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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Simple swaps to help you create less day-to-day trash.
Promising review: "I love to use these lids both for my pots and pans when I’m simmering, as well as for airtight lids with my leftovers. I have a lot of assorted food storage containers and bowls without dedicated lids so it’s nice to have an option aside from plastic wrap or tin foil. All of the size options in the set makes this product extremely useful" —Chasedboyd1
Get a five-pack from Food52 for $40 (available in two colors).
These BPA-free plastic cups are designed to work in any Keurig brewer, old or new!
Promising review: "Really like these reusable K-Cups. I hated wasting so much plastic using regular K-Cups and found this to use as an alternative. I have had these for two years and they have held up great! Easily to fill, clean really nicely, and no complaints! And it's great you can put your own coffee in so you're not stuck to certain brands or flavors. Highly recommend if you are trying to be more environmentally friendly." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in packs of two or four).
Based in Oregon, Marley's Monsters creates colorful zero-waste swaps for everyday paper essentials.
Promising review: "This is my second time purchasing these sponges. Love them! I'm going on a whole year with my first two sponges and just wanted to buy a few more as gifts and to add another sponge into my rotation. Great quality." —lilflostein
Get it from Marley's Monsters on Etsy for $10+ (available in four backing colors and also in packs of three).
Loosewarp is a Jackson, New Jersey-based small business supplying all your reusable produce bag needs for a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Each set comes with six bags: two small, two medium, and two large.
Promising review: "These are so great! Exactly what I hoped for. They feel like excellent quality! I have already had to wash one of them and it was easy to do. I only hand-washed a small portion but the gross wet lettuce/dirt stain came out great." —Anna Higgins
Promising review: "We've been using all sizes of Stasher bags for nearly a year — mostly food-related — and have not had any issues with a single one. We use them to keep crackers, chips, and bread from getting stale after opened; to keep leftovers in the fridge or freezer; pack sandwiches, meds, dog food, or treats; and so many more things. We sous vide in them, heat up food in the microwave in them, put them in the dishwasher, and marinate in them. They don't leak, they don't smell, are easy to close and open, and don't take up much room compared to traditional Tupperware or other food storage. If you put squishy stuff or liquid in there, soaking with baking soda and vinegar for 30 minutes can make sure the crevices don’t mold as some reviewers mention. They do cost more than regular plastic baggies and require more work because, obviously, you don't just use them once — make the switch and stop with the single-use plastics." —Maison Leach
Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in seven sizes and in 14 colors).
Made of recycled ripstop nylon, these bags are super durable, hold A TON, and are safe to machine wash!
Promising review: "I purchased a set since my state has banned plastic bags this year. BAGGU is very convenient. I keep one bag in my purse and the other two bags in my car for the grocery. I really appreciate that the bags are compact and washable. If I purchase milk, seafood and meat, I can wash the bag before the next use. I definitely plan to purchase another set." —Melissa Hulihan
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $36
It comes with everything they need to install their bidet in under 10 minutes! And there's a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if they find the bidet life isn't for them, you can get a refund and buy them something else.
Promising review: "As a resident of the U S of A, bidets are a foreign concept to most. I installed this in literally 10 minutes. Ever since the install I have stopped drinking coffee in the morning. I wake up sit on the Tushy and fire away. What a way to start the day. As for doing number 2, I laugh at all you TP users; the Tushy is amazing and I can't poop anywhere that doesn't have one. I have been a Squatty Potty user for many years and now coupled with a Tushy, my bathroom experience is off the charts. So for any of you skeptics out there buy this and thank me later." —Brian Piccoli
Get it from Amazon for $79+ (available in four colors).
Fohm Co is a small biz that was launched in 2019 by husband-and-wife duo Jerry and Alissa with the goal of redefining the flushable wipe industry with a system that is better for your butts, your pipes, and the planet.
My roommates and I have been living the Fohm life for the last few months and couldn't be happier with it! It's sort of difficult to find a good spot for the dispenser (a wall mount by the TP holder would be 10/10), but otherwise, it's perfect! We just keep it on the back of the toilet and you get all the benefits of a wet wipe without the microplastics, plumbing damage, and waste! And you actually end up using less toilet paper than you would without it!
Once you have the starter Bathroom Kit, you'll just need to buy foam refills, which you can automatically have sent to your door every six or 10 months.
Get a dispenser and a bottle of cleanser from Fohm Co for $44+ (available in larger quantities).
The thing that freaked me out the most about menstrual cups was the thought of having to get up there and break the seal to take it out. So when I saw the Flex Cup, which is specifically designed to make that process easier, I figured why not give it a try. This is a purchase I would definitely file under the "life-changing" category. Yes, there is a learning curve, but by my second cycle with the cup I felt like a pro. Even with the pull-tab taking it out can be a little messy (I tend to just do it in the shower), but it's definitely a more controlled experience than if it wasn't there at all. The Flex Cup has made my period less awful. A true feat!
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in two sizes).
I had my eye on a pair of Thinx period underwear for some time. Finally, they had a sale and I took the plunge. I still only have one pair (which obviously you need more to use them for your whole period), but I use it in combination with a menstrual cup. The Thinx are particularly great to sleep in! So comfortable, and they just feel like a slightly bulkier pair of normal underwear. They wash up great and I have no complaints! I plan to add a couple more for lighter days, soon!
Between each wear, just toss your Thinx in the wash on cold (skip the bleach and softener) then line dry!
Get it from Thinx for $34 (available in sizes XXS–3XL and in two colors).
I started drinking more loose leaf tea as a way to cut down on the waste of tea bags (It's also more delicious IMO, which doesn't hurt). I settled on a two-pack of these strainers after another, more cutesy strainer ball left me choking back a mouthful of tea leaves when prepping one of my finer rooibos teas. These have been great for close to two years now. I love that they hook onto the mug and come with a little saucer to set the strainer on when it's finished steeping.
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (also available in packs of two).
It's made from BPA-free plastic and is completely dishwasher safe – just remove the strap!
Promising review: "I was looking for a sleek bottle that fits in my small cross-body bags and came across this style of flasks. So far it works great — sleek, nice materials, no leaks. It looks like an Apple product given the colors and always elicits some compliments." —Norris Vivatrat
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four colors).
*Promising review: "I never knew how awful my metal compost bin was until I got this beauty! Easy to open with one hand, the bag stays in place, and it's lightweight. Everything that's wrong with the traditional countertop compost bin, this bin solves. Life-changing." —Emma
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors).
Promising review: "Why am I just now knowing about this product??? I bought this to save money from using the disposable makeup removers, not believing it would actually work. This towel is nothing short of amazing! I wet it, then remove even the toughest long-wearing makeup in minutes. And when I’m done, I use hand soap to clean it. I’m so glad I found this. If you’re trying to reduce your personal contribution to the world’s waste, give up the makeup wipes and try this towel. You’ll thank me. Trust me." —Gospelqueen
Get it from Amazon for $20.
This is our mid-priced pick for the best makeup remover! Plus, check out my colleague's MakeUp Eraser review for more deets!
These straws come with two brushes for easy cleaning.
Promising review: "There is always a concern with glass. Is it sharp? Is it too small or too large? I have to say, I was very impressed. The glass straws are about the same size as a 'Golden Arches' straw so the size is just about right. The ends are rolled and polished for smoothness and durability. I can detect no difference in size between the straws — all are uniform and well-made. A very good purchase!" —Ron C
Get an eight-pack (four bent, four straight) from Amazon for $7.99.
The Pela Case is made of Flaxstic®, which is comprised of compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw materials. When you're ready to retire your phone case, you can send it back to Pela and it will either be composted or upcycled into a new case. You can also toss it in your home composting bin.
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (compatible with Apple iPhone and Android Google and Samsung models) and Pela for $39.95+ (compatible with Apple iPhone and Android Google, Samsung, and Huawei models).
by Humankind is a small biz creating personal care products to help reduce our global dependence on single-use plastics, with formulas that are healthier for the planet (and you) too. They've also been proudly carbon neutral since 2019!
Get it from Humankind for $15 (available in four scents).
Promising review: "I got the three pack, one for me and two as gifts to friends who are trying to reduce waste. We all love these lighters because a single charge really does last, we don't have to buy any more disposable lighters for the foreseeable future, and the length is perfect for hard-to-reach wicks. Getting used to how to place the arc on the wick and understanding that there was a safety timeout took me a bit to get used to but wasn't frustrating." —Salim
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a pack of three).
Keep in mind, S'well bottles are hand-wash only!
Promising review: "I’ve been using this bottle for years now and it’s been through hell and back. I’ve dropped it so many times that it’s dented and doesn’t stand upright correctly anymore, but it still doesn’t leak and keeps my water ice cold all day! I recently bought a new one so I can have a “pretty” one and my banged-up one. I love love love them!" —Carley Bockenstedt
Get it from Amazon for $20.04+ (available in three sizes and in 42 styles).
In a pre-COVID world, I was someone who worked in an office and often ate lunch at said office. I was not loving how much plastic cutlery I was going through every day bringing lunch back to my desk, so I bought this little set to keep in my work tote. It makes it so that when I grab a takeout lunch, I don't have to use any plastic cutlery in the process. And I always have a straw on me when I grab a coffee or smoothie!
This set includes: a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, straw cleaning brush, straight straw, bent straw, and a carrying case.
Get an eight-piece set from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five colors).
Promising review: "Great at removing the lint from my wool coat. I had a scarf that shed all over my coat and made my expensive coat look like garbage. This got every last piece of lint off my coat and it looks great again. I love that it is reusable and I don’t have to buy wasteful plastic refill sheets in order to use this brush. I used the bristle side to remove some dirt from my suede boots. I haven’t tried the shoehorn feature but everything else works great and I would recommend this to anyone looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the adhesive covered plastic rollers." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
This hand warmer heats up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) with high and low settings for just the right amount of warmth. The battery lasts for roughly three hours when fully charged.
Get it from Amazon for $27.95.
Beeswax wrap is great! I personally don't use it as a lid for bowls of leftovers (I would rather transfer it to a food storage container), but it's really great if you have half a vegetable left over, or a hunk of cheese you need to wrap up. The heat from your hands softens the wrap and makes it stick to itself like cling wrap, but it's reusable! When you're done just rinse it off and let it dry.
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $18.
After many an eco-influencer touted this deodorant, I decided to try and make the shift. I've essentially been using the same deodorant since high school and had been hesitant about other zero-waste options because they often come as more of a paste and I wasn't super into that. So far, my experience with Native has been great! I got the charcoal scent and it's lovely. It goes on like any regular stick of deodorant— without the plastic!
Get it from Native for $13 (available in seven scents and in subscribe and save).
Promising review: "I was skeptical, but always hated the waste of plastic brushes. WOW! They have a nice finish, so the wood doesn't 'stick' like you'd expect. The bristles are incredibly soft, as my dentist recommended, and SO fine! It takes less effort to clean between teeth, because the bristles get in deeper, but don't hang up; or shed. They are also quite small, like the nicer brand-name brushes- so you can reach further back. I will be purchasing these again, and again." —Sarah Gibson
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $5.99.
Your first batch will arrive in a cool refillable jar. If you opt to subscribe, you'll receive freshly pressed refill packs every four months in compostable packaging. If you wanna remove plastic from every step of your dental care routine, they've got mouthwash tablets and refillable floss.
Promising review: "Was skeptical. I thought it was going to be a flop of a product, but I actually really enjoy it! Easy to travel with, convenient, and works as great as commercial toothpastes. I will be also buying their other products." —Marco G.
Get it from Bites for $30 (originally $48; available in three flavors).
This kit includes three reusable bottles and either three or four cleaning solution tablets (depending on if you subscribe or not). Just drop the correct cleaning tablet into your forever bottle and fill it with water! That's it!
Promising review: "I love my new cleaning kit. It does the job, and makes my house smell wonderful. Everything feels clean, and I feel so good to know that I’m doing a small part to help the environment! I’m always looking for small changes because it can be so hard to adjust old wasteful habits, but Blueland has made it easy!" —Sarah G.
Get The Clean Up Kit from Blueland for $29.
This 5-ounce hypoallergenic soap bar is made from locally produced fresh goat milk from Edgwick Hudson Valley goat farm.
Promising review: "BEST SOAP EVER! HONESTLY WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING ELSE! My husband purchased this as a Mother’s Day gift for me and it’s the best soap I’ve ever tried. It leaves you feeling super clean and smells delicious! Most importantly it’s 100% natural!" —Zachary Lefebvre
Get it from SallyeAnder on Amazon Handmade for $8.95.
It also comes in a LastSwab beauty version with a pointed tip for eye makeup removal.
Promising review: "OK I admit it's not soft and plushy, but it cleans perfectly and you’re producing less trash considering I use one and so does my whole family daily!!!" —Jannette N. Joly
Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (available in nine colors).
Founded in 2020, Goldune is a small biz founded by Azora Zoe Paknad with the goal of creating an inclusive marketplace for sustainably sourced and produced goods — from home decor to food — that prioritizes working with woman and BIPOC-owned companies.
This bento box is hand-wash only!
Get it from Goldune for $23 (available in five colors).
Launched in December 2020, L'AVANT Collective is a woman-owned small biz co-founded by Lindsay Droz and Kristi Lord, friends and mothers who wanted powerful non-toxic cleaning products that fit in with their modern home interiors and styles. So they made what they wanted, releasing a tight assortment of sustainably-minded soaps and cleaning wipes.
L'AVANT Collective was kind enough to let me test some of their products, and I'm genuinely in love. I've never had the most "granola" aesthetic, despite being very keen on doing my part for the environment, so finding eco-friendly alternatives that feel a bit more modern is always a pleasant surprise to me. The bottles feel incredibly well made and like they'll last a long time, and the subtle linen scent of the soap itself is ~heavenly~. I find it's just as effective as the plastic-packaged Mrs. Meyers soaps I was using before, and have actually noticed that my hands don't feel nearly as dried out after finishing up a bout of dishes — an exciting discovery! And since they sell refills, if the bottles don't vibe with your tastes, you can always pick up your own pump bottle and fill it with this powerful plant-based formula (in recyclable packaging) for the same results. You and the planet both win!
Get it from L'AVANT Collective for $54.
Shopping editor Heather Braga swears by this stuff. In her own words:
"My sisters and I swear by these little tins! They taste as good as they smell — so remember not to accidentally take a bite ;)"
Promising review: "This lip balm is the real deal and one I've been using going on 10 years. They work and have the cutest gloss sheen without any stickiness. I love the adorable tins they come in as well." —Kelly
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.21.
Touchable LINEN is a Ukraine-based small business run by Margarita Mazalova, who creates gorgeous linen home essentials, from bedding to tablecloths.
Promising review: "I love the color options and they make a table look put together without being fussy. They also wash well, which is very important to me. I want my stuff to last and these have been working for some months now." —Meredith Riley
Get it from Touchable LINEN on Etsy for $3.60+ (available in eight sizes and in 37 colors).
These flexible, tear-resistant mats are oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe!
Promising review: "Ordered these along with some new cookie sheets. They are great! So nice to not have to waste foil or scrap the sheet. Easy to clean and really are nonstick. Wish I discovered these sooner." —Taci Thompson
Get a two-pack from Amazon $13.95.
This dripper is carefully engineered to fit most branded coffee carafes including the 6, 8, and 10 cup Chemex Coffee Makers and Hario V60 02 and 03 drippers. To clean, just dump out the coffee grounds and rinse it under warm water. It's also recommended that every two weeks or so, you descale the filter by soaking it with white distilled vinegar and warm water for an extra good clean.
Promising review: "Love this! We purchased a Chemex to minimize the amount of plastics or additional waste associated with making coffee. Also, due to the pandemic, we find we make a lot more coffee at home, which means we go through more filters — this solved our filter waste issue! We now don’t worry about a ridiculous amount of paper filters being tossed out and also the way this filters is fantastic. It fits perfectly, is easy to wash, and makes for a great lid to keep the coffee warm. Would 100% recommend to others!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three colors).
Uncommon Goods provides super easy instructions to get these bad boys set up! Basically, just add water to the reservoir, plant the seeds of your choice, and put the jar in a sunny spot. Pick from basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, parsley, and sage. Or collect them all for a bursting indoor garden!
Promising review: "I have had a few of these home grow kits, one even had a grow light. They never grew anything! I set this up and in two days I had basil growing. It was so easy and fun." —Janet
Get it from Uncommon Goods for $20 (per individual herb kit; available in four herbs).
Each set is dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe and can be used in a muffin tin or free-standing — no need for grease or non-stick spray!
Promising review: "Love that this takes up almost no space. It is a great alternative to a traditional muffin pan! The colors are so cute, and I also love that it doesn't create all the paper waste. Would definitely buy again!" —medici28
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two sizes and also available in packs of 24).
HausProjekt has been serving up high-quality self-care and home essentials on Etsy since 2019!
This 10-pack of cotton rounds includes five soft velour pads, five cotton terry pads for scrubbing, and a mesh laundry bag.
Promising review: "Love, love, love these. I’ve ordered reusable makeup pads before but wanted a few extras to add to my collection and these are way better than the others I have. Nice and big, and the soft ones are super soft. The terry cloth type ones are also great for removing eye make up. Out of all my eco changes, this has got to be one of the easiest. Love them." —Sarah
Get a 10-pack from HausProjekt on Etsy for $10.19.
Subscribe to have jumbo rolls of recycled toilet paper delivered straight to your door every eight, 12, or 16 weeks!
Promising review: "I can wipe my bum and push the full flush button knowing that it was produced sustainably and it might help people live healthier lives through better sanitation. And it’s delivered to my door. No more fighting people for a stray roll at the supermarket or trying to hide a roll in my bag when I’m leaving work. Everyone’s a winner." —Mark
Get 24 three-ply rolls from Who Gives a Crap for $20+ (save $10 when you subscribe).
Promising review: "Bought this pad set at the beginning of September because the Swiffer wet pads seemed so wasteful. These have worked great. I usually use a spray cleaner for spot cleaning or a cleaner like Mop-n-Glo and it works really well. Super absorbent and does a great job cleaning the floor. I can use the pad for a few days before it needs to be washed. I’ve been washing them regularly for two months and they’re still fine. No falling apart or Velcro coming off or anything like that. Fully recommend." —Heather B.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in a pack of two or four).
Coli & Me is a small biz run by Tida who handmakes premium home goods and jewelry. Currently, Coli & Me is only offering their high-quality, pesticide-free, humanely raised and sourced wool dryer balls.
Promising review: "So far, in love with these! I bought these because we had plastic dryer balls that were breaking into pieces, and these have worked great! The dry time is shorter than it was before, my clothes are softer. I bought four sets and gave three of them away, and I hope they're loving these as much as I am!" —Crazy Crafty Clan
Get a pack of six from Coli & Meon Etsy for $17.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.