Keeping our Earth happy and healthy is the least we can do, and while a sustainable lifestyle [1] can sometimes feel daunting (learn more about sustainable living here [2]), committing to upgrading a few of our single-use products to reusable ones can make a huge difference. From storage bags to water bottles to dryer sheets and more, there are so many one-and-done items that end up in the trash. If you're interested in swapping out a few products for eco-friendly solutions that'll last longer, save you money in the future, and make our planet a better place, we have a running list of ideas. Dare we say these products are even cuter than their single-use counterparts? Have a look for yourself, ahead.
Swap Plastic Food Bags For Reusable Food Bags
While Ziplock bags and other food bags are convenient, they're thrown out after just one use. Instead, use Reusable Food Bags [4] ($24) that only have to be purchased once and can be washed out in between food storage. They work the exact same way as plastic food bags do, except they last a whole lot longer (and they're dishwasher safe!).
Swap Plastic Straws For Reusable Straws
The convenience of a plastic straw isn't worth its repercussions, so instead of using one, opt for a silicone, metal, or bamboo straw instead. These Reusable Metal Straws [5] ($15) come in a pack of 12 and have all different shapes and sizes.
Swap Floss For Refillable Floss
Did you know refillable floss exists? It's said that one refill of this Copper Metal Refillable Floss Pick [6] ($20, originally $25) replaces over 180 single-use plastic picks. Even better, it comes with a handy mirror inside so that you don't have to head to the bathroom whenever something's stuck in your teeth.
Swap Sheet Masks For Biodegradable Sheet Masks
Don't get us wrong — we're not shaming you out of your weekly masking session. However, it's important to note that everything about sheet masks (including their packageing) typically ends up in a landfill. Biodegradable sheet masks, like this CBD Sheet Mask Set [7] ($22), are a better option and are made of substances that can be decomposed over time.
Swap Makeup Remover Wipes For Reusable Cotton Face Wipes
A package of makeup remover wipes has 25 wipes inside, and yet, it still goes by quickly. Rather than throwing away each wipe after you use it, pick up reusable wipes like these Reusable Makeup Remover Pads [8] ($13, originally $16), which can easily be thrown in the wash when they get too dirty.
Swap Plastic Grocery Bags For Cloth Grocery Bags
Stores in certain parts of the country have already begun charging customers for plastic bags. Rather than paying a pretty penny for plastic, pick up reusable grocery bags like these Collapsible Shopping Tote Bags [9] ($22) instead.
Swap Cling Film For Beeswax Wrap
Why use cling film when you can use Beeswax Wrap [10] ($13) instead? Beeswax wrap keeps perishables fresher longer thanks to beeswax's antibacterial properties. Not to mention, the wrap can be reused and is bio-degradable for when it needs to be thrown away.
Swap Dryer Sheets For Wool Dryer Balls
Not only do Wool Dryer Balls [11] ($10) reduce dryer time by allowing hot air to circulate more evenly inside your dryer, but they work as a natural fabric softener for your clothes. AKA — you don't need to use dryer sheets (which are non-biodegradable) ever again!
Swap One-Time Cleaners For Refillable Cleaners
There are plenty of refillable cleaners on the market, including these Yvy Naturals Concentrated Cleaners [12] ($18), which are great all-purpose cleaners for your windows, floors, walls, doors, and more. Once you get the spray bottles, Yvy will send you its reusable pods filled with concentrated cleaner. From there, you simply add water and you're ready to go.
Swap Paper Towels For Bamboo Dish Wipes or Washable Dish Rags
Have you ever felt like your roll of paper towels disappears overnight? Rather than buying a new roll each time you head to the store, try out a dishrag or bamboo dish wipe like this Bamboo Dish Cloth [13] ($10). It's super absorptive, soft, and is a great replacement for a bulky paper towel roll.
Swap Plastic Produce Bags For Reusable Produce Bags
Trying to peel apart plastic produce bags at the store is hard enough, let alone the waste they cause once you throw them in the trash. Instead, grab some Reusable Produce Bags [14] ($11, originally $16) which come in multiple sizes to meet your food needs.
Swap Paper Napkins For Cloth Napkins
Cloth napkins look a whole lot nicer than paper napkins, and they're easy to reuse. With all different kinds of designs and patterns to choose from, you're bound to find napkins you like. These neutral Cloth Napkins [15] ($17) are a great colour option that goes with anything.
Swap Plastic Cutlery For Reusable Cutlery
It can be tempting to use plastic utensils when you're bringing your food to work, but we promise this Portable Utensils Set [16] ($6) is the better move. It comes with a fork, spoon, knife, and chopsticks, so you can munch on any type of meal and be prepared for it.
Swap Plastic Razors For a Metal Safety Razor
Plastic razors are almost impossible to recycle and seem to go bad so quickly. Instead, try out a Metal Safety Razor [17] ($20). Its double-edged razor blades are recyclable and last a long time before going dull.
Swap Toilet Paper For a Bidet Attachment
Bidets may be popular in other countries, but in America, we're all about the toilet paper. Rather than wasting a roll or two every week, opt for a Bidet Attachment [18] ($31, originally $35) on your toilet bowl instead.
Swap To-Go Coffee Cups For a Reusable To-Go Coffee Cup
To-go coffee cups and cups you get at the coffee shop are so bad for the environment. Instead, bring your own cup with you like this Glass Tumbler [19] ($16). Most coffee shops are happy to fill it up for you, and it looks nice and sleek while you're on the go.
Swap Plastic Water Bottles For Reusable Water Bottles
Just as coffee cups are bad for the environment, so are plastic water bottles. Rather than constantly buying water, go for a Glass Water Bottle [20] ($16, originally $18) that will last you years to come.
Swap Plastic Toothbrushes For Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes
Bamboo Toothbrushes [21] ($8, originally $13) are 100 percent natural and biodegradable, unlike plastic toothbrushes, which create 50 million pounds of waste annually [22].
Swap Laundry Detergent For Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent
Most laundry detergents come in plastic bottles and contain chemicals bad for the environment (and yourself). Instead, stick to a plastic-free laundry detergent like the Laundry Detergent Eco-Strips [23] ($15), which come with 30 pre-portioned strips that dissolve in hot or cold water.
Swap Shampoo and Conditioner For Plastic-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Who needs plastic shampoo and conditioner containers when you can have the Refreshing Shampoo Bar [24] ($15) and Refreshing Conditioner Bar [25] ($16), which are made out of plant-based emollients and proteins.