into our water system as a direct result of our use, it causes contamination to our water and the ecosystems around it.

Seventh Generation is a very inexpensive alternative to everybody's favorite products. They have a multi-surface disinfecting cleaner for under $3 as well as bathroom cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent and more!

5. Eco-Friendly Brushes

Last but not least, trade out your everyday plastic hairbrushes and makeup brushes for the eco-friendly makeup brush brand EcoTools. Eco tools are cruelty-free, vegan, and everything is made from recycled materials. Their products last a super long time and are very inexpensive.

Buy a whole makeup brush kit for only $20!

If each of us makes just one of these substitutions, it will have a tremendous impact on the environment.