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.
1. Reusable Stasher food storage bags so ditching those single-use plastic baggies is easy! These airtight pouches come in a range of sizes and are safe to use in the microwave and freezer. Then just toss 'em in the dishwasher for easy cleaning!
Promising review: "I'm trying very hard to reduce my dependence on plastics that have to be thrown away. I find these reusable silicone 'pouches' just as good as a plastic ziplock bag, but more sustainable. They are easy to clean and disinfect in the dishwasher spread over the prongs so that the water can thoroughly wash them. They'll be a little damp inside when they come out, but just prop them upside down over something so that they can air dry." —KD-D
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and colors).
2. A beginner-friendly menstrual cup for a one-and-done purchase you'll keep for years that won't fill up your trash or empty your wallet like other period products. Just imagine — no more emergency runs to pick up tampons because your period came early.
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.
3. Or a comfortable pair of period underwear that'll make managing your flow as easy (and comfortable) as putting on underwear. These briefs have the ~absorbency powers~ of up to three regular tampons!
I feel no real difference between these and my regular Thinx. They're comfy, I've had no leakages (I generally have a light to moderate flow), they wick moisture relatively well, and wash up like a dream. I have two pairs and they've become holy grail staples in my period routine. Combined with my Flex Cup, I now have a zero-waste system that actually makes my entire period experience better than when I was using pads and tampons, which makes me very very happy.
Between each wear, just toss your Thinx in the wash on cold (skip the bleach and softener) then line dry!
Get it from Target for $17 (available in sizes XS–4X and in three colors).
4. A printed washable sponge to replace the probably-kinda-smelly disposable sponge you're currently using. These work just as well, and can be tossed in the washing machine or dishwasher and reused again and again!
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 $12+ (available in four backing colors and in packs of three).
5. An easy-fill compost bin because composting your food scraps is one of the single greatest things we as individuals can do to combat climate change! And if you're worried about having a smelly eyesore in your home — don't be! This bin's ventilated design neutralizes odors and it comes with a mounting bracket for the inside of cabinet doors.
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 three colors and two styles).
6. A pack of refillable K-Cups you can fill with your favorite coffee if you want to save loads of money (and plastic).
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 a two-pack from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in packs of four).
7. A pack of rosebud lip salves so your lips stay hydrated without the plastic waste from regular lip balm tubes. These tins can be easily reused or recycled. Finally, you can feel a little less guilty about your lip balm obsession.
8. A pack of shockingly absorbent reusable Swedish dishcloths for an eco-friendly alternative to paper towels. Unlike regular dishcloths, these can easily be sanitized in the dishwasher or microwave between uses so you know it's not harboring any unwanted germs.
Use these again and again and compost them when you're done since they're made of natural cellulose and cotton.
I genuinely enjoy using Swedish dishcloths way more than I even did paper towels. They're perfect for managing day-to-day messes in the kitchen and they're shockingly absorbent, durable, and long-lasting. The biggest annoyance I had with them is never knowing where to put it when it was drying, but recently I mounted a Command Hook behind my sink and used a hole punch to create a little hanging hole. Now my dishcloths stay out of the way when not in use and dry quicker!
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.96+ (available in 30 styles).
9. A Swiffer Sweeper–compatible microfiber mop pad that's a one-time purchase you can use again and again for dry or wet cleaning. Sparkling floors and a permanently shorter shopping list? Yes, please!
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 a two-pack from Amazon for $13.97.
10. Plus, these reusable Swiffer dusters to enjoy all the cleaning convenience of the disposable versions while helping the environment and saving some extra cash at the same time.
TS Designs US is a Michigan-based Etsy shop that specializes in home products and country, rustic, and vintage-styled gifts and decor.
Psst — the seller notes that this works best with Swiffers with the yellow handle, but also is compatible with the blue handle. You should avoid using fabric softener when washing this duster so it won't lose its static cling.
Promising review: "Great washable duster replacement tops. They vacuum off and wash up easily, and they grab dust and cobwebs every bit as well as the disposable ones I was using. Considering it means putting a bit less into landfills and also saving money in the long run; I only wish I had bought these years ago, sincerely. Also, they shipped very promptly and arrived sooner than expected, so that was a pleasant surprise. Thanks!" —otherlings
Get it from TS Designs US on Etsy for $5.49 (available in 10 colors).
11. A no-frills bamboo toothbrush with soft charcoal brushes because you're actually supposed to swap your toothbrush every three months, and these make following your dentist's order possible without piling up more plastic in the landfill. Over time, this all-natural brush will biodegrade and return to Mama Earth.
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.
12. And some all-natural toothpaste tablets if you want to ditch those plastic tubes, and finally put an end to any fights over who forgot to replace the cap and dried out the toothpaste yet again.
Huppy is an Asian-owned small biz creating plastic-free toothpaste tablets out of sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients. Everything is vegan and GMO and cruelty-free. Best of all? Huppy donates 2% of revenue to fund sustainability initiatives!
I was familiar with other brands making plastic-free tabs, but hadn't found one that felt adequately cost-efficient — until now! I love how zero-waste the process is with Huppy. You get a forever tin and then buy refills that come in compostable pouches. The whole chewing thing can be weird at first but both of us got used to it quickly. With water, the tabs foam up pretty instantly, and after that, it's just a normal teeth-brushing experience. In fact, I'm actually finding that not dealing with drippy toothpaste and tiny screw-on caps is actually pretty delightful. A cleaner process both in and out of my mouth.
Get it from Huppy for $12+ (available in two sizes, two colors, and four flavors; subscribe and save 33%).
13. A packable cutlery set so you never have to say "Oh, I forgot my reusable straw at home" ever again! That (and a whole lot more) fits in the included storage case for convenient carrying.
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! Plus, the carrying case is lined, so even if you have to put your fork away before cleaning it, the case won't get all icky — it just wipes clean.
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 $8.99+ (available in four colors).
14. A slim recycling sorter with three sections to create an easy-to-use system for separating your papers from your plastics instead of just tossing them by the door in whatever Whole Foods bag you have lying around.
Promising review: "Most apartment units don't have recycling so you either have to find a recycling center in your town or throw everything away. I decided to find a recycling center and order this product. It sits right next my door and I love the fact that it has handles!! Now when my sorter gets full it's already right there at the door, ready for me to take to the recycling center! All I have to do is grab my purse, jacket, and keys, and I'm on my way! No more fumbling with bulky plastic bags or boxes!" —Dana~
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
15. Some reusable produce bags for cutting down your single-use plastic consumption at the grocery store or farmer's market! Plus, these have a drawstring closure, which is way more convenient than standing in the middle of the aisle trying to knot the top of those flimsy plastic bags.
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
16. A rechargeable electric lighter that's windproof, splash-proof, portable, and just overall very nice to look at. No more empty lighters in the trash with this around!
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 $13.99 (available in three colors).
17. A makeup-erasing cloth to gently — but effectively — remove your makeup with just a little bit of water. Plus, it's reusable! Once it gets dirty, just toss it in the wash.
I bought one of these cloths after including it in previous posts, subsequently selling myself on it (hazard of the job). It honestly works better than I imagined! You really do just need to dampen it with water to have your makeup melting off in seconds. I think this is a great zero-waste option for people (like me) who don't wear a ton of makeup on the day-to-day, because you can get a lot of uses from this cloth without needing to wash it constantly. It also washes up shockingly well. Every time I toss it in covered in makeup and it comes out almost entirely stain free, I'm shocked.
Get it from Amazon for $15.03+ (available in nine colors).
18. A plastic-free food wrap made from biodegradable cotton and beeswax because, unlike plastic wrap, it can be reused for up to a year before needing to be replaced.
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 with cold water and let it dry.
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four styles).
19. Plus, a set of five silicone lids with a seemingly endless list of uses that are microwave-, fridge-, and stove-safe. Top off a saucepan, store leftovers, prevent microwave splatters — all without needing to use any single-use plastic wrap or foil.
Promising review: "The silicone lids come in different sizes, work well with the microwave, and you can cook with them on the stove. If you have leftover food in a bowl you can cover it up and put in refrigerator. They're easy to wash, easy to store — they stack on top of each other and lay flat. I'm glad I purchased and recommend these silicon bowl lids. It takes the place plastic wrap." —SH
Get a set of five from Amazon for $16.95 (available in four colors).
20. A stainless-steel strainer and saucer set so you can ditch your single-use tea bags (many use plastic sealants and aren't biodegradable) and indulge in an eco-friendly tea time with tasty loose leaf teas.
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 five 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 $6.99+ (also available in packs of two).
21. Plus, a reusable stainless-steel coffee filter for the pour-over coffee lovers flying through paper filters — and hating it!
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!" —Jaycob Simpson
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in three colors).
22. A tablet-based refill cleaning kit from Blueland — a Shark Tank alum — that'll have your surfaces sparkling with just a few swipes. Sidebar: Who thought cleaning solution could ever be so aesthetic?
This kit includes three reusable spray bottles, a reusable soap pump bottle and refill tablets for each. Just drop the correct cleaning tablet into your forever bottle and fill it with water! That's it!
Promising review: "The low-impact packaging is what attracted me to Blueland, but how well the products actually work is what made me fall in love. Hands down, this is the best nonbleach bathroom cleaner I've ever used, and the joyfully colorful bottles make me actually want to pick them up and clean. Not to mention, they smell good!" —Alyson D.
Get it from Blueland for $39 (save 10% when you subscribe).
23. An easy-to-install Tushy bidet attachment to get a true revo-loo-tionary toilet upgrade that'll keep your tushy in tip-top shape without the need for toilet paper.
Tushy is a small biz founded in 2015 with the goal of promoting booty bliss and reducing wastefulness. Their line of easy-to-install bidets make is easy to go toilet-paperless and reduce overall water waste. Plus, a portion of Tushy profits go toward building community toilets in impoverished Indian communities.
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: "This was our second Tushy! Our first was installed in our master bath. We just remodeled a guest bathroom and could not call it 'finished' without a Tushy in it. Once you get Tushy clean, nothing else will do!" —Teresa S.
Get it from Tushy for $99 (available in nine colors).
24. Or a Fohm dispenser if you're not ready to give up on TP entirely. It transforms any standard piece of toilet paper into a cleansing wet wipe for a more *booty-ful* clean that won't clog your toilet or create extra waste.
Fohm is a small biz launched in 2019 by a husband-and-wife duo that, after traveling the world together, realized they didn't have to choose between dry TP or "flushable" wipes that are bad for the planet and your pipes. And thus, their one-of-a-kind touchless system was born!
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 6 or 10 months.
My roommates and I have been living the Fohm life for the last year and couldn't be happier with it! 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! Plus, it holds a charge foorreevvveerrr so you don't have to fear getting trapped on your porcelain throne without your foam!
Get a dispenser and a bottle of cleanser from Fohm for $69 (available in larger quantities).
25. And some penguin dryer balls because on top of their stunning good looks they can do everything a dryer sheet can (over and over again) AND reduce drying times, which is good news for the planet and your energy bill.
Friendsheep is a small biz creating handmade wool home goods. Their products are handmade by Nepali artisans and are sourced from factories and cooperatives that enforce fair trade labor policies.
Promising review: "These dryer balls really are adorable and make the chore of laundry more cheerful. Be sure and follow the instructions to dry a load of dark clothes the first time you use the black penguin balls. After that, you will have no problem with using them to dry whites or light colors. Dryer balls really work and are a good investment. I am going to be giving these as gifts!" —Auntie m
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $32.
26. A pair of nonstick silicone baking mats so you can say "buh-bye" to single-use parchment paper and foil, but still get all the slick, nonstick benefits.
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 $14.45.
27. A reusable cotton swab for cleaning up your ears and cleaning up the planet at the same time by replacing 1,000 single-use swabs.
It also comes in a LastSwab beauty version with a pointed tip for eye makeup removal, which I use all the time to take care of rogue mascara.
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 $11.97 (available in six colors).
28. A 16-pack of reusable bamboo facial rounds that are gentler on the planet than cotton, and can be reused up to 1,000 times. That's a lot of makeup removed, toner applied, and disposable cotton rounds saved!
AND they include a mesh laundry bag for easy washing!
Promising review: "These cloths are super soft and perfect for removing makeup, cleansing with micellar water, or applying toner. I like these better than washcloths because they are not abrasive at all (don't buy these if you were hoping for a little exfoliation). They are easily washable and nicely absorbent. I go through a lot of cotton squares in my skincare routine, and I wanted to be less wasteful. These are a great solution. I am planning on buying more!" —Steve P
Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in six color combinations).
29. A plastic-free body lotion concentrate you simply mix with water to make you feel like a sustainability scientist, whipping up plastic-free concoctions with skin-nourishing benefits.
I've been looking for a plastic-free lotion that wasn't a thick body butter for what seems like forever. So when I saw this, I was so excited to try it. Fortunately, it didn't disappoint! I use it as a hand cream in our bathroom, and it creates a light, creamy lotion with a pleasant (but not overpowering) scent. It's perfect for refilling pump bottles you already own!
Get it from Amazon for $12.32 (available in two scents and unscented).
30. Reusable silicone baking cups if you wish you could spend more time experimenting with new recipes and less time at the store buying yet another pack of single-use paper liners.
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 $9.48+ (available in two sizes).
31. A wild sage and vetiver shampoo bar for cutting single-use plastics from your haircare routine without sacrificing on the color-safe, nourishing quality you've come to know and love from salon brands.
Dip is a woman-owned environmental awareness brand creating top-notch hair care that's so good, being plastic-free is just a fun bonus. Products are made locally in the USA and are suitable for ALL hair types.
This is not only my favorite shampoo bar, but my favorite shampoo — period. I am not fussy with my hair, so I tend not to notice subtle differences between shampoo formulas, but even I noticed how much better my hair felt and looked after using this shampoo bar and the corresponding plastic-free conditioner. So soft and SO much less frizzy, even when I let it air dry. Don't be deterred by the price. My partner and I are three months into our first bar and there is still PLENTY of life left, so do yourself a favor and try it yourself!
Get it from Dip for $24 (available in two sizes and in additional scents).
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